When building or renovating a home, it's easy to get caught up in the big decisions—choosing the right layout, selecting finishes, and picking out paint colors. But some of the most valuable features are the ones that often go unnoticed until you wish you had them. Here are seven features you should definitely ask your builder to include:
1. Central Thermostats
The battle over the thermostat can be a constant struggle in many households. Maintain the perfect temperature for your entire home from a central location. Install the thermostats right outside your bedroom, all in one spot, the kids can’t change the settings behind your back!
2. Hot Water Hose BibA hot water hose bib might seem like a luxury, but once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Easily wash your cars, warm pet baths, and even enjoy an outdoor shower. It’s a versatile feature that brings convenience to outdoor chores.
3. Generator WiringWe’ve all experienced those unexpected power outages that leave us scrambling in the dark. While you might not be ready to invest in a generator just yet, getting your home wired for one is a wise move. It’s a small investment that’ll save you money when you’re ready to buy a generator. If you’re not wanting a full home generator you can ask for wiring to utilize a portable generator for just the essentials like fridge, freezers, and a few lights.
4. 240v OutletThe future is electric, and that includes cars. Installing a 240v outlet is a forward-thinking choice. Even if you don’t own an electric car yet, having the outlet ready ensures you’re prepared for the future. The wiring could also be used for heavy-duty power tools like a welder or table saw.
5. Cat6 Cable to CamerasRunning Cat6 cables to your security cameras serves two crucial purposes: it transfers video back to your main hard drive and supplies power to the cameras. This setup reduces the load on your Wi-Fi, ensuring a more stable connection for your devices.
6. Freezer OutletAvoid the nightmare of a tripped circuit and a freezer full of spoiled food by planning ahead. Let your builder know where you plan to place a spare refrigerator or freezer so they can run a dedicated circuit to that spot. This reduces the chance of blowing a fuse while you’re out of town.
7. Deck TapeProtect your wooden decking by applying deck tape to the top of the joists. This will prevent water from sitting on the wood and slowly rotting the top of the floor joist. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your deck, saving you time and money on repairs down the road.
Want a ton more tips and ideas like this?I’ve put together a detailed checklist with tons of features to help you make the most of your new home build or renovation project.
👉 Check out the full checklist here: https://builderbrigade.com/products/the-ultimate-homebuilding-bundle
