13 Must Haves When Building a New Home
Building a new home is one of those investments that hold a lot of worth, and one should make sure it not only serves present needs but also future ones. A well-planned home, from functional layout to modern conveniences, needs to meet all requirements concerning comfort, efficiency, and durability.
But it also takes some forethought and attention to the little things, so that the final product is not only beautiful but functional and efficient, comfortable for years to come. Of course, it can be all too complicated because choices seem endless: materials, layouts, features. Take a cue and get your bearings by focusing on the must-haves-first, naturally, the things that will lead you to just the right home for your needs and more.
By prioritizing these following must-haves, you can create not only a space that speaks to your personal style but also one that stands the test of time.
13 Essential Features to Include When Building Your New Home
This section is a breakdown of the must-haves when building a new home to guide you through the process of making it beautiful and practical.
1. Open Floor Plan
The open floor plan has been on the rise and still continues to be one of the must-haves in a modern home. It opens the space up and allows for much better natural light flow, creating an even larger atmosphere inside the house. This is also more fitting for family interactions, as the kitchen, dining, and living areas all seamlessly blend into each other and are ideal for entertaining guests.
Kitchen Island Layout: A large-size kitchen island provides an additional countertop and serves as an informal dining space.
Multi-Purpose Rooms: Having rooms that can be used for more than one purpose - such as a living room which can easily be converted to a dining room, provides functionality in your house.
2. Smart Home Technology
The future of homes is all about smart technology, which makes life easier and safer. Adding smart features to a new home can bring a lot of convenience. For example, smart lights can be controlled with your phone and can even adjust automatically based on the amount of sunlight or when someone enters a room, helping save energy and create a cozy atmosphere.
Smart security systems, like doorbell cameras and smart locks, let you keep an eye on your home from anywhere. Built-in speakers can fill every room with sound, giving a great listening experience.
Plus, voice assistants like Google Home or Amazon Alexa can help with simple tasks like dimming the lights, playing music, or setting reminders, making everyday routines much easier.
3. Quality Kitchen
The kitchen has been referred to as the heart of the home, and a functional, modern kitchen is not only a plus but a necessity as there is always a need for kitchen remodeling.
Durable Countertops: It is important to engage in the deployment of hard stone materials, such as quartz or granite, that are durable and easy to maintain.
Soft-Close Cabinets: These further add an element of luxury and inhibit the wearing down of parts.
Under Cabinet bulbs: Adding under-cabinet task lighting, pendant lights above the island, and recessed lighting will no doubt increase the functionality of your kitchen.
4. High-Performing Windows
Of course, with building a new home comes an absolute essential installation of high-performing windows. Such windows make a house look great by allowing as much natural light inside as possible, thus making any room appear bigger and cozier. Besides aesthetic appeal, these windows also ensure significant energy efficiency.
Moreover, these windows block harmful UV rays that degrade furniture and flooring, reducing outside noise. With sustainability growing in concern, eco-friendly building materials such as high-quality windows negate the need for toxic substances like VOCs and formaldehyde; hence, they play an important role in maintaining a healthy and energy-efficient house.
5. Outdoor Living
The use of outdoor areas can be an exceptionally strong manner in which one extends their living space, thus increasing their enjoyment in their home.
Decks and Patios: A nicely planned deck or patio is best for entertainment outdoors or relaxing.
Outdoor Kitchens: An outside cooking area that includes a grill, sink, and counter space enhances your backyard with function.
Fire Pits: These provide a quaint atmosphere where you can hold small gatherings during chilly nights.
Landscaping and Gardens: Professional, custom-designed gardens with native plants can help boost your curb appeal while minimizing upkeep.
6. Laundry Room
A separate laundry room has become so important nowadays. The laundry preferably should be located near the bedrooms or kitchen to reduce hauling the laundry across the house. Basic needs include cabinets for detergent, a folding table, and even a space for ironing. A utility sink is helpful for hand washing or cleaning up larger messes.
7. Adequate Lighting and Electrical Outlets
No house is complete without proper lighting. Besides giving your rooms good lighting, plenty of electrical outlets to power different devices in your residence are a must.
Layered Lighting: Use ambient, task, and accent lighting for different needs in one space.
