An innovative home tailored to you 

Even in a large, master-planned development or in a neighborhood of 50 to 100 homes offered by a single builder, Bay Area and Northern California builders design and build for each buyer’s needs.

Although a home may share a general floor plan with 10% of the homes in its community, many aspects of its interior can include special or even unexpected — yet practical — features.

This is yet another reason to join interest lists for existing communities or coming-soon communities that haven’t begun vertical construction on some or all of their homes.

A buyer expects the new-home design process to include everything from flooring choices, cabinet styles, tile and stone fabrication and plumbing fixtures to lighting, cabinet hardware, kitchen counters and bathroom vanities.

And only with new construction can the buyer rethink entirely the ways that standard features are installed or used in different ways.

Add more light 

Today’s builders are incorporating more natural light with windows than ever before. Those windows are specially designed to lock in optimal temperatures and humidity so that HVAC systems don’t have to work too hard.

There may be room for even more windows. Ask which rooms may be able to accommodate more windows and what kinds of windows can be installed. Look into replacing some larger, main-level windows with sliding doors, where possible.

Once windows have been addressed, ask for options on additional electrical work to accommodate special lighting needs or custom fixtures.

The room that doubles as a guest room and home office, for instance, may need a ceiling fixture near a corner above the desk. The loft or bonus space may benefit from special lighting for gaming or movie screenings.

Consider dimmer switches wherever possible for more control over light and mood. Remember lighting in standard closets, too. If they don’t come with ceiling lights, ask about this before framing takes place.

Also consider adding flexibility to cabinetry. If a hallway, bedroom or office includes built-in shelving or cabinets, ask about wiring these for task or display lighting.

Add depth in a bathroom 

Taller bathroom vanities are nothing new; homeowners enjoy having higher counters that provide not only more comfort but allow for additional cabinet space.

Increased bathroom sink depth, on the other hand, requires thinking outside the bathroom. For that, a buyer can turn to the kitchen cabinet choices, especially for a bathroom located in a common area or a powder room that’s on the larger side.

In bathrooms with enough clearance from the door (when in its open position) to the edge of the counter, consider a kitchen cabinet. Because kitchen counters are taller and often deeper from front to back than bathroom vanities, this space gains all new purpose.

Use the extra counter space to install a deeper, wider and longer sink. Suddenly, the space serves as more than a hand-washing station or a place for decorative hand towels. In addition, it becomes a utility sink, a dog washing station or even a spot for bathing a baby.

Rough-in more plumbing

Roughed-in plumbing refers to the piping and drains for water and waste lines that are positioned inside walls, floors and the home’s foundation in the early stages of construction and framing.

This is a good time to ask the builder for additional water lines.

The garage, for example, likely includes at least one line for installing the water heater. Many families also use their garages for food storage, project work and recreation. A second or third water line here can allow the homeowner the flexibility for these uses of the garage without later having to cut into walls.

Those water and waste lines can accommodate anything from a utility tub to a refrigerator with water and ice dispenser or even a hydroponic garden with UV lighting. Also consider requesting more electrical outlets in the garage.

Another plumbing tip: Will you want access to the plumbing in the primary en suite with the soaking tub or jetted tub? Ask for a surround with an invisible door or a panel that can be opened to reach the fixtures and drains.

What other conveniences does your day-to-day life demand? Ask your builder about them. And watch this space for more ideas on homebuilding and design innovations.