There are some features that all home owners will agree make a house more functional, as well as help its resale value. Here are some ideas you will want to consider if building a new home.
Ceiling Height in New Homes
Minimum ceiling height should ideally be between nine and 11 feet, especially in a basement where piping and duct work can dramatically lower the finished ceiling. It will cost more than the standard ceiling height of eight foot, but it will give the illusion of more space and allow more freedom with the length of lighting fixtures and ceiling accents such as tray ceilings or beams.
Energy Efficiency Home Design
Energy efficiency is important to keep the cost of operating the home low. Monthly utilities can run as high as mortgage payments. Desired features include high efficiency air conditioning, top of the line insulation, double pane windows with low-e glass, programmable thermostats, hot water on demand systems, and air return systems.
Garage Size
A three-car garage is always beneficial for storage space. If there is not room to build one, try for an oversized two-car garage - 26 x 24 feet as opposed to 20 x 20 feet. This is key for storing lawn and garden equipment, snow removal equipment, kids' outdoor toys, bikes, garbage and recycling bins, and whatever other outdoor storage that is needed. Once two cars are inside a typical sized garage, there is little room for anything else.
Master Bath Plan and Design
A practical master bath should include two sinks and a separate shower and tub as this allows two people to function in the bathroom at the same time. If space permits, a separate water closet (toilet) also makes it easier for two to share a bathroom.
Walk in Closets Everywhere
If all the bedrooms could have walk-in closets that would be a real asset, but since that is not always an option, the master bedroom must at least have a large one. The minimum size should be six feet by eight feet, again to accommodate two people in there at the same time. A window in the closet is also beneficial for better lighting. A walk-in linen closet. walk-in pantry, walk-in front hall closet, and walk-in mud room closet are also great to have.
Wired for Media
Having a house wired properly from the start is a lot easier to do before drywall goes up. All rooms, even the bathrooms, should be wired for Internet, phone, satellite, cable and surround sound. This is helpful if the function of a room is changed down the road, for example, turning a bedroom into an office.
Window Size in New Home Design
Forgo tiny windows. They take away from the appeal of the exterior facade, and large windows allow more natural light and more daytime heating by sunlight, which is better on energy bills. You cannot change window size down the road, so it is best to make the right choices at the building stage.
Interior and Exterior Lighting Essentials
It is important to really understand lighting needs. In the kitchen, under cabinet task lighting is important. Dimmer switches in all rooms, including bedrooms and bathrooms, is an added benefit. Proper outdoor lighting, including security and motion sensors, is also essential. It is important to think about the placement of wall sconces, pendant lights, chandeliers, recessed lights and focal lights in advance of installing the electrical wiring.
Must Have Kitchen Islands
If the kitchen is large enough, an island is critical for additional storage and counter space. It is also a great place to put a second sink, a second dishwasher, a wine fridge, and casual seating.
Ceiling height, garage size and master bath layout are just some of the key new home style design details that will keep a house practical and marketable for decades.
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Gail Oliver - Gail is an author, writer and researcher. She has been quoted in magazines as diverse as Cosmopolitan and Maclean's. Gail writes on a ...
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