The great thing about building a custom home is that it is built around you and your design tastes. But how do you make sure these features will add maximum value?

Before the build starts it is important to talk to your builder about how to integrate value into your home. While there are many features you can consider, here are a select few design tips to get you inspired.

Energy Efficient Features
Sustainable living isn’t just a growing trend, it is part of a wider environmental movement to lower carbon emissions and better look after the planet. Custom homes that have a light ecological footprint will receive lower energy bills as well as increasing in value over time.

Before construction begins talk with your builder about how you can include energy efficient features into your new home. Investing in efficient heating and cooling; low-flow faucets and showerheads; dual-flush toilets; and efficient lighting and appliances are just the beginning.

Spray foam insulation, how the building is sealed and environmentally conscientious floor plans will reduce drafts that work against heating and cooling systems, as well as making the most of natural sunlight to help reduce the amount of electricity used.

Standards for energy efficiency are constantly evolving and installing green features from the get-go will save you a lot of time and energy.

Nick Beaudry Homes is an EarthCraft certified builder. We appreciate the importance of building green and are committed to creating sustainable and energy efficient homes.

Smart From the Start
It’s safe to say that technology isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Instead of installing smart technology down the track, why not incorporate it into your initial build? Making the most of the latest technology can create a home that is convenient and exciting to live in.

With the recent push towards designing smarter homes, the team at Nick Beaudry Homes understand the different ways technology can feature in the overall design. Talk with us about adding elements such as remote controlled heating and cooling, blinds and shutters, automated security systems, and technology assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home.

Controlling smart features remotely can cut your energy costs and add financial value. Before the build begins work with your builder to consider the kind of infrastructure and systems you will need that best support the technology you want to invest in.

Invest in Storage Space
One of our most important – yet simplest – home design tips is to integrate plentiful storage spaces from the start. The more years you live in a space, the more things you will acquire, especially if you have children running around the home. Good storage spaces will make your life easier as well as addingvalue to your home as the years go by.

Consider solutions such as attic shelving, under-the-stairs bunkers, kitchen and wall cabinets, garage storage compartments, walk-in pantries and large laundries with storage space for linen.

OUTDOOR LIVING
Today’s home owners are looking for more than just a simple backyard. The best way to add value for future buyers is to design an outdoor space that not only looks great, but is liveable too.

This could be anything from built-in seating and storage, to an integrated outdoor kitchen and fireplace. A versatile outdoor space can be a great investment.