Do your homework!
The Construction drawings for your home are the road map that spells out every little detail of your home and how it should be built. This is what your builder and subcontractor will use throughout the process of building your home, so it’s important to spend some time with your sales person or on your own going over the plans before you finish making all your selections to make sure everything is as you want it. Ask them what all the little symbols mean, so you can get a full picture of what your space will be like. Study the floor plan and think about how you will use each room in the house and what modifications you might want to have done during construction. This will save you valuable time (and money) if you have to change something that isn’t quite right while your home is under construction. You may not be able to change some things on the plans, but it doesn’t hurt to ask, and at least you’ll know what to expect once construction begins. It’s also a good idea to ask the sales agent what the most common selections or modifications are that past home buyers have made. If the sales person has been around long, they have probably helped dozens of people through the process and know about all the pitfalls. Chances are, they have even helped someone else build your exact floor plan or one very similar and can recommend a number of things to consider before you finalize your options and start construction.
Switches & Electrical Outlets
Take note of where the electrical outlets and light switches in the home will be located. Think about outlets for your, fish tank, and wall-mounted flat-screen TV. Do you want a light plug outside? Don’t forget to ask about it. We’ve even heard of home owners having electrical outlets installed in the bathroom cabinets so they never have to unplug the blow dryer. Genius! Building a home allows you to do it right the first time. It’s your chance to think of everything!
Convenient Laundry Setup
Do you want your laundry room on the main floor or upstairs with the bedrooms? Will your laundry room double as a mudroom? Do you want built-in shelving or cupboards? Laundry is one of those necessary evils (we don’t like it either) but it has to be done. So why not do it in a seriously convenient room? Think about where your washer and dryer will go, where you will hang-dry clothes, where does the ironing board go? Consider hanging hooks and using baskets for storage, so many options!
Ample Hallway width
Nice wide hallways make a home feel so welcoming. It’s amazing the difference a few inches can make! When building, consider how wide you want your hallways, but be aware that any square footage you add to your hallway will decrease your square footage elsewhere. An average hallway width is between two and a half to a little over three feet wide. Hallways can be, but are not commonly, as wide as five feet. Isn’t this hallway just lovely?Drains that Work Well
It goes without saying that drains that work well are important… but we are going to say it anyway. Ask your builder about their plumbing contractor. Inspect the pipes while they are exposed during building. Bring up any concerns with your builder. Check the drainage during the building process. During an operation the doctor checks that everything is working well before he stitches the patient up. Building is a great way to ensure that the infrastructure of your home is just how it should be!Outside Outlets and Faucets
Think about what outlets and faucets you want outside. Do you need an outlet, or even a light switch, for your lights? Do you want an additional hose bib in your side yard? Or maybe a natural gas hook up on the back patio for your grill? Discuss options with your builder and make sure the outside set up of your home is going to work well with your lifestyle.
Ceiling Height
Ceiling height does as much for the open feel of a home as the square footage does. Lofty ceilings offer a spacious feel as well as an opportunity for more windows and light!
Ample Storage
Check the number of closets and cupboards. Also, consider opting for built-in bookcases and storage. Not only are built-ins functional, but they make a home look and feel more custom. Consider the square footage of walk-in closets, storage and cold storage options, and cupboard space in the kitchen and laundry room. Will the kids need build-in window seat/storage box for their toys? Is the linen closet large enough for your vintage sheet collection? All great questions.
Splurge Wisely
Make a list of your priorities. Is a white kitchen a must-have? Are you willing to install a backsplash yourself? What type of flooring is a must? Do you desperately need a few glass kitchen cupboards? Separate your list into three columns. Column 1: Must-Have; Column 2: Really Want; Column 3: Would be Nice. This way you already have in mind what you will and will not compromise on.
Insulation
Ah, insulation. It keeps us cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter. Better insulation equals cooler Summers, warmer Winters and lower energy bills. You’re welcome!
Doors Opening Correctly
During the building process, take a walk through your new home and just double check that the doors open the direction you want them to open. While you’re at it, you might as well make sure the light switch locations make sense too.
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