The pandemic has prompted many people to reassess their relationship with their homes, leading to a desire for larger living spaces, outdoor entertainment areas, heightened comfort, and personalized home offices. If you’re considering building a new custom home, you have the opportunity to create exactly what you want without compromising on anything.
One prominent trend in custom homes is the popularity of open-plan spaces with multifunctional uses and ample natural light. With numerous decisions to make between classic features and the latest trends, it can be overwhelming to navigate the process of building a custom home.
To assist you in making choices, we have compiled a list of essential features for your new home. Many of these features emphasize energy-efficient designs, the use of eco-friendly building materials, and the integration of advanced technological innovations for smart-home living.
Roof Insulation
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners can potentially save up to 15% on cooling and heating costs by installing insulation in their attics.
When roof insulation is properly installed on the ceiling, it acts as a barrier between hot and cold air, helping to keep your home cooler during the summer. Without this barrier, melting snow or rainwater can lead to water damage and mold growth.
Effective insulation not only contributes to a healthier home environment but also improves air quality and reduces noise pollution. Additionally, roof insulation plays a crucial role in preventing harmful pollutants from entering your home. Due to its economic and health benefits, roof insulation is considered one of the most important features for a new home.
Eco-Friendly Building Materials
When constructing a custom home, many contractors and consumers prioritize the use of eco-friendly building materials for their energy efficiency and sustainability.
By opting for green building practices, you can contribute to waste reduction, energy savings, conservation of natural resources, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved water and air quality.
It is advisable to avoid materials that contain formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and toxic flame retardants whenever possible. Remember that the materials you choose for your home can have a significant impact on your health, making the selection of eco-friendly building materials a worthwhile investment.
Solar Panels
By investing in solar panel systems, you can save an estimated $10,000 to $30,000. When sunlight hits the semiconductor material on the solar panel, it releases electrons, generating electricity.
The more solar panels you have, the more electricity can be generated. These panels are easy to install and provide clean electricity, reducing the need for harmful fossil fuels.
In addition to lowering your electricity bills, solar panels can increase your home’s value by approximately 4.1%. Furthermore, the repair costs for solar panels are relatively low, and they require minimal maintenance.
With their ability to provide renewable, sustainable, and abundant energy, solar panels are a must-have for any new home. They contribute to reducing carbon emissions and offer an eco-friendly way of living.
However, as the world becomes more energy-conscious, there are other measures to consider beyond solar panels to further reduce energy consumption and create a better environment.
Smart Lighting
One important must-have for your new home is smart lighting. With the ability to control your light settings from your tablet or mobile phone, you can conveniently switch the lights on and off even when you’re not at home or in the room.
Smart lighting is highly customizable, allowing you to save money and enhance your home security. By using LED bulbs, you can conserve energy without sacrificing the warmth and brightness you’re accustomed to.
High-Quality Windows
High-quality windows are not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to maintain and durable. They provide warmth, light, and enhance the overall beauty of our homes.
Airtight windows are particularly beneficial as they help regulate interior temperatures, reducing high-energy bills, especially during winter. They also offer protection to flooring, furniture, and window treatments by reflecting UV rays.
Most high-quality windows are double-glazed, although triple-glazed windows are even more effective in reducing noise pollution. Recently, there has been a growing trend of floor-to-ceiling windows and black window frames.
Customized Built-Ins
Built-ins add a personal and unique touch to any home, whether they come in the form of entertainment units, benches, or shelves. These versatile features can be a wonderful addition to your new home, offering both functional display spaces and storage solutions. Built-ins bring functionality and elegance to the room where they are incorporated.
With the increasing prevalence of work-from-home setups, built-ins are gaining popularity, as homeowners seek customized pieces that set their homes apart. Additionally, they provide enhanced storage solutions.
When designing your personalized built-ins, consider the architectural details, storage configuration, shape, and placement. A thoughtfully designed built-in will seamlessly blend with your home and feel like a natural part of the space, rather than an afterthought.
Smart-Home Technology
In addition to smart lighting, there are other efficient custom home features that can enhance your lifestyle. Incorporating smart technologies like smart security systems, audio controls, refrigerators, locks, and doorbells can assist you in accomplishing your daily tasks and routines, making your life easier and more comfortable.
Some of the most popular smart-home tech devices currently trending include modern burglar alarms, video door alarms, and facial recognition devices.
Even simple yet effective devices like wall sockets with USB ports can make a significant difference when it comes to powering and charging your mobile phones and other devices. These technological integrations offer convenience and improved functionality within your home.
Outdoor Living Space
A custom-designed house extends beyond the interior; it can include an outdoor living space as well. Recognizing the advantages of outdoor living, many people are now expanding the functionality of their homes to embrace the outdoors.
By incorporating features such as pools, kitchens, decks, lounges, bars, and patios, you can fully enjoy and make the most of your outdoor area.
Creating semi-enclosed spaces also allows for extended use of the outdoors throughout the year. Even a simple BBQ area can make a significant difference, providing an enjoyable outdoor space and opportunities for creating lasting memories.
Double Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands have multiple functions. They can either be used as food preparation areas, classrooms, or workspaces. Ultimately, double kitchen islands are one of the most useful additions to your new home or home renovation since they are multifunctional.
One of the kitchen islands can be used as a preparation counter, while the other could include a dishwasher and a sink or can also be used as a seating area.
Conclusion
Most often, building your dream house is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Hence, you must make it worthwhile by incorporating efficient must-have features for eco-friendly and sustainable living, while accommodating your lifestyle and providing you with a quality life.
At Midtown Builders Group, we can help in building your dream home. We build custom homes with excellent craftsmanship and unique designs. For more details, you can call us at 706-457-0012 or send us an email at jcainmbg@gmail.com.
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