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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

What to consider now for convenience & efficiency later 

Breaking ground on a new home is an exciting event that usually occurs after years of dreaming, saving, planning and decision-making. Most of us start with a pie-in-the-sky house plan and then whittle it down to something that fits in our budget. But planning before the groundbreaking ensures that we can meet our budgetary needs now and be ready for future renovations. 

Alicia Smith, vice president of F&S Building Innovations, manages residential building projects. She notes, “Once you live in something a little while, you may find that it doesn’t function like it should.” With a little forethought, however, you can prepare for what’s to come, thereby saving money in the future. 

Flex space
The ability to flex up or down, space-wise, is very important to think about, especially if you’re building what may be a forever home. If the slope of the lot allows, Smith recommends a higher ceiling in an unfinished basement. “Usually, the height of a basement ceiling is 7.5-8 feet,” she says, “but that’s really too low. A 9-foot ceiling is much better. When you finish the basement in the future, you’ll have room for ceiling fans and the area will feel more like another floor and less like a basement.” 

Speaking of basements, Joshua Marsh, owner of Marsh Architects & Builders, always recommends planning for a future bathroom or kitchenette. “Rough in a bathroom and a kitchenette in the basement,” he says. “Otherwise, you’ll have to cut out concrete to get drains in the floor.” The expense will be far less if the drains and hook-ups are already in place. 

Also, “People should really consider heating and cooling their garage,” suggests Smith. “If it’s climate-controlled, you can use the area as flex space when you have get-togethers. This makes a great hang-out for the kids.” Then, if necessary, you’ll be able to convert the area to living space down the road. 

If you want your garage to be your garage, Marsh has an important suggestion. “Car chargers are big for new builds,” he says. Maybe you don’t have that electric car now, but want one. “Go ahead and put the heavy gauge wire in the wall and be prepared,” he notes.

A laundry area in the primary bedroom is another good recommendation from Smith. “Especially, if you’re planning on aging in place, this area is very helpful, even if you just have room for a stacked washer and dryer,” she notes. Adding the plumbing now and the appliances later is always an option. 

Another huge expense for those who will age with the home is an elevator. While you may not need one now, it’s possible to have a shell built for one that’s used as a closet and becomes a working elevator in the future. 

Life changes are also necessary considerations. Will you want to work from home one day? “Noise suppression for an office, additional insulation, is something to think about,” says Smith. “Working at home is so prevalent now.” When kids come along, additional insulation is certain to be needed. 

Marsh adds, “Thinking ahead is so important. Do you want a pool someday? A hot tub? If so, go ahead and add the wiring now. Do you think you might want a generator? Put in the transfer switch now. Put in the gas line for a future fire pit. You might not opt for a gas back-up on your heating system now, but put properly sized gas lines, so you’ll have that option in the future.” 

Technology
The integration of modern technology is making homes smarter, safer and more energy efficient. “Be as future-proof as you can with technology,” encourages Marsh. “Don’t get only what you need for today. I recommend getting the most advanced communication infrastructure out.” Include plenty of power outlets and USB charging ports. 

Smart home systems with features like automated lighting, thermostats and security systems with cameras and alarms are highly desirable today. Voice-controlled systems and apps on phones enable homeowners to turn on lights or change the thermostat from remote locations. 

With all the phones and other devices we use today, docking stations are important clutter-busters. Smith notes, “This seems small, but can really make a big difference: have docking drawers in the kitchen and in the bathrooms. Devices and appliances can all stay plugged in, but the cords can be hidden.” 

Lighting and other details
Add plenty of lighting in your home. “You might want to splurge in this area,” says Smith. “It’s the worst feeling in the world to feel like a space is too dark. Consider recessed lighting.” Think about closets, hallways, basements, anyplace that may need extra light. 

In the kitchen, include a small butler’s pantry to store blenders, mixers and air fryers out of sight. Lockers and benches can be added later, but be sure to add the plumbing and electrical now. Also, accessories like dividers, pull-out drawers and spice racks can easily be a future purchase. 

With proper planning and forethought, your new home can fit within your budget, yet be ready for future renovations.


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