When you are building a home, you are in the prime position to really customize it to your personal needs and wants. Your builder can help you to figure out what add-ons you can afford in your budget and how to best apply them to your space. Even if you decide against adding an add-on in the end, it is worth having the conversation so you know what your options are and can make an informed decision.
More Garage Space
A big garage can bring a variety of benefits to your home, from storage to protection. Increasing the size of your garage will allow you to take care of more of your needs and potentially move some items out of your home and into the garage. A builder can let you know what the costs of a larger garage look like and how your space can accommodate that addition. A large garage tends to be a good investment that will pay off overtime and adds value to your home if you decide to sell in the future.
Floor Heating
Radiant heating is a small luxury that can make a huge difference. You can install floor heating throughout your whole home or just in specific areas. Some of the best places for floor heating include bathrooms and bedrooms because they can help to make your mornings more pleasant, especially during the winter months. Floor heating is actually a pretty efficient way to heat a home, so it can save you money on utilities. Your builder can give you a good idea of the costs so you can make a decision on whether or not floor heating will work for you.
An Extra Room
Adding an extra room upfront can help you to have room to grow and avoid you needing to make an addition later. Adding the room in the first place will create a more seamless appearance to the interior and exterior of your home. If you think you may need the extra space for a bedroom or an office in the future, it may be worthwhile to make it a part of your plan right now. Talk about it with your builder to see if it makes sense with your floorplan and to figure out the ideal location.
A Deck
Outdoor living space is a game changer for homes and gives you the ability to use your home and yard to the fullest. Adding a deck is a great way to extend your living space, and if it is done with the initial build, it can become an organic part of your home design. You can add all kinds of features to your deck that let you relax or host guests. If your home is a single story, a patio is another great option that will give you room to spread out during family celebrations. Adding in an outdoor sink or even dishwasher to your deck can make it even more useful and take your space to the next level.
A Mother-in-Law Apartment
If you are thinking about the future, a mother-in-law apartment can be a great option. Whether it is a space where your kids could live more independently during college or an investment property so you can hack your home, a full apartment is a great addition to your living space. If a builder can help you to affordably add an apartment to your space it can make for a great investment in your future, no matter how you decide to use the space. While it may be expensive, a basement or over the garage apartment is the kind of investment that tends to pay off in the long run.
A Custom Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the best spaces in any home, and it is at its best when it suits your needs. Going with the standard set-up can work in some situations but if you are a big cook or baker, it is generally better to have your kitchen suit your needs from the start. Custom options like countertops and cabinets can give your kitchen a unique feel and ensure that it suits your needs for the space. When you talk to your builder tell them about how you plan to use the space and they may have suggestions for features you hadn’t thought of yourself.
A Mudroom
The entryways to homes tend to be the kinds of places where junk piles up. People walk in the door and throw off their jackets, kick off their shoes, and drop their keys. Adding in a mud room gives you logical storing areas that can prevent your front door from becoming a disaster zone full of clutter. Instead, you can have an organized space that provides room for everyone’s outerwear and makes your home a little bit more inviting. It also can help you to avoid losing your keys in the mess as they can have a designated spot that is unlikely to be covered by a stray jacket.
A Laundry Room Upstairs
It is often standard practice in home building to keep the laundry room on the main floor. If the bedrooms are all upstairs though, that can mean a lot of extra moving to get the laundry done. Having your laundry room upstairs can make the daunting task of doing laundry a little less daunting and make your life much easier. Attaching the laundry to a bathroom upstairs can be a great way to make the laundry situation more convenient without having to spend too much on additional plumbing.
When you are already investing in building a home, you may as well do everything you can to make it the best home you can imagine. Taking the time to discuss potential add-ons with your builder can help you to get an idea of what is possible and how it will affect your budget. Choose the ones that make the most sense for you so you can get the most out of your newly built home.