New Home Features Archives

New Home Features

When building there are so many new home features to choose from – though it’s exciting, some can find the amount of choices a bit daunting. It’s inevitable that you will be met with options that you hadn’t even considered. We’re here to share our knowledge so you can get a jump on the building process – it will make you feel more confident going into the design phase.

Must Read Articles About New Home Features :

Exterior of a home with a tan colored entry doro

5 Essential Front Door Color Ideas to Choose From

The color you choose for your front door ultimately defines your house in terms of class, style, and taste. There are several front door color ideas that you can choose from — however, they should fit in with the overall palette of your home. Choosing your front door color will depend on the color of your house, your preferences, and how you’ve decorated. Here are five bold front door colors and tips on how to pick them.

exterior of a two story home with a garage and deck

10 Popular Custom Home Customizations

Customizations take a new home from typical to tailor-made. So, if personalization is what you crave, why settle for ordinary when it comes to your dream home? Here are 10 popular customizations you might love in your new home.

Everything You Need to Know About Ranch Homes

Learn why the one-story, open layout has made a comeback. The common saying, “as American as baseball and apple pie” could easily add “ranch homes.” A study released by the National Association of Home Builders shows two-thirds of home buyers (64%) would like a single-story home. To better understand the demand, here are some reasons the single story structure is popular again.

Closeup of Quartz Countertops in a kitchen

Quartz Versus Granite Countertops

Designing a house opens the doors to tons of options. Picking out the countertops in a new home for your food preparation and eating areas might be one of the most enjoyable aspects of your building project. Quartz and granite offer their pros and cons, so it’s important to have a baseline understanding of each before you make your final selection.

Recent New Home Features Articles:

You Have Options

When you look at house plans, do you ever get stuck on one aspect of the design that isn't quite the right fit for you? Perhaps the most debated over areas of the home are the kitchen/dining/family spaces. And, rightfully so as this is where the family spends most of their time together. Fear not--you always have options! The Buckingham home plan offers multiple layouts for dining, and family spaces. You can opt to eat at the bar in the kitchen or use the dinette for informal dining. There... [Read More]

Storm Doors: Functionality and Style, Part 1

[caption id="attachment_5628" align="alignright" width="228"] Photo courtesy: Larson Doors[/caption] Adding a storm door to your front entry can serve several purposes: security, natural light, airflow, and a touch of style. Sturdy storm doors provide security with an "extra lock" on your front entry as well as some protection from the elements. And, of course storm doors offer natural light and airflow, if you opt for a screen, but have you ever thought about the visual appeal of adding a... [Read More]

Storage Right Where You Need It

You may think you have enough storage space, but is it convenient? Bedroom closets--check; linen closet--check; kitchen pantry, coat closet, garage--check, check, check. Now think about the areas you use most. Would you like to have more storage there versus running to the garage or downstairs when you need something you 'think' you don't use very often or just because space is an issue? Perhaps a his-and-hers set of walk-in closets so that you each have ample space for your clothes and ge... [Read More]

Beyond Three Bedrooms

Whether new construction or remodeling, dual primary suites, and independent in-law suites are increasingly in demand. It might amaze you to find out just how many committed, happy couples choose not to share the same bedroom. It could be conflicting schedules, medical conditions, or simply snoring, but the need for getting a good night's sleep is paramount to a good life. The Wakefield and Vicksburg home designs feature a primary bedroom on the main level and a bedroom suite that can serv... [Read More]

Smaller Home that Packs a Punch!

You're in search of a smaller home, but can't seem to find one that suits your needs. One design has large bedrooms, but a smaller kitchen. Another has an attractive open floor plan, but minimal storage options. Finding a nice balance between space for everyday living and space for entertaining--whether that be with guests or as a family--the smaller home with flexibility to make it your own is difficult to find. Using our Livability at a Glance color-coded floor plans, home buyers can foc... [Read More]

Solar Tubes Beat Traditional Skylights for Low-Cost Daylighting

By Dave Toht who has written or edited over 60 books on home repair and remodeling for The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Better Homes & Gardens, Sunset, and Reader’s Digest. He's a former contractor with decades of hands-on experience. By installing solar tubes, you’ll get the natural light that skylights provide — but with less cost and less hassle. If you’ve been thinking of adding more daylight to a kitchen or dark hallway, a solar tube may be the way to go. At a fraction of the ... [Read More]

Now That’s a “Great” Room!

While room definition matters to many homeowners, open entertaining areas are in demand. In fact, single spaces that accommodate gatherings and dining are gaining in popularity. The Arlington home plan's expansive 15' 3” x 28' 5” family room is a wonderful entertaining space with direct access from the entry and opening to the kitchen, a natural space for the dining area and a hub for gathering. Let the party begin! [Read More]

The Grilling Porch

For many, barbecues are American cuisine at its finest. Whether you're a grill chef extraordinaire or just don't want to heat up the kitchen for tonight's dinner, the route to, and proximity of, your grilling area from the kitchen is a prime consideration. This has given rise to the dedicated grilling porch. Typically both visually and physically separate from other porches, grilling porches should be covered (have a roof overhead) so the barbecue plans aren't hampered by rainy weathe... [Read More]

Grandma and granddaughter looking out the window

Multigenerational Living

One of the most significant trends to emerge out of the housing recession of the late 2000's was the increased popularity of multiple generations under the same roof. Certainly, for some it was out of economic necessity, but basic demographics predicted this shift as well. As the baby boomers are mostly "empty nesters", there has been a surge in the number of their aging parents moving in with them. At the same time, there has been a rebound in adult children moving back in with their baby b... [Read More]

woman in bath towel reaching into a dryer

Laundry Rooms

Laundry closets were once a part of many kitchens or relegated to basements. Then in the later part of the 20th century, main floor laundry locations became widely popular. Utilitarian in nature, laundry closets and small laundry rooms gave way to larger spaces, big enough for a laundry sink and/or folding counter. The Belmont home design features a second floor laundry location convenient for gathering the kids laundry and provides a second laundry option off the primary bedroom on the ma... [Read More]