Homebuyers may wonder how new-home builders determine which features and amenities are best to incorporate into upcoming home plans, master-planned communities and lifestyle amenities.
Each new release seems to include exceptional elements. And buyers may not have even considered some of the items important. At least not until they see how the builder can incorporate them.
Fortunately, new-home buyers are in luck, given the features of today’s new construction homes in California. And the future new-home buyer whose next home hasn’t even been built or even had its foundation poured may be in even greater luck.
That’s because the further out construction is, the more choices on home specifications the buyer has. In some cases, builders may still welcome input about floor plans and design features. That’s especially true with coming-soon communities or master-planned communities that have yet to introduce their next phases.
But perhaps there’s a construction or design feature you wish would show up in every new-home community you tour. What then?
Tell the builder what’s on your list. While you may not be the first to think of it, there’s a strong chance that builders want to know your needs and preferences.
Go for it: The more outlandish the ideas, the better. Even if builders can’t accommodate seemingly wild ideas, there’s a good chance they’ve got solutions that might come close.
Start with the floor plan. Tell the builder how you live now and what you anticipate the next 10 years might look like. Choose the floor plan with the flexibility you think the household needs.
Those needs might include rooms or nooks for two or more home offices, spaces that can convert to additional entertaining areas or more than one main-level en suite. Remember to ask the builder how they envision different spaces may be repurposed over time.
Be sure to address any structural adjustments that will allow for modifications a decade down the road. These include roughed-in plumbing and electrical work.
Can the builder rough-in additional plumbing lines for possible addition of a utility space near the laundry room? Can the loft or another space in the house get an additional electrical box or simply more wiring and outlets for adding new lighting or other electronics one day in the future?
Maybe the main-level en suite one day will need a kitchenette of its own to serve as an attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU). What can the builder add during construction to the structural, electrical, plumbing and ventilation that may help this possible transition?
Next, look at the plans for the roof, doors and windows. If you’re a big fan of natural light, discover where you can add more or larger windows or doors. If they haven’t already worked it into the home’s options, the builder can help you find spaces where skylights can be placed during roof installation.
Ask about unused space in wall cavities, behind closets or under staircases that can be converted into storage space accessible by doors disguised as walls or paneling.
In the kitchen and bathrooms, look at the standard plan and ask about counter heights as well as cabinet installation options that provide the look and the storage you desire. We’ll get into more detail in an upcoming New Homes News article but be sure to map out your ideal retreat in the master suite, which now is typically referred to as the owner’s suite.
Now it’s time to go outside. Starting with the front step, ask about the possibilities for a deck or stoop that can accommodate a chair or two, if desired. Depending on the community’s overall plans, ask what enhancements can be made to the front door for curb appeal and gathering space.
In the backyard, consider your options and budget for enhancing the patios and perhaps installing permanent outdoor kitchen items.
Buyers who know they’ll spend a lot of time moving between inside and outside will want to consider home plans that offer a California Room with additional patio space or gardens beyond it. Alternatively, some buyers may want to forgo the California Room and install an outdoor fireplace with built-in TV or movie screen instead.
Whatever the need or the space that piques your interest, ask about it. Builders will always have answers, solutions and other alternatives.