Building Your Custom Home Wish list
Every time we move into a new home or rent a new apartment, it quickly becomes apparent what features we love and what features are lacking. Over time, people tend to create a list of the features that are lacking or of features that would have made life much easier and more enjoyable. Many homeowners eventually create a rough-draft vision of their dream home using this list and fantasize about their vision becoming a reality. By choosing the right custom home builder, not only is it possible to build your luxury home, you can easily integrate all of the items on your wish list to give it that personal touch. In this article, we’ll go over how to create a custom home design wish list so you can be prepared to transform your custom home into the home of your dreams.
Prioritize Your Needs
The first thing you’ll want to do when creating your wish list is to prioritize your needs. This will be an ongoing process as you continue to grow your wish list, but it will come in handy once construction starts. Determine which items on your wish list are absolutely non-negotiable so you can give yourself some flexibility if the costs are too high to add everything right away. To do this, all you need to do is consider your lifestyle and create a list that divides into wants, needs, and things you can’t live without.
Features to Consider
In addition to the basic layout of your home, you’ll want to consider whether or not you’ll need certain features. These features will vary depending on your lifestyle and how you enjoy spending your free time. To give you an idea, here are some popular features that many people include in their custom home design wish list.
Perfectly Placed Electrical Outlets
One of the most frustrating things about certain homes is not having electrical outlets where you need them. While this detail often goes overlooked, it has the ability to make your life so much easier. If you already know exactly how you’re going to want to design your house, include the perfectly placed electrical outlets on your wish list. You can work with an architect to make sure that the outlets are exactly where you need them and abundant enough to never have to use extensions. There are some great ways to incorporate hidden electrical outlets to increase convenience without sacrificing your aesthetic values.
Entryway Design
Next, consider how the entryway to your home is going to be designed. Do you prefer having a foyer or a mudroom? Would your family benefit from built-in custom shelving or would you prefer to leave it open? Put some thought into how you want your entryway to feel and include any added features in your wish list. There are so many ways to create a beautiful entry to your home, it all depends on your personal preference.
Kitchen Features
One of the best ways to take your custom home to the next level is to create the perfect kitchen. Include any and all kitchen features on your wish list so that you’re ready to enjoy it as soon as you move in. Some options include handsfree water dispensers, built-in coffee machines, nooks that allow you to keep counter-top appliances hidden when not in use, smart appliances, and innovative kitchen islands. If you love cooking, think about adding some features that will make prep and clean-up easier. If you need extra fridge space but don’t like the look of stainless steel, talk to an architect about camouflaging the refrigerator to blend in with your cabinet design. There are so many options to create your dream kitchen, all you have to do is ask!
Covered Pet Stations
If you have pets, consider having a built-in, covered pet station installed during your custom build. This will give your pet their own space built into the kitchen island, cabinets, or an entertainment center that allows you to keep everything organized and out of the way. It’s the perfect way to house your pets without unsightly crates or kennels.
Bedroom Layouts
A lot of people think that a bedroom design only relies on the furnishings, but there are tons of additional features you can create during a custom build. Installing skylights above your bed to help your body coincide with its natural circadian rhythm is a great option and many builders are seeing an increase in desire for custom platform bed builds or integrated headboards. If you want to include a reading space in your bedroom, look into built-in shelving with a bench-nook for the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Your bedroom should make you feel relaxed and comfortable, so be sure to include some black-out shades, red ambient lighting, and noise-reduction features for a great night sleep.
Bathroom Amenities
Advancements in how we use the bathroom have given rise to some great custom home design wish list items. Instead of fighting over cramped space, opt for a double vanity that gives both partners more than enough room for their daily routines. If you both have a lot of stuff, consider designing his and hers closets that cater to each partner’s individual needs. You could have a built-in tie rack, vanity mirrors and dressers, and ample space for his and hers shoes. With the rise of smart technology, it’s possible to incorporate tons of forward-thinking products that will help make your morning a breeze. Finally, no custom home design wish list is complete without the addition of heated flooring.
Central Vacuum Systems
What if you never had to carry another vacuum ever again? With central vacuum systems, all you need to do is move the hose from portal to portal to clean your home. The debris is filtered to a centralized location where you can easily clean it out as needed without having to lug around a heavy vacuum cleaner. As an added bonus, using a centralized system helps to reduce the dust, dander, and pollen that floats around the air in your home, reducing allergy symptoms and irritants. Using a central vacuum system has a ton of benefits and is a great feature to add on your custom home design wish list.
Ceiling Height
While you’re likely going to focus on a lot of cool features to add to your home, don’t forget to think about the basics. The height of your ceilings makes a huge difference on how the space feels, so it’s worth considering. By adding high ceilings on your wish list, you’ll make every room feel more open and inviting, giving you a feeling of calm and clarity as you navigate through your everyday life.
Outdoor Features
No custom-built home is complete without the addition of some great outdoor features. As with many of the previous features, how you design your yard, patio, and landscaping will vary from person to person. One thing to consider is how you want your seating area to be designed. Do you want a fireplace or a firepit structure? Are you interested in a built-in grill or bar? How do you think you’re going to use the space? Some people include a pool and/or hot tub with a seating area while others would prefer their own private putting green. It really depends on what you’re interested in so spend some time doing research on your options before adding them to your wish list. If you live in a cold area that gets a lot of snow, it’s worth looking into adding a heated driveway so you’ll never have to shovel again.
Any Specialty Rooms
Finally, if you have certain hobbies you might want to consider adding some specialty rooms to your home. Some homeowners opt for built-in movie theaters while others create an art studio. The opportunities are endless and allow you to create a space that speaks to you. If you love bowling, why not add a private bowling alley? If you’re a musician, add a music room. If you’re still struggling with some ideas, check out these unique additions for your luxury home.
At Trade Mark Homes, we make building your dream home enjoyable and stress free. Our team works with you from planning through every step of the construction process to make sure that you get the home you want, with exceptional craftsmanship. We’re dedicated to turning the vision you have of your dream home into a reality by connecting with you to fully understand your lifestyle and needs. If you’re worried about financing options, we offer financial flexibility, so you can see your custom home design wish list come to life. Our flexible home leasing options means you can move into your beautiful home on your terms, not those set by commercial banks or loan sharks.
We understand that the first step in building your new home begins with you. Fill out an inquiry form or call us today at 479-267-9900 to schedule a consultation, discuss your vision, and go over your budget.
