Building a house from the ground up has a number of benefits over buying a house. You have the chance to select all the right elements to build the perfect space, including the features found in the kitchen and bathroom and even the color of the walls. When you meet with a builder to begin the process though, you should have an idea in mind of what you want. Creating a list of things you want to request will give you a better idea of what the finished product will look like and how much it will cost.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Did you know that energy-efficient windows can help you save significantly on your heating and cooling bills? These windows usually feature two panes of durable glass with a gas in the center. The windows block cold or warm air from escaping your house and eliminate drafts too. You can choose from a wide range of styles, including those with trim made from wood, vinyl or aluminum, and you can pick from different designs too, including fixed picture windows or casement windows that open from the front. Make sure you request that your builder install energy-efficient windows to save on heating and cooling bills in the future.
Exterior Materials
Curb appeal refers to how your house looks from the street or the curb. While adding new flowers or having welcoming decorations on your porch can help you increase your curb appeal, you’ll also need to select the right materials for the exterior of your house. Some people love the look of brick, but if brick is too expensive for your budget, you can put brick on the front and vinyl on the back and sides. Both vinyl and wood siding now come in a number of options, including neutral colors that let your decorations stand out and brighter and bolder colors.
Outdoor Entertaining Space
If you love throwing parties and inviting guests over, your new house must feature some type of outdoor entertaining space or area. Depending on the design and layout of the house, you might opt for a small backyard patio that has just enough space for a small group or a large porch that wraps around two or three sides of the house. Your builder can help you decide on a design that works with the style of the house and one that meets your entertaining needs.
Warranty Options
Always request some type of home insurance or home warranty that will protect you in the future. The builder should offer a warranty that covers any installation problems or issues that occur because of builder errors. You may want to look at a general home warranty plan too. These warranties are quite affordable and let you get help when an appliance fails or you experience other problems. With appliances, the warranty company will often send a repair technician to your home. The repair tech will either fix the problem on the spot or let you know that you need to send off the appliance for servicing.
Flooring
One of the more important things that you need to request is the right type of flooring for each room. Tile is great in an entryway, kitchen or bathroom because it repels moisture and is easy to clean. While hardwood looks amazing, laminate flooring has a similar look and costs a fraction of the price. Some find that laminate is easier to clean than hardwood too. For a warm and welcoming feel in your living room or family room, you can’t go wrong with carpet, which comes in hundreds of colors, designs and even thicknesses.
Now that you know what to request in your new house, you can meet with a builder and start discussing your options. A good builder will give you an estimate as to the final cost and alert you of any issues or problems that might increase that price along the way.
David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about home maintenance and DIY home repair. He’s also knowledgeable about topics like how to improve social presence and building a reputation online.
