5 often overlooked considerations when building a new home
There is so much to consider and act on when building a new home. Budgeting is crucial, as is overall design and functionality. Amidst the chaos of outlining and building a new home, homeowners have the tendency to overlook some seemingly minor details. However, these seemingly minor details can really haunt a homeowner down the road if not considered. We hope you don’t fall victim to this trap.
So you don’t, consider the following as you embark in the early stages of building a new Dallas, TX home:
Which direction will your home face?
Again, this may seem like a rather ho-hum detail, but wait until you are awakened much earlier in the morning than you intended because sunlight is beaming into your room. Or maybe the sun shines on your back porch at the times that you like to chill out there.
The annoyances caused by untimely sunlight can drive a homeowner insane! The good news is the sun rises and sets in the same direction every single day; therefore, the issue can be so easily avoided. Just be sure your new home is being built in your ideal direction.
Are you floors functionally capable?
Often times, flooring is considered only for its looks and not for its functionality. If you do not consider your floors’ capabilities then you will be living dangerously. “Dangerously” may not be the right word; however, you certainly don’t want one of your biggest investments to be ruined in the first few years after building a new home.
A few flooring tips:
- Avoid hardwood in bathrooms and laundry rooms (and kitchens if you are an aggressive cooker).
- There is nothing wrong with installing laminate hardwood or vinyl plank flooring in your living area, especially if you are on a budget. They take on wear and tear as well as any floor type.
- If your budget is rather loose, natural stone floors (granite, marble, travertine) are luxurious options. Just be sure you seal a natural stone floor as most types are porous (susceptible to moisture).
- Don’t exclude less common floor types. For example, cork flooring can be great for a kitchen, as can concrete in some circumstances. One is soft and one is hard; however, they both stand up well over time.
- If you have pets, laminate, vinyl and engineered hardwood are wise choices. True hardwood will scratch, but you can have it refinished if the scratching gets out of hand.
How many electrical outlets will you need? Where will they go?
You don’t want your new home to be built just to realize your cable hookup is on the wrong wall or your home lacks the necessary number of electrical outlets. Electronics are the way of the world; they need to exist and be located in a way that suits your way of living. Yes, outlets can be added after building a new home, but that will result in the added cost of hiring an electrician.
Are your ceilings high enough?
Most home builders will designate a standard ceiling height when constructing a home. Though, not all homes are built the same, especially when you are building one from scratch. Ceilings are a big deal. Imagine walking into your new home and feeling cramped. That would be an unsettling feeling. Hence, all you have to do is confirm with your builder the planned ceiling heights. Ultimately, a home which feels spacious is vastly better than a home that feels cramped.
Does your home have room for growth?
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, make sure your brand-new home is built to allow for growth. Whether you are moving in by yourself or moving in with your significant other, chances are your home occupants will expand over the next 20-30 years. Certainly, you do not want to be forced to move because of an additional family member. So, think ahead. It wouldn’t hurt to have a “guest room” or two just in case they need to transition into rooms for your future kiddos.
For home design, construction and financial guidance, rely on the services of Ryan Hartman Custom Homes. Visit our website—www.ryanhartmanhomes.com. Also, please visit our blog for additional home building input.
