3 Must-Have Features For Your Austin Custom Home
As a custom home builder in Austin, we have experience building some of Austin's finest luxury homes. Through the years, we have honed in on features that architects, interior designers, and homeowners are implementing in their homes to add value and enjoyment. Today we're discussing 3 must-have features for your Austin custom home.
When selecting features for your new home you should always consider your family's lifestyle and the environment of Austin. However, if you ever plan to sell your home features that add value should be considered. Austin has been an up-and-coming city for over a decade now. This means homes are becoming more modern and eco-friendly. Home designs are becoming more flexible with spaces that can evolve as your lifestyle does. Technology experts and designers are making homes work for you with built-in whole-house smart technology. Every day new features are being released, so it's important to stay up-to-date with what's out there. Here are some features we're noticing in the luxury home space:
Spacious Outdoor Living Areas
Austin is known to be an outdoor kind of city with vast green belts and amazing views. Many luxury homes in Austin partake in these spectacular views of the hill country or downtown. Therefore, homes and outdoor areas are typically based around these views. The weather in Austin is mostly sunny with very hot summers, so position is key. Whether you have a pool or not, outdoor areas can be customized to fit your lifestyle.
Today's outdoor areas now host spacious outdoor kitchens with built-in cabinetry, grills, pizza ovens, and smokers. We're seeing a lot of conversation pits with fire pits in the center. Pergulas and covered patio spaces are popular to protect your outdoor space from the intense Austin sun.
Expansive outdoor areas will always add value to your home when done right. Outdoor areas are great for first impressions and can help potential buyers envision entertaining. You can't go wrong with going all out on your outdoor space for your own enjoyment or for home value.
Energy-Efficient Design
Energy efficiency is especially important in Austin with our hot summers. There are several ways big and small you can outfit your home to make it more energy-efficient.
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular and can save you big bucks on energy use. Solar panels can help reduce the energy your home uses to cool itself during the hot summers. The average homeowner can save around $42,000 over 25 years after installing solar panels.
Energy-efficient or Energy Star appliances are a must in a new construction home. There are so many appliances today to choose from. You can save money on your monthly electric bill and help to save the environment. LG, Bosch, GE, Frigidaire, Maytag, and Whirlpool are just some of the brands offering Energy Star appliances. They offer all the daily used appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators.
LED lighting and smart home lighting will help reduce energy use significantly. There are smart home systems where you can control smart lightbulbs and lighting all from an app. These systems feature lighting that can turn on and off based on your schedule, ensuring lights are off when not in use. This can all add up over time and save you the big bucks.
Smart Home Technology
Speaking of lightbulbs and smart home systems.. If you're building a new construction home you must install a smart home system. Many new home buyers expect smart technology when buying a higher-end home. It's not only worth the investment for home value, but also for efficiency and ease at home. There are several smart home systems on the market like Savant, Lutron, Control4, Creston, and more. A smart home operating system will connect virtually all of the technology in your home.
These smart home systems offer many features. There are smart thermostats that will learn how you like the temperature of your home when you're at home and away. Lighting can be set via moods and range in colors and light temperatures. Important for most is the security system. Security in these systems are top of the line. Cameras and alerts can all be viewed from the main hub in your home or on your phone. They offer smart doorbells, gate openers, and cameras.
At Taylor Wilson Construction, we like to stay updated on all new features. It's important to understand the latest technology and designs in homes. The architects and interior design teams we work with are continuously evolving as the home market changes. If you're interested in building your dream home in Austin, contact us today to learn more about our team.