New Home Features to Add Before You Break Ground

Tips

Building your dream home? Don’t let last-minute decisions drain your wallet! Adding features on the fly can hit you with a hefty change order fee - which starts at $300! To avoid spending more than you originally planned, make sure you decide on these must-have features before breaking ground.

Here are six features you’ll want to consider early on:

1.Ceiling-Mounted Tub Filler

Adding a ceiling-mounted tub filler is a stunning statement piece that adds luxury to any bathroom. But if you wait until after the plumbing’s in place, you’ll be paying big bucks to add it later. Get this feature on your blueprint from day one to save yourself from that change order fee!

Photo: Tony Soluri. From: Centaur Interiors.

2. Built-In Package Box

With online shopping on the rise, a built-in package box is a practical addition to your home. It’s a mailbox, but for all your packages—keeping deliveries safe and dry while you’re away. Your builder needs to know where to incorporate this into your exterior plans early, so don’t forget to bring it up during the design phase.

Stratford Parcel Mailbox

3. Laundry Chute

If you’ve got multiple floors, a laundry chute is a game-changer. Instead of hauling heavy baskets up and down the stairs, just drop your clothes down the chute straight to the laundry room. But like the tub filler, this needs to be planned out before framing starts—otherwise, you’ll be paying extra to have it retrofitted.

Photo: Emily Followell | Tillman Long Interiors

4. Attic Catwalk

An attic catwalk is one of those features you don’t realize you need until you’re trying to find your holiday decorations. This designated walkway makes it easier and safer to access hard-to-reach storage areas in your attic without the worry of falling through the ceiling. Plan for it now to save time and money.

5. Wye Connector for Your Gutter Drains

A wye connector on your gutter drains allows easy access to a clogged underground gutter drain. These underground drains allow rainwater to flow more efficiently away from your home. This simple addition can prevent drainage issues down the road, but it’s often overlooked until the problem arises. Install it early to avoid costly fixes later!

6. Safe Door in the Bedroom

If security is a priority for you, consider adding a safe door in your master bedroom. Whether it’s for valuables or emergency situations, a hidden safe door can offer peace of mind. Installing it early is key—you don’t want to be knocking down walls after construction is already underway.

Here’s the one I have: https://a.co/d/d1wPkoB

Thinking of adding these features? You can avoid last-minute headaches and fees by getting them into your plans now.

And if you want to make sure nothing slips through the cracks, I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive 40-page checklist that covers every detail you need to consider before meeting with your builder.

Plus, as new ideas come in from homeowners and builders, I’ll update the checklist and send you the latest version for free!

✅Get The Ultimate Home Building Checklist here: https://builderbrigade.com/collections/home-building-checklists/products/the-ultimate-homebuilding-bundle