A few well-placed switches can make your home easier to use, safer at night, and even more energy efficient. These five switches are some of the most commonly overlooked during a new build, but once you have them, you'll wonder how you lived without them.

Flood Light Switch in the Bedroom

This one is a game-changer for peace of mind. Imagine you hear a noise in the middle of the night and want to check outside quickly. If your flood lights are wired to a switch right next to your bed, you can light up your whole yard without having to get up. It’s one of those things that makes you feel safer and more in control. 

Under Soffit Lights

If you love decorating for the holidays, you’ll love this one. Under soffit outlets are usually installed along the roofline so you can plug in string lights or other decorations without running extension cords. Better yet, you can control them with a switch or a built-in timer. It keeps things looking clean and makes setup super easy year after year.

Humidity Sensor for the Bathroom Fan

Let’s be honest, kids don’t always remember to turn on the bathroom fan. And if you forget, that steam can build up and lead to moisture problems over time. A humidity sensor switch solves the problem automatically. It turns the fan on when steam starts building and shuts it off once the humidity is gone. No more fogged mirrors or peeling paint from too much moisture.

Occupancy Sensor Switch

These switches turn the lights on when someone walks into the room and turn them off after a few minutes with no movement. Perfect spots for these are closets, laundry rooms, or the pantry. Basically anywhere you’re walking in with your hands full!  It feels like a small upgrade, but it becomes something you’ll appreciate every single day.


Hidden Pantry via Vyleron

Backyard String Light Switch

If you’ve ever tried to plug in backyard string lights up high, you know it’s a hassle. Instead of reaching for a ladder or an awkward outlet, install a switch that controls those lights. You can even mount the outlet high on a post or wall to keep it out of the way. 

Don’t Miss A Thing When Building

These are just a few of the upgrades people forget to ask for but there are dozens more. The Ultimate Home Building Checklist covers all the details you might not think about until it’s too late. It’s been refined over the past 3 years by over a million homeowners, builders, and contractors. 

From saving money on change orders to sparking ideas you didn’t know were possible, this list can help you build smarter from the start. 

Share this post:

Continue Reading

View all

Home Features So Good They're Worth Having Two

Home Features So Good They're Worth Having Two

Don’t regret not doubling up on these home features. Two Washer and Dryer Sets If you have kids, this one can be a game changer. One laundry room always seems fine on paper until everyone needs it at the same...

Read more

5 Life Changing Home Features Home Owners Swear By

5 Life Changing Home Features Home Owners Swear By

These are the five upgrades that barely move the budget but change how the house feels every single day. Full-Size 36" Interior Doors Once you've moved furniture through a narrow doorway, you'll understand this one immediately. A 36-inch door gives...

Read more

The Best Window to Put Above Your Kitchen Sink

The Best Window to Put Above Your Kitchen Sink

If I'm putting a window above a kitchen sink, I want a great view and plenty of natural light. Having a window there makes a huge difference but if you're building, there's one decision you'll need to make… Picture window...

Read more

★4.9 Based on 1000+ reviews

Trusted by 20,000+ Homeowners, Contractors, and Builders

Shop our checklists and guides to help along your home building journey.

Shop Checklists