Top 10 Trending New Home Construction Must-Haves
New Home Features to consider when building a custom new home.
It’s not always easy to find exactly what you want in a used home. Especially in today’s hot, hot, hot real estate market. The biggest advantage to building a new home is being able to personalize all the little details for your needs and lifestyle. Before you sign a contract, be sure to discuss with your builder to see if the custom home options you desire are even offered.
Here is a list of the top 10 trending new home construction must-haves. Are they right for you?
#1. Open floorplan.
Open floorplans make smaller houses feel larger. Instead of separate spaces for formal living, open concept living combines your kitchen, dining, and living spaces to enhance interaction between family and friends. Space efficient floor plans enable homeowners to live with less square footage without compromising how today’s modern family lives.
#2. Large Kitchen Islands.
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It stands to reason that the island is the essential centerpiece of the kitchen, and it better be functional. Buyers are seeking a large island where kids pile in to do homework, casual meals are eaten, and a place for guests to gather to sit and chat. One island is expected, but double islands are the latest luxury! Two island kitchen designs offer zones for food prep and entertaining allowing for a separate surface where guests can relax.
#3. Integrated refrigeration.
A built-in refrigerator is a term that most homebuyers are familiar with. Built-in refrigeration can be a traditional stainless finish or covered with panels that match cabinetry which will sit flush (or almost flush) to the cabinetry in kitchen design. Even if built-ins are clad with matching kitchen cabinet panels, you know exactly where the appliance is located. An integrated refrigerator is completely hidden amongst your cabinet layout and is often hard to locate unless it’s pointed out to you. Integrated refrigeration offers a cleaner, high-end appearance often featured in modern kitchen design.
#4. Dedicated Pantry/Appliance Garage.
Homebuyers are looking for storage! A dedicated pantry is a must to keep the small appliance clutter to a minimum. Especially if you have opted for open shelving, having a pantry with tons of storage just makes sense. Homebuyers love the ability to tuck the microwave away behind closed doors and organize surplus canned goods and paper products.
#5. Pot filler.
Pot fillers are trendy, but are they practical? This popular accessory continues to gain momentum for the sake of convenience. Consumers are creating spaces that feel professionally inspired. The pot filler is just another extension of the chef kitchen design, and they are highly efficient as well! Due to the flow rate, you can fill a pot 3 times faster than using the sink faucet, all without waiting for the water in the pot to boil.
#6. Closet Organization.
Make the most out of your square footage with closet organization. Nothing says luxury like a practical, well-organized space. Today’s organization goes well beyond built-in shelving and drawers. Designers are also including makeup vanity areas, a wine fridge, or even a coffee bar for convenience. And if a laundry hamper or sorting system isn’t enough, you may consider an en-suite laundry room where you could wash, dry, fold and put clothes away all in one room.
#7. Freestanding tub.
A freestanding tub gives you more flexibility in how your bathroom is laid out. Designers love the freedom to be able to center a sophisticated tub under a window or place it in the center of the bathroom. However, figuring out the plumbing for a freestanding tub requires a bit more planning than a built-in tub. Your home builder will need to know which you prefer in the early stages of construction planning.
#8. Mudroom with dog washing station.
Homeowners today struggle to create organized spaces to store shoes, coats, backpacks, and all-weather gear. Why not build a custom mudroom for your family’s needs? Custom storage solutions like built-in cubbies or lockers will help keep everyone’s gear organized. Don’t forget your four-legged family members! Including a pet care station will help keep muddy paws and prints off the flooring throughout your new home. Add shelves for pet supplies and built-in feeding stations to relegate the mess to a designated area where guests won’t see.
#9. Home office.
Working from home is more prevalent today than ever before. Buyers are looking for dedicated workspaces. For most people working from home requires an office environment that is suitable for your business and balances the needs of your family. Be sure to inform your builder to see if you can transform a spare corner, dining room, extra bedroom, basement, or attic space into functional office space. You’ll want to add any wireless routers, phone, and electrical requirements to avoid costly change orders midway through.
#10. Outdoor living spaces with kitchens.
Homebuyers are asking for comfortable outdoor living spaces connected by patio doors that can be opened wide. Indoor spaces that flow into the outdoor increase the feel of your square footage and is great when entertaining family and friends. Multi-season spaces include fireplaces or fire pits, patio or deck areas, and outdoor dining areas with grilling and kitchen options are also some of the most requested items on the custom must-haves list.
