- Wiring for surveillance lights on all 4 corners
- Pre-wiring for exterior security cameras and floodlights with motion sensors at every corner of the house for maximum coverage and safety.
- Consider wiring for a centralized smart home security system that can integrate lights, cameras, and locks for remote access and control.
- Adding a 240V plug in the garage for a potential electric vehicle down the road
- Install a 240V outlet for future-proofing electric vehicle charging needs. It’s better to install now even if the current homeowner doesn’t own an EV, as it’s much cheaper to do during initial construction. And it can be used for other appliances like welders & heavy machinery.
- Dedicated Mechanical Room for water heater, HVAC & electrical panels
- Designate a space for all key mechanical systems to be consolidated, allowing easy access and future upgrades without cluttering other areas. This keeps systems away from living spaces, reducing noise and increasing safety.
- Make sure it has enough space for water filtration systems or tankless water heaters if the homeowner wants to upgrade later.
- Dehumidifier & ERV/HRV (Energy Recovery Ventilator / Heat Recovery Ventilator)
- An integrated whole-home dehumidifier system ensures proper humidity control, which helps in maintaining air quality and protecting structural elements.
- ERV/HRV systems help improve indoor air quality by exchanging indoor and outdoor air, reducing humidity, and ensuring fresh air circulation without major energy losses
- Backup generator location & operation
- Designate a safe and accessible location for a backup generator, including a transfer switch and dedicated sub-panel for key circuits like HVAC, refrigeration, and security systems in case of power outages.
- Ensure the generator space has proper ventilation and noise barriers if needed.
- Outdoor Water Access (Hose Bibs)
- Plan for hose bibs on all sides of the house for easy access to water for gardening, car washing, and cleaning.
- Consider freeze-resistant hose bibs to prevent pipes from bursting in winter climates.
- Water Softener and Filtration System
- Designate space for a whole-house water filtration system, including a softener if the local water is hard.
- Laundry Room Utility Sink
- Include a deep utility sink in the laundry room for hand washing clothes, cleaning shoes, or other tough jobs.
- Smart Storage Solutions (built-ins, closet under stairs, broom closet, etc.)
- Install built-in storage solutions like drawer dividers, adjustable shelving, or pull-out racks in closets, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Attic and Basement Access
- Ensure easy access to attic or basement spaces by installing a pull-down ladder or walk-up staircase, especially if the attic is going to be used for storage.
- Solar Power Readiness
- Pre-wire for solar panel installation or plan for a roof layout that maximizes exposure to sunlight, making it easier to add solar panels in the future.
- Smart Thermostats & Zoned HVAC
- Install smart thermostats that can learn the homeowner’s schedule and preferences to optimize energy use. Zoning the HVAC system allows for more efficient heating and cooling of specific areas of the home.
- Soundproofing for Interior Walls
- Consider soundproofing walls between bedrooms and common areas for added privacy and comfort, especially around home offices, bathrooms, or playrooms.
- Hardwired Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Install hardwired smoke and CO detectors with battery backups for improved safety and to avoid the hassle of replacing batteries.
- Hidden Outlets for Mounted TVs & Electronics (floor outlets for lamps)
- Plan for hidden power and cable management behind mounted TVs to keep wires and cords out of sight.
- Built-In Sound System
- Pre-wire for an integrated sound system in key areas like the living room, kitchen, and outdoor spaces, allowing for a seamless home audio experience.
- Smart Lighting w/ Dimmers, Cabinet Downlighting in the Kitchen
- Pre-wire for under-cabinet LED lights in the kitchen to improve visibility on countertops and give the space a modern, luxurious look.
- Consider also wiring for in-drawer or in-cabinet lighting that activates when drawers or doors are opened.
- Pre-Wiring for Smart Home Automation
- Pre-wire the home for smart systems like lighting controls, blinds, climate control, security systems, and home entertainment to make it easier to install smart home technologies later.
- Universal Design for Aging in Place
- Design the home with aging in place in mind by incorporating wider doorways, walk-in showers, no-step entries, and lever door handles for future accessibility needs.
- Outlets with built-in USB ports
- For flexibility,save the headache of searching for those little blocks to plug your USB devices into traditional outlets.
- Outlets in closets to charge devices & appliances
- Sometimes these outlets get missed in the design phase, it’s always nice to be able to charge or use an appliance in your closet if necessary.
- Electric or Gas Fireplace
- Even if you are not sure, it is always helpful to run gas & power lines to potential locations for future renovations.
- Exterior outlets for Holiday lighting
- Save the hassle of using long extension cords for your seasonal outdoor projects.
- Shower upgrades (Dual Shower Head, Steam Shower Curbless Shower, etc.)
- This can be a great way to enhance your daily life without having to spend thousands of extra dollars.
- Outdoor Living Space & Landscaping (irrigation)
- Don’t forget to factor in the costs for finishing your outdoor spaces after the home construction is finished.
- Pull-Out Recycling & Trash Stations
- Pull-out trash and recycling bins in kitchen cabinetry for easy waste management and to keep spaces tidy.
© 2024 Cody Gatlin Design.