Features to consider when building a new home 2018
When building a new home, there are several features to consider to ensure that your dream home meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key features to consider in 2018:
- Energy Efficiency: Consider features that reduce energy consumption, such as:
- Insulation: Proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Windows: Energy-efficient windows with low-E coatings and double-pane glass.
- Solar panels: Consider installing solar panels to generate electricity.
- Smart Home Technology: Incorporate smart home devices to control lighting, temperature, security, and entertainment systems remotely.
- Sustainable Building Materials: Choose eco-friendly materials, such as:
- Recycled materials: Use recycled materials for construction and demolition waste reduction.
- Low-VOC paints: Select paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for better indoor air quality.
- Sustainable wood: Opt for sustainably sourced wood products.
- Resilience and Disaster Resistance: Consider features that enhance your home's resilience to natural disasters, such as:
- Flood-resistant construction: Design your home to withstand flooding.
- Wind-resistant construction: Use materials and designs that can withstand high winds.
- Earthquake-resistant construction: Incorporate seismic-resistant design elements.
- Water Conservation: Install features that conserve water, such as:
- Low-flow fixtures: Use low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
- Rainwater harvesting: Collect and store rainwater for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
- Indoor Air Quality: Improve indoor air quality with features like:
- Ventilation systems: Install a whole-house ventilation system to remove pollutants and moisture.
- Air purification systems: Consider installing air purification systems to remove allergens and pollutants.
- Storage and Organization: Incorporate storage and organization features, such as:
- Custom cabinetry: Design custom cabinetry to maximize storage space.
- Shelving: Install shelving units to store books, decorative items, and other household items.
- Accessibility and Universal Design: Consider features that enhance accessibility and universal design, such as:
- Wide doorways and hallways: Ensure that doorways and hallways are wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
- Level thresholds: Install level thresholds to facilitate easy movement between rooms.
- Outdoor Living: Incorporate outdoor living features, such as:
- Patios and decks: Design outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
- Outdoor kitchens: Install outdoor kitchens with grills, countertops, and storage.
- Acoustics and Soundproofing: Consider features that improve acoustics and soundproofing, such as:
- Soundproofing materials: Use soundproofing materials in walls, floors, and ceilings to reduce noise transmission.
- Acoustic panels: Install acoustic panels to absorb sound and reduce echo.
- Fire Safety: Incorporate fire safety features, such as:
- Smoke detectors: Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.
- Fire extinguishers: Install fire extinguishers in strategic locations.
- Security: Consider features that enhance home security, such as:
- Surveillance cameras: Install surveillance cameras to monitor your home.
- Smart doorbells: Install smart doorbells with motion detection and video capabilities.
- Warranty and Maintenance: Consider the warranty and maintenance requirements for your new home, including:
- Builder warranties: Review the builder's warranty and maintenance requirements.
- Homeowners association (HOA) fees: Research HOA fees and what they cover.
- Resale Value: Consider the resale value of your new home, including:
- Location: Choose a location with good schools, transportation, and amenities.
- Design and layout: Design your home with a neutral color palette and functional layout to appeal to potential buyers.
- Energy efficiency: Incorporate energy-efficient features to attract eco-conscious buyers.
By considering these features, you can create a new home that meets your needs, is sustainable, and has a high resale value.