When building a new home it’s easy to include unique features that would require demolition and reconstruction should you want to add them later. Here’s a list of some things you might want to think about when building your new home.
Extra Electrical Outlets
Especially with today’s electronic gadgets, electrical outlets are used more than ever. Add extras near where the beds will be, around the entertainment centre, on the kitchen island, around the fireplace mantle, under the windows, in the bathroom, the garage, outdoors and even under the awnings (for Christmas lights.)
Heated And Insulated Garage
Even though your garage won’t need to be at room temperature, heating and insulation will make a massive difference over the winter for both your vehicle and yourself if you need to be doing any work out there. The heated garage will also prevent frozen pipes.
Garage Hot Water Faucet
If you’re fitting your garage with a cold water faucet, it doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to add a hot water faucet as well.
Garage Floor Drain
A floor drain in your garage will allow for easy cleaning of the garage floor as well as allow for the draining of water runoff from your vehicles. And in the case of unexpected flooding, a the floor drain may become your saviour.
Heated Flooring
Something that’s popular in a lot of European countries, heated flooring can make a huge difference to your mood on winter mornings when you didn’t want to get out of your bed. They’re easy to install when building, but not so easy as an afterthought.
Mudroom
An extra small room at the main entrance to dress/disrobe and store jackets, footwear and any other outdoor/indoor gear will not only keep the rest of the house cleaner, but will help keep the cold/hot weather out. Also consider the possibility of a sink in this room.
Extra Wiring
Adding extra wiring before the drywall is installed will save having to replace it all later when you realize you need to run speaker or electrical wiring out to your deck.
Backup Generator Wiring And Storage
Having your home pre-wired for a backup generator will make installation a breeze even if you don’t have said generator yet. While you’re at it, pre-planning a concrete slab for the generator to sit on will beat trying to find a place for one later.
Backwater Valves
When installing your plumbing, make sure backwater valves are included in your piping to prevent sewers from backing up into your basement. It’s a simple addition while building, but a destructive job after the fact.
Embedded Safe
Everyone has valuables – even if they’re just documents. A stand alone safe is still portable and can easily be stolen. Think about embedding a small safe in one of your concrete walls. Not only is it fireproof and secure, but it’s easily hideable with a simple covering.
