We've all experienced that feeling of dreaming of something one way and reality showing you something quite different. However, when it comes to your new custom home, that's definitely not a feeling that you want to experience.
To help ensure that you are completely satisfied with the outcome of your new home, here are 5 of the most common regrets that homeowners have when building a home:
1. Storage Size
A home with ample storage is towards the top of the "must-have" list for most homeowners today.
The kitchen is one room of the home that certainly requires a lot of storage space. Think carefully about the number of dishes you have, how you'll want to store countertop appliances, and what your expectations are for a kitchen pantry.
Bedroom closets also play a major role in a home's storage space. Specifically in regards to your master bedroom closet, think about your wardrobe, accessories, and the number of pairs of shoes that you own. Will the space be able to comfortably accommodate everything? In addition, will your spouse require a separate closet?
2. Layout
While open floor plans seem to be all the rage today, that doesn't necessarily mean that it will work best for you. Don't feel tempted to just go with what's popular. After all, you're building your dream home, right? Carefully think through the requirements of your floor plan and how you want your home to flow.
3. Sinks and Appliances
The placement of the kitchen sink has evolved over the years, ranging from in front of a window that overlooks the backyard to in a kitchen island that offers a view of the family room. It's also important to carefully think about the type of sink that you prefer, whether it be the trending single-basin sink or the traditional double sink.
The choice of appliances is another common area that homeowners have some regrets. Homeowners trying to stay within budget for their builds may opt for more economical appliance choices. However, it's important to definitively know whether you want a gas cooktop or electric (or even convection) or if you'll need an over-sized refrigerator. When concessions are made with appliances, regrets often come later.
4. Flooring
Your choice of flooring will make a significant impact on your home's interior appearance and can play a role in functionality. A common regret that many homeowners have is not carrying hardwood flooring into the master bedroom. Also, considering that many Central Florida homes feature pools, some homeowners later regret not selecting a flooring material that accommodates wet feet.
5. Countertops
When it comes to countertops, you probably have a preconceived preference for what you like. But will the color of your preferred countertops work well with the rest of the finishes in your home? Also, will the material choice give you the functionality that you need in the kitchen? How easy is the countertop material to clean and maintain?
When it comes to building your custom home, talking with your builder about your needs and expectations is key to avoiding these regrets. Contact us at Empire Custom Builders to learn more about our custom building process and how our communication style can help to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the end-product.