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1. Sound Insulation in Your Bedroom Walls
Most builders insulate the exterior walls of your house, but the interior walls are usually left empty. That means you can hear a lot more than you probably want to from the rooms next door.
If you're building a new home, I'd seriously consider adding sound-dampening insulation to the interior walls around your bedrooms.
Mineral wool insulation is one option I'd ask about. It helps reduce sound traveling through the walls.
One more thing I'd add is solid-core bedroom doors. You can spend extra money insulating the walls, but a lightweight hollow-core door can still let plenty of noise through.
2. A Hidden Safe Room With Security Monitors
If you're already installing security cameras around your house, why not plan a dedicated spot where you can view all of them?
I've seen some pretty cool hidden rooms with monitors displaying feeds from cameras around the property.
I'd run network cable to the camera locations while the walls are open. Hardwired cameras can provide a more dependable connection than relying entirely on Wi-Fi, especially around a large house.
I'd also plan outlets, network equipment, ventilation, and space for the monitors
Link: https://geni.us/safedoorhome
3. Blocking for Swings, Exercise Equipment, and Poles
If you're planning to install a pull-up bar, exercise swing, wall-mounted rack, or other fitness equipment, you may need additional structural support.
That's where blocking comes in.
Blocking is extra framing installed between studs or joists to provide support for things you plan to attach later.
But for equipment that supports a person's weight or creates movement, ordinary blocking may not be enough. A decent framer can can make the blocking strong enough to hold the weight required so just explain what it’s intended for.
The important thing is figuring this out before drywall.
4. An Outlet Next to the Toilet
This might be the least exciting upgrade on the list, but it's one I'd absolutely consider.
If you ever want to install an electric bidet toilet or bidet seat, you're probably going to need an outlet near the toilet.
And I wouldn't want an extension cord running across my bathroom floor.
I'd ask your electrician to install an appropriately protected outlet near the toilet during electrical rough-in.
You want the outlet close enough to reach without having an awkward cord hanging across the wall.
Even if you don't plan to buy the bidet immediately, having the outlet ready gives you the option later.
5. A Dedicated Dog Washing Station
Instead of washing your dog in the bathtub or dragging a hose across the backyard, you can build a dedicated dog washing station into your mudroom, laundry room, or garage.
I'd consider raising the washing area so you don't have to bend over as much, especially if you're washing your dog regularly.
And while you're planning pet features, think about building a dedicated feeding station into your cabinetry. You can recess the food and water bowls so they're not constantly getting kicked across the floor.
One clever upgrade I've seen is a floor drain near the bowls to make cleanup easier.
6. A Dedicated Package Delivery Room
If Amazon knows your address better than some of your relatives, this one's for you.
Have a dedicated space where delivery drivers can leave packages without having access to the main house.
This is a secure compartment near the front entry with an exterior delivery door and a separate locked door into the house.
Link: https://geni.us/MBSentinelPackage
And if you're not building a new house anytime soon, you can do something similar with an outdoor package box. It's a great alternative if you want packages kept out of sight instead of sitting on your front porch.
Link: https://geni.us/OutdoorSecurityBox
These Are the Upgrades You Need to Plan Early
I wouldn't want you finding out about these upgrades after the drywall is installed, especially when a little extra wiring, plumbing, or framing during construction could make them possible.
Before your builder starts closing up walls, I'd go through your plans and think about how you actually want to use each room.
That's exactly why I created the Ultimate Home Building Checklist. It's packed with overlooked upgrades and construction details that are much easier to plan before your house is finished.
