“Must-Have” Features for Custom Homes
At Howland Homes, clients often ask, "How much can I customize my home?" We believe in giving our clients as much say in the design process as possible, ensuring their dream home is personal and unique. Customizing your home means tailoring it to fit your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. The beauty of designing a custom home lies in its personalization. Every detail, from the floor plan to the fixtures, can reflect your tastes and enhance your daily living experience. Here are some "must-have" features to consider when designing and building your custom home to improve functionality and value.
Open Floor Plan
An open floor plan is a popular choice for modern homes, providing a spacious and airy feel. By eliminating unnecessary walls, an open floor plan creates a seamless flow between different areas of the home, making it feel larger and more connected. Consider these elements:
Large Living Room and Kitchen Space: Combining these areas creates an ideal flow and makes entertaining easier. An expansive living room and kitchen area can serve as the central focus of your home, perfect for hosting gatherings or spending quality time with family.
Spacious Bedrooms: Ensure each bedroom has ample space for comfort and storage. Larger bedrooms provide more room for personal touches so everyone has a comfortable and private space.
At-home Office: A dedicated home office has become essential for many families, offering a quiet place to work or study. With more people working from home, having a designated office space with built-in shelving and comfortable furniture can enhance productivity.
Other Options: Bonus rooms that adapt to your changing needs, such as a playroom, entertaining room, or gym. These versatile spaces can evolve as your family grows and your needs change, providing the perfect solution for an ever-adapting household.
Kitchen Upgrades
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Enhance its functionality and style with these upgrades:
Durable, Attractive Countertops: Choose materials like quartz or granite for durability and beauty. These materials not only provide a high-end look but also withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring your kitchen remains pristine for years.
Drawer Base Cabinets for Optimal Storage: These cabinets provide easy access and organization. Drawer base cabinets maximize storage space and make it easier to keep kitchen essentials organized and within reach.
Island Design: Incorporate features like a built-in wine rack, shelving, or microwave to maximize space and functionality. An island can serve as the focal point of your kitchen, offering additional prep space, seating, and storage.
Other Options: Consider smart appliances, a pot-filler faucet, garbage disposal, and under-cabinet lighting to add efficiency and quality. Modern technology can streamline kitchen tasks, making your cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Mudroom & Laundry Room
When designing your laundry room, ask yourself these questions to ensure it meets your needs:
Do I iron in my laundry room?
Do I fold clothes in my laundry room?
Does my laundry double as my Costco closet?
Is my laundry room also my mudroom?
Imagine a laundry room that goes beyond the ordinary—a space that serves its practical purpose, displays warmth, and invites you in. Custom cabinetry, built-in storage, and stylish finishes can make this space functional and beautiful. A well-designed mudroom and laundry area can simplify daily chores and keep your home organized. Consider features like a utility sink, hanging rods for air-drying clothes, and ample countertop space for folding.
Extra Storage Space
Adequate storage is essential for a clutter-free home. Consider these storage solutions:
Closets with Shelves or Cabinets: Maximize vertical space and keep items organized. Customized closets can significantly increase your storage capacity, ensuring everything has its place.
Walk-in Pantry: A spacious pantry keeps kitchen essentials neatly stored and easily accessible. With adjustable shelving, pull-out baskets, and ample space, a walk-in pantry can accommodate everything from bulk groceries to small appliances.
Basement Storage: Utilize basement space for seasonal items, sports equipment, and more. A well-organized basement can serve as a catch-all for items that don’t fit elsewhere in the home, freeing up space in your living areas.
Bathroom Features
Create a spa-like retreat in your bathroom with these luxurious features:
Heated Floors: Experience warmth and comfort underfoot during colder months with heated floors. These can make your bathroom feel cozy and inviting, especially in winter, enhancing the overall enjoyment when stepping out of the shower.
Free-standing Tub: A stylish tub can be a stunning focal point. Free-standing tubs come in various designs and materials, allowing you to choose one that complements your bathroom's aesthetic.
Multiple Shower Faucets: Enhance your shower experience with dual or rainfall showerheads and body sprays. These features can transform your daily routine into a spa-like experience, providing relaxation and rejuvenation.
Garage Options
Customize your garage to meet your specific needs with these options:
Attached vs. Detached: Decide based on your preference for accessibility and space. An attached garage offers convenience, while a detached garage can provide additional privacy and flexibility in design. When designing a detached garage, clients have the option to plan for its construction at a later date to accommodate their budget.
Accessory Structures: Consider adding an above-garage apartment or guest suite for extra living space. These structures can serve multiple purposes, such as housing guests, or creating a home office or studio.
2-3 Car Garage: A larger garage provides extra space for storage, lawn care items, and tools. The additional space can accommodate vehicles, recreational equipment, and hobby areas, making it a versatile addition to your home.
At Howland Homes, we can help you choose features and amenities to make your home more functional and maximize the space. We value trust and communication throughout the design-build process, ensuring your dream home becomes a reality. Whether you’re building a new home, adding space, or remodeling, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our custom home-building process.