Recessed Lighting: It is sleek and unobtrusive; with minimum usage of ceiling space, it can allow a high amount of light.
Exterior Lighting: A well-lighted entrance and path with a backyard adds to security and ambiance.
Strategic Outlets: Ensure easy access to outlet placement throughout the house, primarily in working areas such as the kitchen, living room, and home office.
8. Flooring That Will Last
Flooring is critical not only for functionality but also for appeal and aesthetic value; make sure you choose materials which are durable and pleasing to look upon:
Hardwood Floors: Appealing and timeless, hardwood is easy to clean and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: If you want the look of wood with added durability, luxury vinyl plank is scratch-resistant and water-resistant.
Porcelain Tiles: Ideally suited for bathrooms and kitchens, porcelain tiles are low maintenance and can withstand high traffic.
9. Guest Room or Flex Room
Among the flexible areas that offer flexibility in your home design is a guest room or flex room. For the most part, it's going to be used as a home office, a gym, or an extra bedroom, whichever the family might need. Space for furniture to be moved around with ease, like a fold-out couch or Murphy bed, gives the room plenty of functionality.
9. Comfortable Bathrooms
Bathrooms should exude comfort and relaxation. To achieve this bathroom remodeling, it should have the following attributes:
Walk-In Showers: A walk-in shower with a glass door, rainfall shower head, and handheld shower want will add an element of spa-like feel.
Free-Standing Vanities: Allows for two people to get ready simultaneously; mainly relevant in the case of the master bathroom.
Soaking Tubs: While not as crucial as the rest of the needs mentioned earlier, a soaking tub helps create a great experience and is perfect to soak in after a long day at work.
Abundant Storage: Allow much storage to accommodate towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies that will make the bathroom clean and organized.
10. Home Office
The modern house must include a home office, necessitated by working from home with the advancement of remote work. It would, if possible, be located in one of the quieter areas of the house, away from high-traffic areas. A large desk to make sure comfort and productivity are met.
11. Home Gym or Wellness Space
With health and fitness top of mind, having a dedicated space for exercise or wellness is one popular growing must-have. The space for yoga, strength training, and cardio can be a great compliment for a home gym if the room had proper flooring for the exercise type, proper ventilation, and space to store equipment.
12. Garage and Driveway
The garage and driveway are some of the very important places in the house, which act both as storage and security areas for your cars. A large garage space allowing the parking of automobiles, bicycles, tools, and more. An intelligent garage door with remote control access, providing even more convenience and security.
13. Dog Wash Station in the Mudroom
For anyone with pets, a dog wash station is an essential element in a mudroom. Located off a back door, this will allow you to clean muddy paws and dirty shoes off before entering the home. Towel hangers, shoe storage, and a small shower complete with a handheld sprayer round off the space for convenience.
Currently, many homeowners are making their mudrooms pet-friendly with the addition of built-in kennels and cabinets for litter boxes to complete your pet headquarters. This also serves to keep your home cleaner while making it easier to clean up after playtime outdoors.
Building Your Dream Home with Cascella and Sons
At Cascella and Sons, we believe building your dream home should be an easy and exciting process. That is why we offer a comprehensive range of must-have features to make sure that your new home is not only beautiful but functional, energy-efficient, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Be it a humble family home or an extravagant, individually tailored structure, our experts will guide you through every step to ensure your home is designed with abundant care and precision. It is our objective that your dream home be tailored to your every need, both for the present and for years to come.
We pride ourselves on personalized solutions that include comfort, sustainability, and value added to make your home a reflection of your dream, built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to build a new home?
The timeline to build a new home can be all over the board, depending on size, complexity, and location. On average, it could take anywhere between 6 months to over a year, including the design, permitting, and construction phases.
2. How do I choose the right builder for my home?
The selection of the appropriate builder involves research into the experience of the builder, references, past work, and whether they enjoy a good reputation in the construction business. It will also be necessary to interview potential builders to ensure their communication style will be acceptable.
3. How Much Should I Budget For Unexpected Costs?
It's a good idea to allocate 10-20% of your overall budget for unexpected costs that will no doubt arise during the construction process. These unforeseen changes in design, site conditions, or material prices may arise.
