When you begin the task of building your own custom home, you are faced with an almost endless amount of decisions. A good thing to keep in mind when designing and building your home is what will be easy to renovate later versus what would be better to upgrade at the start. You’ll notice most of the items on the list would be large renovation projects. If you make smart decisions during the building phase, you’ll be able to avoid tearing up your new home in the next 5 years.
It is always best to check with your NJ Custom Home Builder for their recommendations
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of most homes. It’s a room that gets used a lot so putting money into it at the beginning just makes good sense. Think about convenience and use of space. Perhaps you want an outlet in the pantry or the island so you can use smaller appliances without having to take up counterspace. Splurge for the bigger, better cabinets as that is a costly and difficult renovation to do later. There is so many options when it comes to cabinets and there are so many new designs in cabinetry. Go for the deeper drawers, the taller cabinets, and the pull-out shelves. Look at your kitchen as the workspace it is and light it appropriately. Add extra lighting or windows, and install under cabinet lighting. You’ll be glad you did.
Energy efficiency and Green options
Make smart choices when it comes to your appliances, heating and cooling systems, and windows. Consider a tankless water heater, double pained windows, and higher rated HVAC systems. Insulation is a big part of efficiency so put some money into it. Also, talk with your custom home builder about putting extra insulation around noisy rooms to reduce the volume output. Putting in the extra money for energy efficient options at the start will give you a great return on your investment. You’ll enjoy lower utility bills every month by making your home as efficient as possible.
Flooring
When thinking about your floors, maybe you want to consider putting in radiant heat so the floors will stay warm even on the chilliest winter night (depending on your climate of course). Talk to your custom home builder and make sure you are choosing flooring that is appropriate for each space and for your life. If you are a dog lover, hard wood floors may not hold the appeal for you that they do for others. Invest in great flooring that works for your lifestyle and that’s one thing you won’t have to worry about for years to come.
Consult With Your NJ Custom Home Builder
If you do enough research on this topic, you’ll see conflicting lists. Consult with your NJ Custom Home Builder and decide what’s ultimately best for you. The important thing to consider is if you’ll be able to come up with the thousands of dollars, you’ll need to make the improvements later, or if it’s better to go for big ticket items now and make it a part of your mortgage. The final rule on this is, it’s your home and your budget, so make it what you want it to be!
More Recommendations From a NJ Custom Home Builder on Exterior Upgrades
Per experienced NJ custom home builders, investing in exterior custom home upgrades boosts curb appeal. It also significantly increases your property value.
Solar panels are at the forefront of eco-friendly home improvements. They reduce monthly energy bills and contribute to a greener environment. In addition, solar panel installation can increase a home’s market value, making it a desirable feature for energy-conscious buyers.
Creating or upgrading outdoor living spaces, such as decks, patios, or outdoor kitchens, extends the living area of your home. These spaces are perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. High-quality, durable materials create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living areas, adding a luxurious touch that prospective buyers often seek.
Professional landscaping and the addition of garden features like water fountains or fire pits dramatically changes the exterior appeal of a home. Well-designed landscapes not only enhance the beauty of the property but also improve its usability and privacy. Incorporating native plants and sustainable landscaping practices can also appeal to environmentally conscious buyers, further increasing the property’s value.
Well-place exterior lighting transforms a home’s appearance at night. It highlights architectural features and landscaping while improving security. From pathway lights to accent lighting, the right illumination can create an inviting ambiance that enhances the home’s aesthetics and safety.
Energy-efficient models of windows and doors is another upgrade that offers aesthetic, comfort, and financial benefits. Modern windows and doors improve insulation, reduce noise, and increase security, all while updating the home’s exterior look. This upgrade is particularly appealing to buyers looking for homes that combine energy efficiency with modern design.
These exterior custom home upgrades represent a blend of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and sustainability. They not only make a home more enjoyable for the current occupants but also increase its attractiveness to future buyers.