3 Features that Builders and Designers Must Agree on in Custom Homes
Kozy Project Leander Luxe Photography: Avery Nicole Photography Builder: Toll Brothers
When investing in your new build, do not miss the opportunity to review your architectural drawings with a designer! The plans will allocate square footage to all spaces and note the location of windows, doors, power points, and light switches. Once the home is built it’s costly to alter walls or electric to accommodate the design changes you need. Below are our non-negotiable’s before beginning any new build.
#1: A Plan for Practical Amenities
Imagine walking into your foyer and having no place to hang your coats, or when your built-ins are 3″ short of fitting your TV, or the moment you realize your living room doesn’t have any path of travel once your furniture is crammed inside. Avoid the hassle and review the functionality of your new home prior to building it. Small details are the BIG details at KozyKasa, and unfortunately are often overlooked when it comes to new construction. We get it, you’re focused on the big picture and not on having enough outlets in your bathroom or one located right behind where your nightstand will go. Designers take all these factors into account when designing any new home (or renovating one!) and help you determine exactly what you’ll need ahead of time.
Kozy Project Leander Luxe Photography: Avery Nicole Photography Builder: Toll Brothers
#2: A Strategy for Functional Storage
Unless you are the epitome of the minimalist movement, you will need some storage space in your home- especially if you have kids or hobbies. Designers can recommend the height/depth and square footage needed to accommodate your belongings and where these spaces should be located throughout the home. Custom built-ins can be expensive to do but if factored into the budget pre-construction, you can ensure your home office has the shelf space it needs to fit your printer and your walk-in closet has the proper rack vs. shelf ratio for your fabulous wardrobe. Oh, and if you’re thinking about your capsule wardrobe or how in frequently you actually print something, take your kitchen into account. Built-in paper towel racks, trash/recycling cabinets, and even pull-outs for your cling wrap all come into play here.
Kozy Project Leander Luxe Photography: Avery Nicole Photography Builder: Toll Brothers
#3: A Layout for Lighting
Builders will account for general lighting but designers specialize in lighting and the way it interacts with the furnishings and finishes inside the space. Designers will consider the ambient, task, and accent lighting throughout your home-when these three layers work together it prevents dimly lit areas or hot spots in the home. Consider the way you want your living room to feel, how your artwork is illuminated, and the ease of doing your makeup in the morning with the perfect vanity lighting. Oh, and no more no-light-in-the-coat-closet thing, ok?
Kozy Project Leander Luxe Photography: Avery Nicole Photography Builder: Toll Brothers
If you have dreams of building your own home in the future it is never too soon to reach out to a designer!
If you would like some support designing your perfect home, we would love to help. Reach out and let’s get to know each other. Not ready to build just yet? Shop our mood boards here, or check out the rest of our Leander Luxe project featured in this post.
Stay kozy and happy building,
Kristin
