With the rise of home prices and interest rates, more homebuyers are going custom to make the additional costs worth it. Many older homes are energy inefficient and unsuitable for a modern family’s needs, including excess storage space, large kitchen gatherings, and remote work offices. A custom home allows buyers to tailor a space for their family’s wants and needs, relieving stress and improving comfort and function. If you’re considering a custom new build, you can get a good start on planning by learning the popular upgrades available to you if your budget allows it.
Smart Upgrades Making Modern Homes Truly Feel Like Yours
Homebuyers today aren’t just looking for walls and a roof—they want spaces that fit their lifestyle. Open floor plans, sleek kitchen islands, and energy-efficient features are topping the list of must-haves. Builders of new construction homes around Lubbock, TX are catching on fast, blending comfort and innovation to create homes that feel both functional and personal. A new home today is about finding a space that feels right for everyday life.
Custom Pool
Swimming pools are a luxurious addition to any home, but they come with a lot of planning and installation costs. To reduce frustration around installation and expenses, many homeowners opt to install one as their home is being built. Working with a swimming pool builder allows custom designs, lush landscaping, and luxurious decks that are turnkey upon moving in. Pools and their surrounding decks make for great entertainment spaces, enrichment, dining areas, and more. In many states, like Florida or California, pools are a practical necessity for homeowners.
Smart Technology
Smart technology allows further automation, customization, and energy efficiency of the home and its systems. Smart lighting allows you to control brightness, color, and timing of lights from anywhere. Security systems can be accessed and controlled from any connected device. HVAC systems can be programmed for further energy efficiency and scheduled from any location. Smart technology is available for most home systems and devices, allowing convenience and sustainability in modern homes. It’s more convenient to have smart home capability installed at construction.
Gourmet Kitchen
Homeowners have always loved splurging on beautiful kitchens, but modern layouts are bigger than ever. Large islands, more counter space with butcher block wood or luxury quartz, double farmhouse sinks with spray faucets, pot fillers, energy-efficient smart appliances, and compost and recycling zones make modern kitchens more convenient and efficient than ever. Custom cabinetry and backsplash make the cooking space tailor-made. These trends are reflected in recent St. Louis kitchen remodeling projects, where functionality and personal style go hand in hand.
Outdoor Kitchens
Beautiful kitchens are spreading outdoors as well. While a backyard barbecue is a timeless tradition, modern homeowners are installing full-size kitchens, complete with bars, wine coolers, and even sinks to make outdoor entertainment easier than ever. Add a gorgeous patio space and a custom pool, and you’re the talk of the neighborhood. High-end homes are even adding gorgeous pergolas, patio surround-sound speakers, and mounted outdoor televisions.
Spa Bathrooms
The bathroom is more than just a place to clean and refresh; it’s a serene sanctuary where you can unwind and wash away the stresses of the day. Modern homes are creating relaxation focal points in their bathrooms with heated tile floors, custom cabinets and countertops, shower seats, saunas, large soaking tubs, and more. Newer homeowners are even installing bidets. Clean and comfort are flooding these rooms more than ever.
Custom Closet Systems
Storage space can be limited in older homes, despite charming built-ins or attached garages. Contemporary home designs are getting more creative with storage solutions, including custom closet systems with built-in drawers, clothing racks, mirrors, shelves, and tailored compartments for any type of garment or storage need you can think of. Light strips along the shelving gives a department-store-like feeling of luxury. With more creative and tailored storage, modern homes can strive for that decluttered and minimalist style.
Energy Efficiency
Newer construction homes prioritize energy efficiency to live on better terms with the environment. Sustainable features like triple-glazed insulated windows, smart thermostats, solar PV panel installation that uses renewable energy, natural insulation, and energy-efficient apparatuses help reduce carbon footprints, energy waste, and high energy bills. These upgrades can be costly, but the savings are worth it; they “pay for themselves” over time. If you’re looking at a custom home, energy efficiency is a wise and popular choice.
Home Office Space
There are more people working from home than ever, thanks to the rise in remote work opportunities and hybrid working setups stemming from the pandemic. Many homeowners opt for a custom private space to focus on work or other activities comfortably. Private home offices with noise-filtering walls, scenic windows, and ergonomic setups are becoming more common in newer floor plans. These offices may even include partial private gyms or setup for virtual meetings, including smart boards and presentation technology.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for inspiration for a custom modern home, think about the features you’ll want and need. If you work hybridly or remotely, consider a custom office space or private area where you can work. If you enjoy the outdoors, look toward custom pools and outdoor kitchens to entertain and enjoy the days ahead. Compare quotes and floor plans from different builders and contractors to get the best quality build for the best price. You’ll want a decent budget, as custom additions come with a price. The high price can be worth it for the enjoyment, convenience, and sustainability a custom modern home brings.
