Great Building Ideas For your New Home
READY, SET, BUILD!!!
Ideas from New Construction Appraisals..
Excitement, anticipation and joy are in the air after decisions on the last details of your dream home have been made. You know exactly what you need and want to have in your home…….or do you? The following suggestions are from experience of building my own home from the ground up and participating in an array of new construction appraisals.
1. PICTURE MANIA
During the building process take pictures at every stage. Pictures tell a story, this one is yours, so click away. An important stage for picture taking is when the studs are up with the pipes and wiring exposed (prior to drywall). Knowing the location of wires and pipes takes the guess work and eliminates any damage when hanging or mounting anything that could potentially damage your dream home.
2. DON’T DO WHITE
Pick a nice neutral color – not hospital white! The builder is going to paint it regardless, make it a color that has a bit of warmth and more inviting than white.
3. GO GREEN
Tankless hot water heaters and Geothermal heating and cooling systems may be a bit more expensive upon installation but is worth its’ weight in gold in the long run. Put the green back in your pocket after reaping the savings with eco-efficient systems. Price out solar panels, consider passive solar design and get some testimonials on ways to be more efficient in the building process.
4. GO UNDERGROUND
While the soil around your house is still loose and manageable think about extending your downspouts underground. This cost efficient opportunity is fleeting so capitalize on it. This eliminates the disturbance of landscaping and redirects water away from the dwelling and foundation.
5. PLUG AWAY
You may not want them now but you may need them later! Extra outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and living areas are always a good idea. Floor plugs in the living area are ideal for lamps and creating mood lighting. Extra outlets fits in the category of “it is better to have more than not enough!”.
6. DON’T HESITATE TO INSULATE
Budgets are always an issue when building…they continually escalate to new levels around every turn. Most people disregard the garage area due to the fact it is not living area. Installing insulation in the walls and ceiling that separate your garage from your living space increases your home’s energy efficiency because you won’t lose heat though the adjoining wall in colder months and heat won’t radiate into the house through that wall in hotter months.
7. DO AWAY WITH BATHROOM DAMPNESS
Think about upgrading the bathroom exhaust fans to curb moisture issues and mold in bathrooms. A good quality fan will keep your home feeling dry and comfortable and ensure that bathroom odors stay in the bathroom.
8. PROTECT AND FIND EVERYONE
The home intercom system provides functions ranging from convenience to security. Conversations can be held between individuals in different parts of the home and in the case of injury or emergency. An intercom system allows you to track down anyone in the house…whether they like it or not! Security systems have come along way, technology has expanded their functions. Modern security systems now allow you to remotely monitor what’s happening in your home when you’re not there. Depending on your provider, you can monitor what happens via cameras installed throughout your home, as well as control the thermostat, door locks, lights, and other devices in your home.
9. MORE TVs THAN PEOPLE?
The average American household has more televisions than people in it! It is a good idea to put a cable outlet in every room to accommodate this demand for yourself or future buyers.
10. SETTLE UP ON A SHINGLE….20, 30, 50 YEAR?
The consumer is going to pay more for a 50-year warrantied shingle. However, the warranty is not what affects the lifespan of the shingle. Factors such as the sun, the climate and the installation have a much greater affect on the real life span. In areas of intense, year-around sun such as the Southwest, an architectural roof shingle is going to be lucky to last much past 20 years regardless of the warranty. One of the most popular asphalt shingle styles today is an Architectural shingle. Warranties for this style product can vary from 25 years to Lifetime. Depending on the manufacturer you choose you may have to pay more for a longer warranty. GAF (a manufacturer of roofing materials) offers one of the best warranties without an additional cost, as long as 3 other GAF accessory products are used during the new roof installation. Lifetime warranties apply to single family detached homes only; other buildings still may qualify for a 40 year warranty. For more information regarding your roof visit www.kalistaenterprises.
11. A WINDOW TO THE SKY
A skylight can provide your home with daylight and ventilation. When properly selected and installed, an energy-efficient skylight can help minimize your heating, cooling, and lighting costs. There are motorized skylights available for skylights that weigh up to 90 pounds using a standard 110 volt household current. This convenience and minimal additional cost is well worth it!
12. COOL IT OFF AND HEAT IT UP!
Having a larger home means maintaining temperature throughout a vast area. Consider having 2 HVAC units and/or booster fans to get to the farthest points of the home. Two separate units are superior to a single zoned system. You will always have a back up in case one unit has problems.
13. BACK IT UP
When the power goes out, back up generators are in high demand. Pre-wire your home for a portable generator connection. Portable generators can be a good way to keep computers, lights, refrigerators and other appliances running if a power outage occurs. And if someone in your home depends on medical equipment, a portable generator can provide much needed power in an emergency. If you are undecided between gas and electric remember that large portable generators will run a gas furnace but will not run an electric furnace.
New home buyers always should pick the options they love and that will enhance their lives while they live in the home, but real estate experts also recommend choosing options based on the neighborhood price range and focusing on items that cannot be added easily later. I hope this helps on your decision making for your new home. Congratulations!