Common Sense Building

There are many considerations to be made when building a home. It’s easy to get caught up in the soaring ceilings, the walls of windows, and the open spaces that today’s homes offer. All of these features can make your home beautiful and inviting, but don’t forget the basic details that make your home functional. Here are a few common sense details that deserve your attention when planning your new home.  

Floorplan – Examine the way you enter your current home. What are the things you do when you come home? You can decide if you want this experience replicated or improved in your new home. Many new home designs now feature back hall areas with lockers and charging stations so that everything can be neatly stowed away before you enter your main living environment.

Windows – Consider placement and size. An expansive window might open your room up to the outdoors, but if the view is less than appealing, it probably isn’t the best choice. In addition, you will need to consider furniture placement. An empty room with floor to ceiling windows might look appealing, but if you end up putting your bed in front of them, they weren’t worth the cost.  

Outlets – Consider furniture placement when planning your outlet locations. Aging in place considerations may also determine the height of your outlets and light switches. Think about the future more than what your needs are right now. For instance, you might want cable installed in all your bedrooms at rough construction, and make sure you have enough outlets to accommodate changing needs.

Light switches – Again, picture yourself living in the home. Where does it make the most sense to have light switches? In older homes, the light for the hallway was generally placed in the middle of the hallway, making the journey sometimes tenuous at night. Today’s homes will have a two way switch that you can turn on or off at either end. Some homes will even have a third switch for the hallway or staircase in an adjoining room.

Loan – Be sure to factor in your landscaping (including driveways, patios, decks, and walkways) and interior decorating costs when applying for your new home loan. The easiest way to do this is to have your builder include allowances for these costs in his contract. This can streamline financing and allow you to take care of all the finishing details before you move in.

Location –Weigh the pros and cons of living in the city, the suburbs, or the country. Consider practical aspects such as time and distance to work, schools and shopping, and the availability of public transportation. Make personal observations, but also consult with your builder, local government, friends, and if possible, people in the neighborhood.

This is only a short list of building details that should be considered. You can expand on this list by considering your lifestyle and some of the most important features you enjoy in your current home. A little extra thought in the beginning can provide for years of enjoyment down the line.