If you are building your home from the ground up, you are going to want to take the time to consider exactly what upgrades you want in the home before construction begins. Some common upgrades could mean significant changes to existing plans, which is why we recommend sitting down with your construction project manager and builder to work out these upgrades beforehand. It is also important to note these upgrades due to the difference in costs in the construction of the home, especially now with supply chain issues.
Here are just a few of the key areas to discuss:
Hardwood Floors or Carpeting/Tile
This may sound like a crazy idea to have to think too far ahead, but if you have a two-story home that will have a staircase, this could become an issue. Reason being that rug or tile versus adding a nailed-down wood floor could decrease the size of the bottom step that is in front of the staircase. Make sure the builder knows your plans so you can avoid having the “short step” problem.
Garage Door Height and Width
This may sound like it should be a no-brainer in any design, but if you have an SUV or pickup, a standard eight-foot-wide garage door will not work. If the home is built with an eight-foot-wide door instead of nine, you better get used to folding in your mirrors. The same can be said for the height of the door. Are you driving a pickup that is lifted or plan on putting a boat inside the garage? This will need to be factored into the garage door height so the changes can be made prior to the start of the build.
Bathroom Count
Does the current plan have enough bathrooms? This could be an issue on resale as well. All plumbing needs must be identified before the build begins to ensure proper permitting.
The Utility Room
If you want extra plumbing in the utility room, such as a sink, this will need to be addressed before the build because it will impact the foundation pour in that particular room. People will often add a storage freezer to this room as well, which means you will need a dedicated circuit breaker for the appliance to prevent tripping out other breakers.
Whole House Internet
This is a big issue for many homeowners today, and something that will need to be discussed before the framing begins. You can have your entire home prewired for direct internet access for your TV, modems, network equipment, etc. Wireless is great, but it is also far less secure than wired connections. For those working from home, a hard-wired computer is something you will want to consider for security.
This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of areas of concern, which is why it is far better to have a residential construction project manager on the job for you. Our team can sit down and create a checklist of your special needs to ensure the builder is on the same page and there are no last-minute surprises that could result in significant increases in the cost of construction. For more information about construction management services, click here, or give us a call at 888-402-4180.