Here’s a list of new construction items that may be forgotten
Are you considering new construction for your next home? The process is exciting, full of many decisions to make and multiple time deadlines to meet. I’ve seen families disappointed to discover some things they wish they would’ve added to the build AFTER construction was complete.
To help in that regard, I’ve compiled a list of building items from a number of sources for you to consider when you meet with your home builder.
After all, building a custom or semi-custom home should give you everything you want! You may not need or want all the things on this list, however you may get ideas and truly ensure the best outcome for your new construction. And certainly everything adds up quickly, so prioritize your list of wants.
Here’s my list—please feel free to add more in the comments at the bottom of the page!
- Outlets in the kitchen pantry for charging electronics or for items that may end up living there
- Full-size broom closet in pantry or laundry room to hide all the cleaning items out of sight. Maybe include electrical outlet for cordless vacuum and/or flashlight.
- Plan where your dog/cat feeding dishes will go so you don’t cut in vents and not leave open space. Also if you have cats, think about where to keep the litter box (boxes if your the crazy cat lady). Maybe in storage space under mudroom bench?
- Maybe solar tubes in areas that don’t get natural sunlight (with switch to close off)
- Prewire security system (including cameras) if you’re not starting out with it
- Prepare roof for future solar panels
- Think carefully about HVAC vent placement with regard to furniture and curtains
- You may want a central vacuum system. Consider a Hide-A-Hose retractable hose system! Don’t forget an outlet that’s accessible to the garage.
- Run conduit under the driveway for possible wiring or plumbing in the future
- Four-receptacle electrical outlets in master bedroom at nightstands. Our portable devices stay close to us!
- If your attic will have enough space for storage, you may want a couple electrical outlets to plug in a fan, additional light, or a powered digital television antenna
- Exterior electrical outlets under the eaves with interior switches/timer switches for Christmas lights
- Recessed space for your refrigerator so it will be flush with adjacent cabinets
- If you entertain very much, you may want a second water line for a standalone ice maker—either in the kitchen or bar area
- Electrical outlet inside vanity drawers or cabinets for blow dryer, cordless razor, etc.
- Pre-wire indoor and outdoor speakers
- Electricity to garden areas for lighting
- Soundproofing some walls (laundry room, powder room, etc.)
- Identify area for alarm system, network server for IOT (internet of things), internet modem/routers, etc. Additional internet routers/boosters in different zones
- Storm shelter in garage or safe room in house
- Carbon monoxide detector on each level
- Gas line to deck or patio for barbecue grill. And make it convenient from the kitchen!
- Plumb both gas and electric for cooktop, clothes dryer, water heater and furnace
- Whole-house surge protector in the breaker box
- Make sure your electrician labels all switches in the breaker box
- Pre-wire for power generator to essential items. May be cheaper to install two separate breaker boxes, one for essential items and the other for everything else.
- Motion sensor on the pantry light
- Consider installing a garage door opener switch on the inside wall.
- Consider the possibility of having an electric or hybrid car in the future that needs sufficient power accessible in the garage—or near the driveway (if you’re an especially generous host)
- Drain(s) in garage for rain/snow/ice from cars (even in Oklahoma, it happens occasionally!)
- Locate the laundry room where most of the laundry is generated—near the bedrooms
- Water shutoff valve in the garage instead of just at the meter
- Water shutoff for refrigerator under the sink instead of behind the fridge
- Under-cabinet lighting helps to see your whole prep areas. Toe-kick lighting is perfect night lighting.
- Wall safe bolted to studs
- Multiple TV coaxial outlets in some rooms. Should also run ethernet to rooms where you would have smart TVs (internet will be faster through hard-wired connection than on wifi).
Again, this list just has some ideas you might have forgotten in your new construction project. If you have additions, please leave ’em in a comment below!
My husband and I are wanting to build a home, and we want to remember all of the details! I appreciate your advice that we should consider putting the garage door opener inside! It’s all of these little details that will make our lives so much simpler.
Nice! Good luck with everything!
Thanks for the tip to put extra outlets in our kitchen for charging electronics or plugging in appliances. My husband and I want to start looking at lots for sale so we can start the process of having a custom home built this spring. I’ll have to save your tips for later since they’ll be helpful when it comes time to make decisions about the electrical system of the house!
It’s all about planning ahead. Good luck with your build! If you need help in Oklahoma or finding a fantastic agent to represent you there, just let me know. I have close ties all over the country 🙂