Building a new home is one of the most exciting — and often overwhelming — experiences a homeowner could have. Having so much decision-making power is a double-edged sword; while some choices are easy, others demand a lot more forethought. That’s why we recommend starting out with a new home checklist — a list of everything you need to make your next home the dream home.
So, what exactly should go on your new home checklist? If you’re looking for ideas, the local experts at VPC Builders have plenty to offer. To help you get started, here are three of our top recommendations for your list:
1. Energy Savers
One of the most important things to consider for your new home is the energy it will draw. Modern building materials and technologies have made it easier than ever to build a home that can operate efficiently for years, resulting in a lighter impact on the environment (and your wallet as well).
Here are a few such additions to consider:
High-performance insulation — Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home. Investing in cutting-edge materials in critical areas can substantially lower heating and cooling needs throughout the house.
Energy-efficient windows — Windows are crucial to the lighting and atmosphere of your space. Protecting them with low-E coatings and other insulation techniques can help you make the most of them.
LED lighting — Modern LED bulbs function on significantly less electricity and with less heat output than traditional light bulbs. Building your home to suit LED lighting can be a far more cost-effective method in the long run.
2. Smart Home Tech
We live in an age of innovation when digital technology permeates nearly every aspect of our daily lives. For many modern homes, smart technology is more than a luxury — it’s a quality-of-life standard.
There are plenty of ways smart technology can elevate your new home, from security to convenience to energy savings. Here are a few of our best ideas:
Smart thermostats — Smart thermostats are an all-in-one way to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills lower. They can be programmed and adapted to your schedule to adjust the temperature automatically without you having to lift a finger.
Smart lighting — Smart lighting systems allow you to control your home’s lighting with your smartphone or voice commands. Many even allow you to set schedules to customize your lighting for each time of day.
Smart security — There’s plenty of smart technology tailored to security as well, from doorbells to digital access control systems. These allow you to sleep comfortably at night, knowing your property is safe around the clock.
3. Flexible Living Spaces
Remember to pay close attention to the nature of the living space. Many of today’s most desirable homes feature wide, open floor plans and adaptable spaces. As your lifestyle changes over time — and with it, your living needs — a flexible home will allow you to accommodate these changes without the hassle.
Here are a few ways to infuse some future-proof flexibility into your new home:
Multi-purpose rooms — When in doubt, opt for rooms that can easily be repurposed as your needs change. For example, a home office can double as a guest bedroom, or a spacious garage could double as a workshop.
Open floor plans — Open floor plans are hugely popular today, partially because they offer greater flexibility in how you use your space. Wide-open living areas can be easily reconfigured with new furniture or layouts to suit larger or smaller gatherings as needed.
Finished basements and attics — Though often overlooked, these wayside areas can provide valuable additional living space rather than just storage. Walk-up attics can act as private office spaces; finished basements can be home theaters or gyms. The possibilities are endless.
Create Your New Home Checklist With VPC Builders
If your new home checklist wasn’t brimming with exciting ideas before, we hope it is now. Here at VPC Builders, we’ve brought the visions of countless homeowners to life with all kinds of custom features and additions. Amazing things are possible when you have a team of expert craftspeople at the helm of your project.
If you’ve got a new home project on the horizon, North Carolina’s most experienced builders are ready to help. You’ve got the vision — we’ve got the tools and know-how. Let’s build something remarkable together.
Want more ideas for your new home? Contact VPC Builders today.