If you’re building your dream home from the ground up, then you want that house to last a lifetime. One of the countless benefits of building a custom home is that you can curate every detail so that it meets your family’s needs not just now, but for decades or even generations to come. However, to build a custom home that lasts a lifetime requires smart planning and careful forethought. To get you started on the right track, here are four key components to consider when starting your custom new home construction.
Choose the Right Location
Before even beginning to visualize your home design, it’s important to choose the right location for your custom home. When picking a lot, it’s important to consider factors like proximity to hospitals, good school districts, community centers, and shopping areas. This not only dictates the long-term value of your home but also ensures that the location meets your needs throughout different phases of your life.
In addition to what part of a city you live in, consider the natural elements of the lot and where your home will be constructed in relation to them. For example, does the lot contain a steep hill that may be difficult to navigate as you get older? Is it on a busy street that may pose a danger to your kids? Consider the sun’s orientation and which parts of your home you want to receive the most natural light. Are there trees that may shade your home from the sun, and is this a good thing or a bad thing for you? All of these factors can dictate whether the lot works for you and how you want to design your home around it.
Integrate Smart Home Technologies
Almost every custom home is now being built with some form of smart home technology incorporated into the design. These technologies simplify life, enhance your safety, and improve energy efficiency.
Consider basics like smart thermostats, zoned HVAC, and motorized shades for reduced energy consumption. For greater safety, smart tech like leak sensors and an auto-shutoff main valve protect against water damage, while smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors offer peace of mind. Video doorbells and remote security systems are also increasingly popular.
These technologies not only make your life easier now, but they also help life remain convenient as you age in place. They can easily adapt with your life and as technologies evolve, keeping your home tailored to your needs for years to come.
Prioritize Accessibility
Universal design is often something that homeowners don’t consider until they find themselves beginning to struggle with their current setup, but aging in place is important to keep in mind from day one. When designing your custom home, keep accessibility top of mind, whether you have aging parents who may need to move in soon or whether you’re planning for your own future in the home.
It’s always a good idea to have a bedroom on the main floor of the house, if for any reason a resident can’t climb the stairs. Having this bedroom in close proximity to a full bath is also a good idea, and ensure that at least one bathroom in your house has a tub, which is great for kids, and another has a curbless walk-in shower, which is great for older adults.
Aim for a zero-step entry, flush thresholds, generous hallways, and wide doors. These all improve flow and reduce trip hazards without sacrificing style. Details like drawers over deep cabinets and well-placed outlets can reduce strain and enhance usability. Good lighting also improves safety for all ages. No matter the age of the residents in your home, all of these details protect independence and comfort while enhancing your home’s architectural design.
If you’re ready to plan your forever home in Middle Tennessee, Hannah Custom Homes is the partner you can trust. We’re one of the nation’s leading home construction companies for a reason, delivering impeccable craftsmanship and luxury finishes with a hassle-free workflow that leaves our clients nothing but excited for their new luxury custom home. To get started, give us a call at 615-823-3869 or contact us online. We can’t wait to discuss the details of your custom new home construction with you!