Building a new home requires a lot of planning, strategizing, budgeting, and second-guessing your decisions. As a homeowner, how do you keep track of everything that’s going on at once? You might be talking to four different vendors at once, making material selections for one room while getting in touch with a subcontractor about a different one.
Building your dream home board by board takes time, but when you work with the right homebuilder, you don’t have to worry about every nitty-gritty step in the process. We’ll keep you informed at every step of the way. However, there are aspects you do want to be finely attuned to.
In this article, we will cover all the things that should be on your checklist for building a new home.
Building a New Home Checklist: Everything You Need
From the roof all the way down to the subfloor, here are the elements you should be thinking about as a homeowner:
Exterior
In the Florida-Alabama gulf coast region, there are special considerations to ensure you custom build can weather the powerful storms that come through.
Hurricane shutters and impact resistant glazing (hurricane glass) are vital to prevent damage from broken windows, leaving the interior of our house exposed.
Hurricane straps or clips attach your roof to the underlying structure, making it more secure in high winds.
Flood mitigation can be done in multiple ways: You could raise your entire foundation on stilts, to elevate your home. You could design your home so the lowest floor falls above the “design flood elevation” or DFE. You can also install a sump pump to deal with any water that does come through. Consulting with your builder will help you choose the best option.
Reinforced garage doors will hold up against flying debris and high winds. Also ensure your regular doors are strong and protected by storm doors.
Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a classic choice, with a timeless look and durability that can be refinished multiple times to repair the wear-and-tear of daily life.
Engineered hardwood offers the same look and feel of wood flooring, with added benefits like waterproofing and ease of installation. Some engineered hardwoods also have a veneer thick enough to be refinished a limited amount of times.
LVP or LVT luxury vinyl planks or tiles can be great options for areas with high-traffic that are often exposed to mess, mud, or water. These are easier to clean and less expensive than wood, and come in many different aesthetic options. However, they are not able to be refinished.
Tile is a great choice for kitchens, baths, and sunrooms where wet surfaces are common. It can be cold in bedrooms and living spaces, so if you are set on tile, plan to get rugs or install underfloor heating!
Carpeting offers a soft surface that muffles noise and keeps rooms insulated. Carpet comes in luxury finishes, and is often less expensive than other flooring types.
Bathrooms
Tub/shower combinations make the most of smaller bathrooms.
Walk-in showers are great for a spa-like atmosphere. If you have the space, consider adding a large walk-in shower along with a …
Soaking tub that offers even more luxurious relaxation giving your bathroom the best of both options.
Vanities and storage can make a big difference in the functionality of your bathrooms. Double sinks are great for the primary suite, but can also be useful in shared bathrooms for kids or guests.
In addition, incorporating linen closets into bathrooms can be a great way to ensure towels are always within arms reach.
Heated floors even in a warm, sunny climate, it’s nice to step out of the shower onto a warm surface. Consider using underfloor heating in rooms with tile surfaces.
Bedrooms
Outlet placement in a bedroom has a big impact on the layout. Plan ahead so outlets for phone chargers, reading lights, and more are exactly where you need them. Nothing is worse than a useless outlet right in the middle of the bedframe.
Windows/doors again, consider the flow of your primary suite or bedroom when choosing where windows and doors will be. A swinging door can take up a lot of space and make even a large space feel cramped.
His and hers closets add a touch of luxury — especially if you have room for a walk-in! Ample closet space keeps a bedroom tidy and decluttered, and is a selling point should you ever choose to put your custom build on the market.
Suites or seating areas add a hotel-style feel to your room. If you want additional space, or a reading nook by a window, plan ahead and work with your builder to make it happen.
Laundry
Location can make doing laundry easy — or hinder your efforts. Adding laundry to your second floor where bedrooms and bathrooms are can make transporting loads much easier.
Layout also influences how convenient sorting, folding, and ironing is. Stacked units maximize a smaller space, leaving room for ironing boards, additional storage, or drying racks. Side by side can create a countertop area for sorting and folding.
Kitchens
Consider how the layout and configuration in your kitchen can help you achieve your goals — create an efficient chef’s kitchen if you love to cook, or make use of open space and a large island if hosting is important to you.
Appliance finish Is another aspect to consider — stainless steel is a classic choice, but hidden appliances are becoming more popular and readily available.
Cabinetry and countertops can make a statement with bold colors and dramatic veining, or set a serene backdrop in neutrals. Either way, the kitchen is the heart of your home, and the cabinets and countertop are a focal point.
Pantry storage, whether hidden away in a separate space or incorporated into your cabinetry, is an important part of your kitchen functionality. Consider if you want extra storage and how to incorporate it into your layout.
What To Expect From Your Contractor
Exploration into your ideal vision. From the very first meeting, you should feel at ease that the homebuilder you are working with strives to understand your goals and make them a reality.
Design collaboration from start to finish, resulting in a thoughtful design that checks all the boxes, whether you opt for fully-custom or start with existing plans and make modifications.
Comprehensive construction process, taking your build from blueprints to breaking ground to your dream home, with a transparent process that keeps you informed and confident of progress.
RHS has over 40 years of custom homebuilding experience in Alabama and Florida. Our work stands the test of time and sets the standard for luxury homes on the gulf coast. Learn more about our process and get in touch to start your custom home project.
