8 Best New Home Features

The biggest advantage to building a new home is being able to personalize every detail to reflect your family’s lifestyle, needs, and preferences.

 

If you’re beginning to plan your dream home, there are countless new home features to consider.

To help you narrow in on some real exciting new home features, we’ve compiled a list of our top eight best home must haves:

​

1. KITCHEN FINISHES

With decades in the homebuilding industry, we know how important kitchen spaces are to our clients, as this unique space truly is the heart of the home. Depending on how you desire to utilize the area (e.g. having family dinners, hosting and entertaining guests, etc.), you may wish to include some of the following new home features in your kitchen:

• Oversize island

• Under-cabinet lighting

• Walk-in pantry

• Open shelving in place of upper cabinetry

• Dinette niche with wine and beverage storage

• Integrated appliance garages for out-of-sight convenience

• Breakfast nook or breakfast bar

• Kitchen pass-through to the outdoors

• Chef grade appliances and conveniences

​

2. BONUS ROOMS

Your home should be a representation of you and your family and all you may need. At Brendan Custom Homes, we encourage our clients to think beyond the essentials (i.e. kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, etc.), and incorporate spaces that truly enhance their lifestyles. Afterall, we spend so much of our down time in our homes, so it makes sense to add new home features that make our time even more enjoyable, and a place the whole family will be comfortable in.

​

For inspiration, here are some of our favorite bonus room ideas:

• If your family enjoys movie nights, consider adding a home theater or media room outfitted with a large TV or projector, surround-sound speakers, comfy seating, refreshment area, dimmable lights, and more.

• Is your family more active? Consider dedicating a space for an at-home gym, yoga studio, sports court(s), rock-climbing studio, etc.

• If you’re excited about entertaining, social gatherings and/or game nights, create a welcoming space that includes a wet bar and bar stools, built-in speakers, table and chairs, pool table, dart board, games, etc.

• Work from home? Home office spaces have become and necessity these days.

• With so many choosing to school at home, a space dedicated to home education makes learning and focus much easier.

​

3. PERSONALIZED BUILT-INS

One of the hardest parts about moving into an existing home is ensuring you have ample storage for your belongings and heirlooms. Building a new home allows personalized storage potential, letting you incorporate however much your family needs. And no matter what your needs are, Brendan Custom Homes' design team knows just which built-in solution can provide you the necessary functional storage you need with the design aesthetic you want. As you begin making your plans for your new home, consider incorporating some of the following built-ins:

• Shelving units for functional storage and displays

• Benches and/or window seating with hidden storage options

• TV and entertainment units to mask unsightly wires and cables and provide space for all necessary electronics and devices

• Cedar Closets to protect important keepsakes.

• Climate controlled outdoor storage areas help maintain possessions.

​

4. HEATED/COOLED GARAGE

There’s no getting away from the Texas heat! Having a temperature controlled garage allows for space for parties and activities. It also can get pretty cool in the winter. It is so nice to step into a heated garage and avoid the harsh cold chill. Climate control can also prevent mold etc. from destroying your stored items.

​

5. SMART-HOME TECHNOLOGY

Smart home technology has come a long way! With so many of today’s homeowners living active, busy lifestyles, it’s helpful to have a home that can add convenience and simplify your routines. The many advancements in technology for home automation and security in recent years, the sky is the limit on what you can add for convenience and to prepare your home for future technology. As you brainstorm new home must haves, consider incorporating the following smart-home-technology options:

• Home security system (e.g. smart door locks, surveillance cameras including doorbell camera, security alarm system, etc.)

• Home automation system (e.g. smart programmable thermostat, smart appliances, smart lighting options, etc.)

• Built-in speaker systems

• Ample power outlets with USB-charging points

• Custom indoor and outdoor lighting.

​

6. LARGE MUDROOM

More and more homeowners are looking for more than a coat closet can provide. Instead of your standard entryway coat closet, consider incorporating a separate mudroom that sports a functional cubby system with coat hooks and shoe storage and overflow cabinetry that gives additional storage for all your family’s hobby equipment, cleaning necessities, and any other odds and ends you need. Particularly if you have a swimming pool, this type of space keeps dirt and mess away from your living spaces.

​

7. OUTDOOR LIVING AREA

So many of us crave spending more time outdoors, and with such beautiful natural landscapes, Brendan Custom Homes create better spaces to spend more time outdoors. Outdoor living spaces also create additional space for the home for guests, family members and just a place to relax. We encourage you to allow your hobbies, goals, and needs inspire your plans for your new outdoor space. Here are some of our favorite outdoor living options:

• Outdoor kitchen with cabinets, grill(s), appliances like a pizza oven, prep station, etc.

• Outdoor entertaining area with fully-stocked bar, stools, etc.

• Outdoor lounge area with comfy seating, fans, outdoor TV or projector, etc.

• Outdoor dining area with large table, ample seating, etc.

• Outdoor lighting and sound

• 3-season screen porch with fireplace

• Deck

​

8. EASILY-ACCESSIBLE LAUNDRY ROOMS

Many of today’s homeowners are looking to relocate their laundry room as close to the main bedrooms as possible, and we understand the appeal. By including an upstairs laundry room—or a laundry room nearby the owners’ suite—or even connecting 2 laundry areas, you can spend less time accomplishing your day-to-day laundry tasks and more time doing the things you love. When building a new home, you get to include new home features like this that provide more functionality and make the most sense for you and your family.

​

Inspired by New Home Features and Possibilities?

With so many new home features to consider when building your home, it can be difficult navigating which features, trends, and possibilities will actually benefit your family and enhance your lifestyle. As a Houston leader in the home-building industry for years, we can provide valuable guidance throughout the entire home-building process, including selecting the best new home features, location, and floor plan for you and your family.

 

At Brendan Custom Homes, our team of architects have designed our home plan collections to fit your unique lifestyle, goals, and budget. Our biggest priority is delivering you the most exceptional homebuilding experience from first consultation to the final walkthrough of your dream home and beyond.

 

If you’re excited to start planning your new home construction, talk with the experts at Brendan Custom Homes. For more information on our home plan collections or to discuss your goals, home must haves and more, contact us today!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​