The Right Drywall Texture Can Make or Break Your Home’s Resale Appeal
When preparing your home for sale, every detail matters—and that includes the often-overlooked element of drywall texture. Don’t be fooled; drywall can significantly affect your home’s resale value, making the choice of texture a crucial decision that could either attract buyers or send them running to the next listing.
Understanding How Texture Impacts Buyer Perception
Textured walls, as a general rule, do not add value to your property, primarily due to aesthetic preferences among modern buyers. On the whole, buyers do not enjoy the aesthetic of textured walls, usually preferring a smooth wall texture for their home. However, this doesn’t mean all textures are created equal—some can actually enhance your home’s appeal when chosen strategically.
The key lies in understanding that when a prospective buyer enters a home and sees textured walls that they do not like, it will often be extremely off-putting to them and may indeed become a determining factor in whether they offer to purchase the property or not. This is primarily because they are aware that in order to change the finish of the walls from textured to smooth, a buyer will have to invest significant amounts of time and money.
The Most Buyer-Friendly Texture Options
Knockdown, orange peel, sand swirl, and slap brush are among the popular types of wall textures in 2024. These designs are easy and straightforward, making them a popular choice among many homes. Let’s examine the top choices for resale value:
Orange Peel Texture
This texture is popular for its subtle appearance and ability to hide minor wall imperfections. It’s also relatively easy to clean compared to more pronounced textures, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas or busy homes with children. Orange Peel texture is one of the trending texture styles for drywalls. It is also the best option to create statement walls, without spending a fortune.
Knockdown Texture
Knockdown texture provides a rustic, old-world charm to walls and ceilings and complements other textural elements like exposed beams or terra cotta tiles. Knockdown and skip trowel textures resist wear and tear, making them ideal for homes that need durability alongside aesthetic appeal.
Smooth Finish
For the most contemporary appeal, smooth (Level 5) for the cleanest modern read. If substrate isn’t perfect, consider light Knockdown to soften reflections. Smooth ceilings, also known as “ceiling resurfacing,” create a cleaner and more modern appearance. They also reflect light better, making rooms appear brighter and more spacious. As a result, homes with smooth ceilings often have a higher resale value and tend to attract more potential buyers.
Textures That Can Hurt Resale Value
Certain textures are widely considered outdated and can significantly impact your home’s marketability. Textured drywall, and especially popcorn ceilings, have a way of dating your home or business interior. If you are looking for an update that includes a more modern finish, it’s time to think about removing the textured surface from your drywall.
Because they look outdated and are hard to remove, textured drywall isn’t appealing to most buyers. If you’re preparing to sell, popcorn ceilings or textured walls could hurt your resale value.
Strategic Texture Choices for Different Areas
The location within your home matters when selecting textures. Walls and ceilings often benefit from different texture strategies. Walls (contemporary look): Smooth (Level 5) for the cleanest modern read. If substrate isn’t perfect, consider light Knockdown to soften reflections. Walls (repair-prone / patch history): Knockdown or Slap Brush for better flaw forgiveness and easier blending. Ceilings (large spans / glare): Sand Swirl or light Knockdown to break up seams and hotspots; many modern homes still prefer smooth ceilings.
When Texture Can Actually Add Value
There are specific circumstances where texture becomes an asset rather than a liability. If there are unsightly walls in a house that are in need of repair, adding a textured finish can be a quick and affordable way to hide any imperfections, thus adding to the visual appeal of the wall and thus the perceived value of the home. A textured wall is often far more appealing than an unsightly damaged wall.
Textured walls can increase the value of your home if the style is modern and seen as a desirable feature and not something a prospective buyer would need to remedy. A good example of this is popcorn texture versus Venetian plaster.
Professional Application Makes the Difference
The quality of application can make or break your texture choice. A professional drywall finisher can deliver a smooth, even finish, helping you avoid common pitfalls such as visible seams or uneven patterns. When you need expert drywall finishing bethayres residents trust, working with experienced professionals ensures your texture choice enhances rather than detracts from your home’s value.
Cost Considerations and ROI
For a 1,500-square-foot home, professional texturing typically ranges from $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the finish and scope. While this represents a significant investment, a clean, on-trend texture can nudge your property value upward while giving future owners one less project to tackle.
Making the Right Choice for Your Market
The best texture choice ultimately depends on your local market preferences and your home’s architectural style. Low-profile drywall textures are generally best for the majority of residential applications today. Consider consulting with local real estate professionals and drywall specialists to understand what buyers in your area prefer.
Remember that you can avoid this problem by using neutral tones and relatively plain textures that appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. The goal is to create a finish that enhances your home’s natural beauty without overwhelming buyers with personal style choices they might not share.
Choosing the right drywall texture is an investment in your home’s future marketability. By understanding buyer preferences and working with skilled professionals, you can ensure your texture choice becomes a selling point rather than a stumbling block in your home’s resale journey.