By Oliver Marks
A master suite addition is limited only by your imagination and pocketbook. Here's a look at master suite must haves.
Options for a master suite addition are limitless: Your budget, not so much. Indulge yourself, express yourself, but control yourself, too. Here is your guide to the master suite features that matter most.
Master suite basics
A master suite addition typically is about 400 sq. ft. and includes a spacious bedroom, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower, designer toilet, separate soaking tub, and double-sink vanity. With midrange finishes, such as ceramic tile and solid-surface countertops in the bathroom, a master suite costs an average of $101,873 ($257/sq.ft.) and returns about 63% at resale, according to the 2013 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine.
An upscale master suite addition is bigger — 650 sq.ft. — and includes a separate sitting area in the bedroom with custom built-ins, fireplace, French doors leading outside, and even a wet bar and refrigerator.
The bathroom is more luxurious, too, with multiple body sprays in the shower, a separate toilet area, a soaking tub for two, and twin sinks, each with its own vanity. Instead of solid surfacing and ceramic, the countertops and floors are stone. According to Cost vs. Value, an upscale project averages $220,086 and returns 52.1% at resale.
Start with a good layout
When you dream about a master suite addition, drool over a deep soaking tub. But when you plan, think about privacy, convenience and view — the gifts to yourself that keep on giving.
- Privacy: Create a space that feels like an escape from life: OK, escape from the kids. For that, you’ll need privacy, so place closets — they’re sound barriers — between you and the hubbub of the house, or on walls shared with other bedrooms.
- View: Give your master suite addition the best view through the biggest windows. If neighbors are nearby, place windows at about 5 ft. above the floor so you can enjoy the view, but your neighbors can’t (if you know what we mean).
- Separation: Think also about whether you’d prefer your bedroom and bathroom separated by a door or small hallway. An open plan can make the master suite feel bigger and more luxurious — but it can also invite humidity and odors into the bedroom, so you’ll want an extra-powerful ventilation system if you go this route. It’s also a good idea to isolate the toilet in its own room or alcove so two people can use the space at the same time and still retain some privacy.
Master suite must-haves
- Large shower: An enclosure of 4x6 ft. is ideal for two. It should have a bench and a few body sprays at different heights to sooth aching muscles. Cost: $3,000 to $5,000.
- Big walk-in closet: Make it at least 7x10 ft. if it’s just for her, 10x10 ft. if it’s shared, which gives enough room for clothes plus a spot for a dressing chair. You’ll want built-in organizers with well-designed compartments for easy access to your wardrobe. Cost: $3,000 to $8,000.
- His and hers grooming stations: Each with sink, mirror, and counter space. Cost: $2,500 to $5,000.
- Radiant floor heating in the bathroom: Hot water circulating in tubes or electric heating mats under the tile or stone is an efficient way to heat the space, and you’ll never have to put your bare feet down on a cold surface again. Cost: $1,500 to $3,500.
Love-to-haves — won’t use much
- Deep soaking tub: The idea of a jetted soaking tub in a master suite bathroom is often better than the reality. It takes up lots of room, requires lots of water, costs lots of money; but it’s used rarely. Unless you have a tubbing history or need, reconsider the soaking tub. Cost: $3,000 to $5,000.
- Private patio or balcony: A secluded outdoor room off your master suite for watching sunrises, sipping champagne, sunbathing nude, and other things you’ll never do. For privacy screening, use evergreen shrubs, lattice, or fencing. Cost: $3,500 to $6,000.
- Sitting area with fireplace: The ultimate indulgence, your own cozy spot to read or meditate. Also good for watching TV while folding laundry. Cost: $3,000 to $6,000.
This could be your perfect fit in Blodgett's Landing, close to Mt. Sunapee for skiing and summer fun. Walk to Lake Sunapee beach and dock, private location. With 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, there's room for family and friends. Offered at $179,900.
Joan Wallen, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
Begin this weekend on Saturday, December 7th, at Sunapee Harbor Magic! From 1-4pm, Sunapee Harbor will be bustling with Christmas activities, stories and a silent auction. Take the family on a hay ride around the Harbor, decorate gingerbread cookies, and (if you dare) participate in the Looney Lunge. Santa arrives at 2:30pm at the gazebo, waiting to hear your child's wish for Christmas. For a schedule of activities, click here. Bring an unwrapped "Toys for Joy" gift or a donation for the food pantry if you can. Come feel the magic of Christmas!
“Word of Mouth” is the best advertisement, and we love it when you refer your friends and family to
On Friday, December 13th he'll be at Morgan Hill Bookstore on Main Street in New London, NH at 5:30pm. Santa will read "Twas the Night before Christmas" and the kids can have their picture taken with him. New London Recreation will have hot cocoa and cider available. Everyone is then welcome to go to the Kearsarge Regional Elementary School to watch the movie Polar Express at 6:30pm. The PTO is providing a child sitting service so parents can have some time to explore the shops of downtown New London. Merry Christmas! Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
Sunny and bright cape just down the road from Mt. Sunapee Resort is move-in ready! You can thaw out by the wood stove after a hard day of skiing, whip together a batch of spaghetti for dinner and get ready for first tracks the next day on the slopes! Wood floors, large 2 car garage. Offered at $159,900. For more photos and details, visit www.skihousesunapeenh.com.
You can walk to town from this attractive and newly refreshed ranch in New London. Three bedrooms, full bath, private patio and 2 car attached garage. Enjoy the ease of getting to town activities and amenities. Offered at $237,500.
Emily Campbell, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Three bedroom Hilltop Place Condominium with eat-in kitchen, fireplaced living room, and private, three-season sunroom. Very cheery, comfortable unit with nice lawn, garden and woodsy views. One floor living with a guest suite on the second floor. Offered at $170,000 with one-time buy-in fee of $3,500. For more photos and information, visit www.NHHilltopCondo.com.
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
This home is only 4 miles from Mt. Sunapee Ski Resort - get up early and be the one to make first tracks! Three bedrooms, basement in-law apartment, private location, and large garage with workshop above. Offered at $259,000.
Jane Snow, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
The purchasing decision of a buyer is actually a lifestyle choice. Even though price is an important factor, it really boils down to how the house makes the buyer feel. Sellers need to prepare their property to appeal to the emotional side of buyers. This can be done by creating a series of impressions that help buyers imagine living in the home. Here are some useful tips for preparing your house for sale.
- Uncluttering is the most important and least expensive step. No one wants a house that feels small. You need to show buyers there is room for their things.
- Cleaning. A sparkling clean house tells buyers how well-cared for the home is.
- Be odor neutral. Pet smells and odors are an immediate turn-off. And no, Glade plug-ins are not the answer.
- Repair anything that needs fixing. This will show buyers there is no work to be done and the house is move-in ready.
- Staging. You want to evoke emotions that this is ”home”. Rearrange furniture, buy new shower curtains & towels, replace dated light fixtures, etc.
When a buyer steps through the door, you control over 70% of their first impressions. Lack of cleanliness, clutter, and odor are the top objections that impact buyers and are the least expensive to fix. Give me a call if you want to put my home selling expertise to work for you, 603-526-4116, donna@donnaforest.com, www.donnaforest.com
Newly renovated, three bedroom farmhouse in Sutton is ready to move into! Nice old features, wood floors, convenient to schools. Offered at $179,000 or call us if interested in renting instead of buying. 603-526-4116.
Emily Campbell, Listing Agent
Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.