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Building your dream home? While none of these features are must-haves, they’re the type of upgrades that can save you time, make your life easier, and add some serious wow-factor.
1. Backup Generator Wiring
If you live somewhere that experiences frequent storms or power outages, wiring your home for a backup generator during the build phase is one of those “you’ll thank yourself later” kind of decisions.
Whole-home generators can keep essentials like your fridge, outlets, and HVAC running during an outage. Doing the wiring while building is way easier (and cheaper) than trying to retrofit it later. Many modern generators also kick in automatically, so you don’t have to lift a finger when the power goes out!
Backup Generator System via Norwall Power Systems
2. Gas Lanterns
If you’re going for charm over brightness, gas lanterns on the front porch are a beautiful touch. Just make sure you’re okay with the ongoing gas use. They’re usually left on 24/7, they’re not as bright as electric lights, and they do require a bit of maintenance like adjusting the flame and cleaning soot. Note: Gas lanterns don’t have to stay on 24/7, but turning them off and on can take some effort depending on whether they use a manual or automatic ignition.
Gas lanterns via Tower Lighting
3. Chandelier Lift
Got a big chandelier planned for your entryway or stairwell? Install a chandelier lift. It lets you lower the fixture down with the push of a button so you can clean or change bulbs without scaffolding or ladders. This is one of those features that sounds fancy but is super practical if you're dealing with high ceilings.
Check it out here: https://geni.us/LightLift
4. Built-In Gas Line for the Grill
If you’re planning on grilling more than once a summer, running a built-in gas line to your outdoor grill is a no-brainer. No more lugging propane tanks or realizing you’re out of gas halfway through dinner. It’s clean, convenient, and a great little luxury to add to your outdoor kitchen or patio space. Plus, it’s out of sight and more efficient in the long run. Same can be done for outdoor fire pits and fire features.
Outdoor Grill Area via My 100 Year Old Home
5. In-Wall Bottle Filler
An in-wall water bottle filler is something you need to plan for early on in the build phase. You’ll need a water supply, drain, and electrical for install.
One chance to get it right…
Want to make sure you’ve planned ahead for everything you might need (and want) for your new home build? Don’t forget to download The Ultimate Home Building Checklist! It’s packed with ideas just like these and is basically a sanity-saver for making sure you don’t forget something important before the drywall goes up.
