Within the world of Schell and ALL the amazing personalization options, it can honestly feel a little overwhelming deciding where to invest. The good news? Every Schell home comes beautifully designed right from the start. You truly don’t need to add a single thing to end up with a gorgeous home. BUT… isn’t it fun to add a little flair?

The question becomes: where should you spend your personalization dollars if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck? In a world full of do’s and don’ts, Pinterest boards, TikTok trends, and everyone’s cousin’s opinion on what you have to have, here’s my take.

Number One: Kitchens
If you’ve spent any amount of time around real estate, you’ve probably heard that kitchens sell homes. Studies consistently show that kitchen updates are one of the top features buyers look for and can have a strong impact on resale value. Now, before everyone jumps in and says, “I’m never selling!”… that’s exactly what everyone says when they buy a new home.
And maybe you’re right! Maybe you’ll be there forever. But if that day ever comes, future-you will appreciate investing in a space that people actually care about. Plus, let’s be honest. We spend a lot of time in our kitchens. Coffee happens there. Snacks happen there. Spills happen there. Standing around pretending to help while someone else cooks happens there. It’s worth making it a space you love.

Next Up: Primary Bathrooms
A good primary bathroom just hits differently. There’s something about walking into a beautiful shower after a long day and thinking, “Yep. This was worth it.” Bathroom upgrades also tend to hold their value well because, shockingly, people enjoy nice bathrooms. Who knew?

Flooring
I feel like flooring doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. It’s literally everywhere. You see it in every room, every day, and upgrading flooring can completely change the look and feel of a home. It’s one of those things that may not feel exciting in the design studio, but once you’re living in the home, you’re glad you did it.

The Big One: Structural Personalizations
If I had to pick one category people should really think about, it’s structural options. I’m talking about:

• Extensions
• Additional windows
• Extra doors
• Expanded outdoor living spaces
• Sunrooms
• Any option that changes how your home lives and functions

Why? Because changing a backsplash later is annoying. Adding square footage later is REALLY annoying. The things that are built into the home from the beginning are often the hardest and most expensive things to add after the fact. If there’s a structural option you’ve been dreaming about and it fits your budget, I always tell people to give it serious consideration.

My Unofficial Personalization Rule
Spend money on the things that would be difficult, expensive, or impossible to change later.
The trendy light fixture? We can swap that. The knobs and pulls on your cabinets? Simple as can be. The extra windows that bring natural light into your home every day? That’s a little harder.

Why I Love Talking About This at Autumndale
One of the reasons I love working at Autumndale is because I genuinely think it’s one of the best values Schell Brothers offers. You get the same quality, craftsmanship, and personalization opportunities people love from Schell, but at a price point that gives buyers a little more flexibility to make those investments where they matter most. At the end of the day, there isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to personalizations. Your home should reflect you – not whatever is trending this month. 

Autumndale in Harbeson, Delaware, offers easy access to beaches, shopping, work, and everyday destinations via nearby back roads. Enjoy a peaceful neighborhood setting with low-maintenance living, personalized home designs, and homesites featuring pond views or wooded backdrops. As the most affordably priced Schell Brothers community in Delaware, Autumndale combines value, convenience, and a location you’ll love coming home to.

What makes Autumndale special isn’t just the beautiful homesites, walking trails, or peaceful setting—it’s the people. The homeowners and future homeowners have created a welcoming, friendly community that truly stands out. Come see for yourself—I’d be happy to show you around!

ALEXANDRA (ALLI) PERRY
(302) 569-9377
alli.perry@schellbrothers.com
Get to know Alli