Build Your Custom Home Exactly How You Want It
While the thought of building a custom home can be intimidating, look at it as an exciting opportunity to make your home exactly how you want it. You can choose the layout, paint colors, flooring and every single other feature that goes into the house. The only limits are your imagination and budget.
When designing your custom home, there are some features you may not have considered. If you’re working with the best custom home builder, they will be able to provide you with wonderful ideas, but it’s always good to be prepared.
Your house should reflect your preferences, lifestyle and aesthetic. In this guide we’ll go over the top six custom home features that you should consider adding to your home when working with a luxury home builder.
1. Laundry Rooms on the Second Floor
Dragging overflowing baskets to the laundry room on the first floor, only to have to bring them back up once everything is clean isn’t exactly how you want to spend your cleaning days. Many custom homeowners are opting to have their laundry facilities on the second floor. This makes it easier to access due to the close proximity of the upstairs bedrooms.
Some homeowners have even added connecting laundry rooms to their master bedrooms. If your master bedroom is located on the first floor, consider building your laundry room right next to your closet space. A smaller, stackable laundry unit can be installed upstairs so your children can do their own laundry.
2. Outdoor Kitchen and Living Spaces
To fully enjoy the great outdoors, why not create your own outdoor sanctuary? This doesn’t have to include a pool, patio and lawn furniture. It can truly be whatever you want it to be. Go above and beyond for your outside space, just as you do inside your home.
In your outdoor kitchen and living space, consider adding the following items to your design:
- Refrigerator
- Grill
- Fireplace OR Firepit
- Comfortable Furniture
- Bar Area
- Waterproof Televisions
- Built-in Surround Sound
Turn your yard into the most desirable summer hangout spot! If you choose to add a fireplace or heat lamps, you’ll be able to enjoy the space year-round.
3. Bonus Rooms
Bonus rooms are one of the top custom home trends this year. Use your imagination to think past what is essential. Ask yourself what could make your home totally luxurious. After all, you want your home to enhance your lifestyle.
Consider these bonus room ideas:
- Home Gym or Yoga Studio: Stay fit without leaving the house
- Media Room/Home Theater: A perfect place to enjoy family movie nights
- Game Room: Consider including a pool table or wet bar
Adding these types of spaces to your home will give you and your family more opportunities to spend time together. Create lasting memories right inside your home!
4. Smart Home Technology
Smart home devices are becoming more and more prevalent when building or purchasing a custom home. This technology allows you to have more control over what goes on both inside and outside of your home. Their goal is to add convenience and simplify your daily routines.
Smart Home Options:
- Smart Thermostat: Control the temperature from your mobile device, even when you’re not at home
- Home Security System: These include smart door locks and a doorbell camera
- Power outlets that have built-in USB charging ports
- Smart Displays and Speakers: Communicate easily with your entire household
- Smart Plugs: These work with Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa voice commands
All of these technologies are designed to make your life easier. They also add to the resale value of your home, which is important to consider long term.
5. Customized Built-Ins
It’s always a good idea to assess if you’ll need ample storage going into the design process. There are lots of opportunities to add built-in cabinets and storage to maximize your space. This way you won’t have to take up a lot of space with free-standing cabinets and shelving.
Storage Ideas:
- Built-in Sponge Storage: Add a drawer under your sink to free up counter space
- Customized Entertainment and TV Units: Help hide cables and wires while allowing extra space for gaming and other devices
- Window Seating: Include built-in benches that have storage underneath, just like what you’d see in a mudroom
Work with your builder to evaluate spaces that might not serve a purpose at first glance to see where you can add hidden storage. You’ll be surprised with what you can come up with.
6. Chef’s Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home and a great space to add high-end, custom features that make creating meals more enjoyable. Custom features aren’t just limited to granite countertops and high-end finishes.
Design a walk-in pantry or even a larder cupboard for your kitchen. This will make accessing food and other ingredients you have at home easier, while eliminating unnecessary cabinets and reducing food waste.
If your floor space allows it, you can also opt for adding in two kitchen islands. One will serve as a workspace for the chef, often including a built-in sink, dishwasher and cooktop. The other is primarily used for seating.
It’s always a good idea to install recycling and trash cabinets in one of your islands or another area of the kitchen. Open a cabinet or drawer to access these otherwise unsightly containers. This will also free up the area underneath your sink if that’s where you normally keep those containers.
Add These Custom Home Features to Your Design Plan
Keep in mind that small additions can make a huge difference! Create an at home oasis that will make being at home an even more enjoyable experience for you and your family.
If you’re looking for a luxury home builder in the Dallas area, contact Robert Elliott Custom Homes today.
