Outdoor kitchens are one of the hottest trends today, and there is no better time to add one than during the building of your new home.  Working with your builder, you can conveniently add to your entertaining area while incorporating the design elements of your home.

When designing your outdoor kitchen, a few things to consider will be your entertaining style, climate, appliances, and budget. 

Think of your outdoor kitchen as an outdoor room.  Guests can flow from your house to the patio and back.   Keep in mind that crowds tend to gather where the food is being cooked, so keep counter space and seating in mind when looking at your patio floor plan.  Adding outdoor speakers will add to the festive feel of the area.

The materials used in your kitchen need to stand up to the harshest elements of your climate.  Sealed natural stone, granite, and solid surface countertops are the most widely used materials, and work well outdoors.  Take into consideration how much sun your kitchen will be getting and how hot the counters will get.  High-quality stainless steel sinks resist staining and rusting.  A shelter will allow the cook to grill during inclement weather.  A patio heater can extend your kitchen through the colder months. 

Your appliances will be influenced by your cooking style.  There are a wide range of gas and charcoal grills, under the counter refrigerators and wine coolers, and trash compactors available.  Wood-burning ovens are yet another cooking option available.

There are outdoor kitchen options for virtually every budget.  Remember when budgeting and designing that your kitchen will add value to your new home and quality to your life.

Find your perfect home here!

Best wishes in the building of your new home!

Choosing a lot for your new dream home is as important as your home itself.  Your lot will determine your home’s size and shape as well as impact your overall budget, so it makes sense to find your lot and then choose a house plan that will conform to it.

The local real estate advertisements will have listings of lots for sale, but the easiest and quickest way to find a lot in your preferred location is to hire a realtor.  When you have a list of potential lots, walk the lot and the neighborhood.  Consider the price of the lot and the proximity to work, places of worship, and schools. 

Most urban lots will have utilities in place.  For suburban and rural lots, inquire about utilities and the cost of having them installed, including permits.  Ask about easements and restrictions on architectural style or sizes of homes.

Get soil and flood plain reports on the land.  The sellers will most likely already have this information.  Listen to the noise level of the lot.  Being close to a major road or under an airport’s flight pattern can make it unpleasant to enjoy your yard or patio.

Finally, make an offer on your lot using comparable values and your budget as a guide. 

Trying to decide between buying an older home in an established neighborhood or building a modern, new home?  You might not have to. 

Read our new article about teardown houses:

http://www.homedesigncentral.com/blog/building-a-new-home-in-an-older-neighborhood-the-teardown/

Whether it starts as a bonus room, study, or guest room, many house plans have an area that can easily be turned into a home office for a telecommuter, home-based business owner, or work at home mom.

Your office space will depend on your desired work environment, floor plan, and business needs.   Some people need peace and quiet, and choose a room away from the kitchen and living rooms, while a work at home mom might want to be able to supervise children from her desk.  A garage apartment or an in-law suite with a separate entrance may work best for a business owner. 

Designing your home office is as important as choosing the right space in your new home.  Consider what kind of lighting works best for you.   Your furniture is another consideration.  Will you have a traditional office with a desk, or would you rather have an armoire that allows you to close up your workspace in a guest room?  Paint colors or wallpaper can also set the tone for your work environment.

Working from home can allow you to spend more time with your family and less time in traffic.  There could be tax benefits as well.  Talk to your CPA about regulations regarding deducting part of your house payment and utilities. 

Start the search for your new dream home now!

Best wishes in the building of your new home!

Many house plans offer a choice of foundations, but which one is the right one for you?   Find out the benefits and drawbacks of each kind in our new article…..

http://www.homedesigncentral.com/blog/from-the-ground-up-the-right-foundation-for-your-new-home/