DO use bright colors in accessories, but not wall color, cabinetry color, or floor color.
DO use higher end materials on fireplace surrounds, like tumbled stone and tile. Make the fireplace a showpiece!
DO add space and plumbing in your master bedroom closet (if you have room) for a stacked washer and dryer.
DO use hard surface flooring where possible. It's much easier and cheaper to change out rugs every few years than wall to wall carpet... much easier to take care of too!DO create an extra "living space" outdoors. Whether you have an upscale outdoor fireplace, seating area and built-in cooking area, or just a well-arranged "hang out" space, it will be much appreciated by you and those who want to buy your home.
DO invest in a well-organized garage. There are many options out there with
regard to garage cabinets/shelving, find one that best fits your budget and size of your garage.
DON'T install bowl-type above counter bathroom sinks. They look cool, but they need more upkeep and the water often splashes out of them... they have developed a not-so-good reputation.
DON'T install too many glass-door kitchen cabinets. These have a great look in kitchen design magazines where all the items behind them are kept in perfect order. But in practice, few people have the time or inclination to keep more than a few cabinets in order, color coordinated, and in perfect arrangement. Reserve these for your china and very few nice glasses and dishes. A good rule of thumb: don't install glass on more than 10% of your cabinet doors.
DON'T minimize the breakfast bar overhang. Buyers don't want to knock their knees against the cabinet when they pull up a stool to the bar. Make sure your countertop extends out a full 12 inches, or don't have a bar!
DON'T omit the window moldings. Plain drywall around the windows looks cheap. A lot of tract homes don't have moldings... be the most appealing home on the street just by investing in some molding to add around your windows! You can do this: http://www.remodelingguy.net/?p=699
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