Have you decided that you want to build a custom home? If so, that is likely because you understand the benefit of new construction.
Not only do you get to personalize each detail of your space. You also get to choose things that reflect your preferences and your family’s lifestyle, increasing your overall quality of life.
If you are in the beginning stages of your home build, there are a few features that you will want to consider including in your dream home. The following are the ten best new home features!
1. Open Floor Plans
When making plans for your dream home, consider including an open floor plan in the home design. Not only does an open floor plan help make your space feel larger. It also allows your family to spend more time together, even in a different “room.”
An open floor plan usually combines different house areas into one main living area. The spaces included in this combination are usually the kitchen, living room, and family room. You can cook dinner in the kitchen while watching your children play in the living room.
Some people still have formal dining rooms. But if you do not entertain that way, consider forgoing that space altogether!
Open floor plans are also a great way to make smaller houses feel more extensive. You can even consider including taller ceilings to make the space feel bigger.
2. Kitchen Features
Kitchens are the heart of the home. They can also be a focal point of a house, so it is a great idea to go beyond the standard features of a traditional kitchen when designing the home of your dreams.
The kitchen space is also an area that you can customize to fit your family’s needs. You will want to consider how exactly you plan to utilize the space. Do you like to cook at home a lot? Do you plan to entertain?
There are endless options and dozens of cool things to consider when designing the kitchen. Here are some of the more popular special features:
- Oversize island or double kitchen islands
- Upgraded stainless steel appliances
- Natural stone flooring
- Walk-in pantry
- Breakfast nook or bar
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Open shelving
- Dinette niche
- Coffee and wet bar station
Including special features in your kitchen design is fun. Do not forget to decide where you want to put your kitchen table!
3. Smart Home Technology
Integrating smart home technology into your dream homecan help save your energy bills. Using energy-efficient designs and smart technology cuts down drastically on energy consumption.
Things like smart refrigerators, solar panels, and programmable thermostats cost only a fraction to run compared to inefficient technology. They also have the added benefit of being better for the planet!
4. Individualized Built-Ins
Every home needs functional storage space. That is because you need enough space to put all of your belongings. Not only do you want to keep your linens and cleaning products somewhere, but you might have things like family heirlooms to store.
Including personalized storage areas in your new home allows you to incorporate all of the items you need to store in a way that best reflects you. Instead of locking up your unique knick-knacks, consider designing cool ways to display them. The great thing is that you get to create the aesthetic you want!
Some great ways to include individualized built-ins are:
- Shelving units that have both storage and display options
- Entertainment areas that can hide wiring but also provide shelving
- Window seats that have hidden storage areas
5. Temperature-Controlled Garage
Another option to consider when building a custom home is to include a temperature-controlled garage. It is almost like adding an extension to your living space!
If your garage is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, you can enjoy the space all year round. If you like to work on cars, do woodworking, or set up workout equipment there, you no longer have to worry about how the outside temperature will affect your hobby!
6. Outdoor Living Spaces
Having outdoor spaces is another excellent way to extend your home. Think of it as additional square footage and a great way to get your family members outside more.
Outdoor spaces that feel comfortable and clean draw people out. It can even encourage more hobbies, like barbecuing and gardening!
Some unique features that you can include in your home design are:
- Screened-in porch (this comes in handy in Florida’s bug season!)
- Outdoor kitchen with cabinets, grills, smokers, outdoor pizza oven, and more
- Large dining area to entertain
- Outdoor lounge area with comfortable seating and a projector
- Bar area with stools
7. Bonus Room
Consider adding a bonus room to your new home design. One that reflects your family’s lifestyle.
If you love family game night, consider having a ping pong table and board games area.
If watching movies is something your family loves to do, add a movie room to make your home even more special!
8. Easily Accessible Laundry Room
Homeowners love having a place to do laundry that is convenient and easy to get to. The most important thing to consider when adding a laundry room s the proximity to the bedrooms. That is because most of your dirty laundry will be coming from the bedrooms where your closets and beds are located.
If designing a multi-level home, consider adding an upstairs laundry room. That way, you are not trekking your dirty clothes up and down stairs to clean them.
9. Oversized Mudroom
Many homeowners understand the value of a mudroom. It is a good option that takes a coat closet to the next level!
Instead of having an entry-level closet on the main floor to stash coats and shoes, consider adding a separate entry space with storage for those items. Plus, a stylish bench provides an area to sit while getting ready to leave or coming home from a day out.
10. Modern Bathrooms
Outdated bathrooms are a thing of the past! Not only do old bathrooms look dirty and dingy, but they can age a place. Consider modernizing bathrooms in your home design to include a clean and simple aesthetic.
The good news is some options pack a punch without hitting your wallet (too hard). Look at subway tiles options and matte black finishes to have a simple palette that you can customize with art to make your own.
Southwest Florida New Home Builders
At Tropic Coast Homes, we buy houses for cash, help southwest Florida homeowners, and create beautiful homes. Contact Us to learn how we can help you buy, sell, or build your home.