Location

Before selecting a lot for your new home, it is essential to research the location and history of the space. Many people have overlooked critical aspects of their lot before building a house and run into significant issues down the road. You should not make the mistake of falling in love with a lot due to the proximity to family, schools, parks, and other amenities before researching the history and details of the space. One of the crucial aspects to consider is the water tables in the area, which you can check with the US Geological Survey. Familiarize yourself with the waterways in the area to avoid building in a floodplain. It is also important to research the history of the area to avoid building on top of a former landfill or a superfund site filled with hazardous materials. Doing your homework will save you a lot of headaches and heartaches in the future.

The Size of Your Lot & The Layout of Your Home

Before building a house, it is important to consider the lot size and layout, not just for today, but also for your future plans. Think about the type of outdoor space and entertainment you want, such as a screened porch, raised patio, or deck. Consider your scalability in the future, as a small yard may be enough for now but may not be sufficient if your family grows or you develop new hobbies. If you have a green thumb, plan your lot size and layout carefully, taking into account future landscaping plans and the potential size of trees and bushes. Keep in mind that landscape maintenance can become overwhelming, so plan accordingly.

Plans for Your Basement

Depending on the location of your property, a basement may or may not be a requirement for your new home. Basements used to serve a more practical purpose of storing utility items, washer, dryer, etc. However, nowadays, basements are more of an extension of your home with the possibility of expandability and scalability in the future. They can be converted into a game room, yoga studio, movie theater, wine storage, or even extra bedrooms. It is essential to plan a basement that will fit your family’s current needs and also cater to your future requirements. If necessary, include a sump pump to keep the basement dry, and ensure quick access to your water heater, furnace, and other utilities. If you plan to finish your basement as you build your home, pipe placement and the footprint of the area should be considered for future needs.

The Materials that Will be Used

It’s important to use sustainable and less-toxic materials when building a home. While you may not be ready for full LEED-certified construction, you can still take cues and best practices from green builders. Commonly used materials can contain toxins, so consider alternative building materials like concrete, bamboo, wool insulation, and rammed earth. Use sustainable flooring like true hardwoods, tile, wool or natural carpeting, and cork. When selecting paint, look for low-to-no VOC options and other renewable wall coverings.

Room Height

When building a new home, it’s important not to overlook the opportunity for high or vaulted ceilings. They can make a room feel much larger and more expansive than standard nine-foot ceilings. While historically ceilings were nine feet on the ground floor and sometimes only eight feet high on the second story due to the limited length of lumber, the trend has moved away from shorter ceilings. However, it’s still crucial to work with your building team to create the exact look and feel you want in your home, while keeping in mind that you’ll need appropriately scaled and placed doors and windows for the ceiling height. Additionally, it’s important to consider any treatments like exposed beams, overhead lighting fixtures, and crown moldings, which may take up space.

Windows and Window Treatments

It’s crucial to plan for window treatments when building a new home. They can affect wall thickness, layout, and materials used. For instance, built-in wired shades require thicker wall cavities, and insulation around windows must be taken into account. When selecting windows, consider their placement, size, and maintenance requirements. To make cleaning easier and to protect your home from energy loss, look for windows that open inward and are energy-efficient. Investing in high-quality windows may be worth it in the long run.

Daylight and Lighting

Maximizing natural light in your new home is an important consideration when building. By strategically positioning your windows, you can capture more morning sun in some rooms and take advantage of afternoon light in others. In addition to traditional windows, consider unconventional options like skylights and solar tubes to let in more natural light. Solar energy is also worth exploring, with solar panels being a potential way to save on energy costs in the long term. The US Department of Energy offers a helpful guide to assess your solar possibilities.

Where You Should Put the Outlets

When building a new home, it’s important to consider the placement and quantity of outlets. Floor outlets are especially important in wide, open layouts to avoid cords winding around and cluttering the floor. Charging stations and plenty of strategically placed outlets throughout the home can add long-term convenience. Drawer outlets inside the bathroom can minimize cord clutter and help keep the space organized and clean. It’s also important to include plenty of outlets in the kitchen, bedroom, and office for future use.

If You Should Include Smart Home Solutions

Smart home technology offers a wide range of options, from built-in heating systems to sound systems and security. However, it can be overwhelming to determine which areas of your home need automation. Consider your comfort level with technology and keep in mind that technology is continually updated, so the state-of-the-art system you install this year may be out-of-date in a decade. Some convenient smart technology options include smart thermostats like Nest or lighting controllers like Ecobee Switch+ that can be controlled through an app or synced with devices like Amazon Echo or Google Assistant. Home security solutions like SimpliSafe and ADT Pulse allow you to check your home security from your phone or tablet, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are. All-in-one solutions like Crestron and Control4 sync everything into one platform, allowing you to control audio, lighting, HVAC, security, and more. Working with an expert can help you fully understand and utilize these systems for maximum benefit in your new home.

If You Want a Garage & the Size

Another important consideration when building a new home is whether you want a garage and, if so, what size garage you need. If you have multiple vehicles or plan to use your garage for storage or a workshop, you may need a larger space. Conversely, if you don’t plan to use your garage for anything other than parking a vehicle, a smaller garage may be sufficient. Additionally, you should consider whether you want a detached or attached garage and how it will fit into the overall layout of your home and property. These decisions should be made early in the design process to ensure that your garage is properly sized and located within your lot.

How Much Storage Space You Need

When building a new house, it’s important to consider the amount of storage space you will need not just for your current needs, but also for the future. This includes storage for items like clothing, linens, and kitchen appliances, as well as space for potential hobbies or collections. You may also want to consider storage solutions like built-in shelves, cabinets, and closets to maximize your available space. It’s important to plan for storage space early in the design process to ensure that you have enough space to store your belongings and keep your home organized.

What Your Long Term Plans Are

It is important to consider your long-term plans when building a new house. While it may be tempting to focus solely on your current needs and wants, it is crucial to think about how your home will meet your needs in the future. Consider factors such as the size of your family, potential future hobbies, and any changes to your lifestyle that may occur. Building a home is a significant investment, and you want to ensure that it will continue to meet your needs for years to come. By carefully considering your long-term plans, you can make informed decisions during the design and construction process that will result in a home that meets your needs both now and in the future.