10 “Must Haves” in a Custom Home
If you’re in the process of planning a new home build, CONGRATULATIONS! This is an incredibility exciting time that comes with lots of decisions. We hope the below “Must Haves” will help give you some ideas for items and features to include in your new home.
1. Primary Suite on Main Floor
As we age, we lose some of our mobility. Getting up and down stairs may become less comfortable and safety will become a concern. This is why many homeowners are choosing to build their homes with the primary bedroom on the first floor so that most of your daily activities can be managed without climbing stairs.
2. Forgo the tub/shower combo and opt for walk-in shower
It’s becoming more and more common for homeowners to forgo a bathtub in order to include a roomy shower in their primary bath. Yes, a fiberglass tub/shower combo is the most cost-effective way to achieve all your bathroom needs but a majority of our clients claim they rarely use the tub. Having a curbless, larger tile shower will give you the best day-to-day experience whilst considering future accessibility as well!
3. Mud Room
If you have kids and/or pets, a mudroom is a must! A well-designed mudroom with a built-in drop zone is the secret to keeping your home organized and clutter-free and are a perfect transition between the indoors and outdoors. With cubbies, hooks and benches, this space is perfect for storing shoes, bags and daily essentials. For minimal cost during the design and construction of your home, a mudroom offers extra storage and organization to your space!
4. Dog-Washing Station
Over 65-million American Households have dogs. If yours is one of them, you probably love your dog like family (I know we do!) However, you may not want their muddy paws tracking throughout your house. Incorporating a dog-washing station in the laundry, beside the mudroom or even in the garage will keep dog’s messes contained in this area. You can also use it to wash muddy shoes/boots!
5. Home Office / Dual Space
Many employees, business owners and entrepreneurs are now working from home and the need for a dedicated home office space is very important. A functional room with uninterruptible privacy has productivity advantages and accommodates virtual work needs. This dedicated space can also morph into a private study, library, craft room or evening homework area.
6. Large Kitchen Island
Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt a sense of home? I bet a large kitchen island was a part of that first impression. Kitchen islands have become the heart and soul of many homes. It’s not just about the extra counter space, it’s about creating a hub for social interaction, a space for making holiday cookies and an area for doing homework. A well-designed island can also serve as a statement piece and a touch of elegance to the kitchen.
7. Walk-In Pantry
A walk-in pantry is a game-changer for kitchen organization. It provides easy access to groceries, small appliances, kitchen essentials, and hidden storage for entertaining needs. Truly, a pantry has become a functional extension of the kitchen over the years. Almost creating a “second kitchen” that can be used for food prep or to simply keep the main kitchen clutter free.
8. Abundant Natural Light
Natural light profoundly affects house we experience our homes. It not only enhances the beauty of a space but also positively impacts mood and energy levels. Incorporate large windows and glass doors to maximize the natural light throughout your home. It will create an inviting atmosphere while reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Your indoor plants will thank you too!!
9. Outdoor Living
Building a home takes a lot of your attention. It’s easy to get carried away with all the details for the inside that we forget about what’s going on outside. If you’re anything like me, retreating outside is medicine! Creating rooms outdoors allow homeowners to host a cookout for family and friends or to simple have a space for their morning coffee. Forgetting the outside is one of the biggest mistakes people make when designing a custom home. That’s why it made our list of must-haves when building a home. With the right design, this feature transforms your patio into a everyday retreat!
10. Budget Strategy
The biggest challenge when building a custom home is deciding on areas where you can save and areas where you can “indulge”. Most likely, everything you want in your custom home isn’t going to fit in your budget so it’s important to make a list of items you don’t want to skimp on (such as windows, doors, cabinetry, flooring) and items that you can upgrade later on (plumbing and lighting fixtures, wallpaper, etc). Taking time to do this in the beginning phase of your design will ultimately not only save you money but also a lot of undo stress throughout the building process.
