Finishing Touches That Sell: Remodel Features Montclair & Maplewood Buyers Are Paying Premiums For

With decades of experience in remodeling homes in Essex County, our team has witnessed firsthand the finishing touches that captivate buyers and prompt them to make an offer. We've also been working in the region long enough to confidently state that Montclair and Maplewood homes already have an edge with their charm and character. Still, it's the thoughtful upgrades and finishing details that truly seal the deal. 

If you're considering home remodeling in Montclair, NJ, or Maplewood, NJ, you've come to the right place. Our team at G&L and Sons Renovations has shared the best upgrades to sell a home in NJ and the high-end finishes you're going to want to consider. Armed with this information, you'll be able to sell your home faster with remodeling in Montclair, NJ, or in surrounding suburbs like Maplewood. 

How Do High-End Remodel Features Influence Buyer Perceptions in The NJ Housing Market?

When we walk into Montclair or Maplewood homes with potential clients, we're always looking for ways to make a space feel complete. Buyers are doing the same thing. 

Finishing touches – whether it's a custom entryway, a well-designed mudroom, or coordinated lighting throughout the home – send a clear message. They tell buyers, "This home has been cared for." That care builds trust. Trust turns into confidence. And confident buyers don't hesitate to offer more. 

Nowadays, when buyers see a well-presented home with modern upgrades and essential features already in place, they feel more confident in their decision to purchase. This is what you want. That's why it's important to ensure you're remodeling the right way with experts who can guide you toward high-end upgrades that will positively influence buyer perceptions. 

Which Luxury Upgrades Are Most Effective at Increasing a Home's Resale Value in Montclair and Maplewood?

You might not know this, but a bathroom remodel increases home value just as much as kitchen remodeling in Montclair and Maplewood. That's why it should come as no surprise that kitchens and bathrooms continue to be the two areas that give sellers the biggest return on investment. 

However, we don't say this to exclude home remodeling in Maplewood, NJ, or Montclair. Whole-home remodeling is also an attractive option, especially if you install the right modern upgrades that buyers want in Essex County, NJ. But what are these upgrades? 

In our experience, buyers in Montclair and Maplewood looking to renovate their kitchen, bathroom, or whole home are looking for a clean, timeless design paired with modern conveniences. This typically means homeowners are choosing upgrades like stunning quartz countertops, new semi-custom and custom cabinetry, brand-spanking new energy-efficient appliances, and new flooring, as well as smart home features. 

Additionally, homeowners are also seeking luxury upgrades that enhance their curb appeal. This means that more and more homeowners are looking into replacing garage doors and siding, as well as adding wood access to porches. These exterior upgrades make a home far more attractive to potential buyers, so it's always a good idea to explore these remodeling options if you're renovating to sell. At G&L and Sons Renovations, we have a few more curb appeal tips for Montclair, NJ, that we can share if you reach out to us. 

Moreover, we've also seen an uptick in interest for outdoor living spaces, both in those wanting to sell and those interested in buying in Montclair and Maplewood, NJ. Many of our recent clients have explored the idea of installing a deck with built-in seating and covered patios, as well as investing in well-designed landscaping. Each of these upgrades helps buyers imagine more usable square footage and year-round enjoyment.

What Specific Finishing Touches Do Buyers in Montclair and Maplewood Find Irresistible?

We're often asked, "What little details make the biggest difference?" Based on what we've seen from successful sales, here are some favorite home features that sell in Maplewood, NJ, and home features that sell in Montclair, NJ:

• Heated tile floors in primary bathrooms.

• Matte black or aged brass hardware and fixtures.

• Custom closets with built-in organization.

• Neutral, warm-toned paint paired with natural materials like oak and stone.

• Layered lighting, including under-cabinet lights and statement pendants.

• Thoughtfully designed storage in entryways and mudrooms.

These high-end home finishes in Montclair, NJ, and Maplewood don't just add polish. They help buyers feel like the home is move-in ready and designed with care. That emotional connection makes homes more memorable, and in a competitive market, that can mean higher offers and faster sales.

Which Modern Design Trends Are Proving Most Lucrative for Sellers in Historic Neighborhoods Like Montclair and Maplewood?

In neighborhoods renowned for their historic architecture, remodeling is all about striking a balance. The goal is to introduce modern comforts without stripping away the charm that makes these homes so desirable in the first place.

Some of the most valuable design trends we're seeing to be the most lucrative for sellers in historic neighborhoods like Montclair and Maplewood include:

• Opening up closed floor plans to create bright, connected spaces while keeping original moldings, trims, and floors intact.

• Converting attics or basements into finished, code-compliant living spaces like home offices, guest rooms, or rec areas.

• Blending new with old by using classic finishes like subway tile and marble alongside more modern elements like flat-panel cabinetry or frameless showers.

• Improving energy efficiency with better energy-rated windows, doors, insulation, and smart HVAC systems while maintaining architectural integrity.

Montclair and Maplewood buyers appreciate craftsmanship. If they can walk through your home and see that the work was done thoughtfully with an eye for both design and usability, they'll pay for it. You can speak with a general contractor in Maplewood, NJ, or Montclair if you're ready to learn more about modern design trends that are worth considering. 

Get In Touch With G&L and Sons Renovations to Discuss Finishing Touches Today

If you're considering remodeling your home before listing it for sale, the best approach is to focus on hiring the right team, installing high-quality features, and incorporating timeless design elements. 

At G&L and Sons Renovations, we work closely with homeowners in Montclair, Maplewood, and beyond to design remodels that make life better today and more profitable tomorrow. Whether you're planning a full renovation or a strategic update, we can help you focus on the features that local buyers are actively looking for.

If you'd like to discuss further how we can support your remodel, we're just a phone call away.

Here are some other blog posts that might interest you:

Kitchen renovations

Planning a kitchen remodel

Choosing a remodel contractor

To recap, plan your project carefully and take the time to explore what matters most to you.

If you live in our northern NJ area and are ready to create the project of your dreams, we'd love to hear from you.