When it comes to buying a new home that fits every one of your family’s unique needs, building a brand-new home is the best way to get everything you need. Not only can you choose the style of home that’s right for your family, but also the ideal floor plan that contains all the kinds of spaces you could need.
Building a new home goes beyond choosing a home with the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms. There are so many more options to consider when you build, things that can really make your family’s home life convenient, relaxing, and functional. I’ve put together a list of some of the most common options to consider when building a new home for you and your family.
Lifestyle Spaces
Do you have children that require playtime space, or a dedicated area for concentrating on homework or school projects? Consider a floor plan that offers a lifestyle room, loft space, or even an extra room that can be closed off with French doors for privacy. Extra flex spaces can be great for a home office, hobby room, or prayer room if needed.
Technology & Outlet Placement
Did you know that when you build a new home, you can choose where to add extra electrical outlets, or even specialty outlets such as USB chargers? Imagine your daily life in the home and where you may place your television, computers and devices, and how the outlet placements can make these activities easier. If you have a dedicated homework space, consider adding extra Ethernet outlets so multiple devices can be plugged in directly to Internet connections without relying on WiFi signals.
Consider the appliances you wish to purchase as well. If you are planning to purchase a refrigerator with a water line, you’ll need to ensure you add that water line to your home’s plans as it is not standard. Also be sure to note the space allotted for these appliances; it is common for homeowners to purchase a fridge or stove that is wider than the kitchen’s design allows.
Storage & Shelving
Consider how much storage you might need and what types of closets or shelving might help you stay organized. Do you need extra shelving in the laundry room? Built-in bookcases in a bonus room or home office? Do you need to widen a closet to make room for an upright vacuum cleaner or accessories? Think about how you’ll use storage in your new home and ensure the floor plan accommodates these needs.
Basement Rough-ins
If you are buying the home with an unfinished basement and intend to complete it later, you may want to consider the placement of your plumbing rough-ins before signing off on your home’s plans. It is very difficult to move these rough-ins after the fact, so ensuring they’re in the right place from the very beginning will save you thousands of dollars in renovation work later.
Also consider the height of your basement’s ceilings. Because your home’s functionality is hosted in the basement, your water pipes and ductwork are built into the basement ceiling to reach other parts of the home. Your basement will have bulkheads to accommodate these materials, so be sure to consider where these bulkheads are when planning your finished basement layout.
These types of considerations should be made before you sign off on your home’s plans. It is much more challenging (and sometimes impossible) to make changes after your home has begun construction. If in doubt, have a chat with me and I’ll be able to guide you on how to achieve your family’s most ideal new home.