How to Plan the Perfect Forever Home

If you want to build a forever home, properly plan and never worry about moving again. Walk away today understanding what future needs and desires to keep in mind when mapping out your living space.

Your Dream Life Starts With Your Dream Home.

Whether you want to entertain guests, raise a family, age-in-place, work from home, or all of the above, it's possible to build a house that will allow you to do so! You can be so proud of the time and consideration you put into your floor plan when you reap the positive results.

What To Consider

Here is your guide to a future-proof home:

• First, envision your ideal lifestyle and your family's needs.

• Choose a location. Consider the local amenities, public utilities, schools, and multimodal transport available.

• Elements of an age-in-place design include:

  1. Wide doors and hallways

  2. Walk-in tubs and showers

  3. Soft-close cabinetry

  4. An exterior door that minimizes walking distance

  5. A no-step entryway

  6. Minimal landscaping maintenance

  7. A laundry room on the main floor

  8. Everything you need is easily accessible

  9. Reduced risk of falls

• These are some aspects of a long-lasting, energy-efficient home:

  1. Spray-in fiberglass insulation

  2. Weather-resistant structures and finishes

• If you're planning on entertaining guests outdoors, you may want to consider:

  1. A large deck

  2. A walkout basement

  3. A fire pit or outdoor fireplace

• If you want to entertain indoors, you may wish to have a basement bar. Think about the guests' ages and how to accommodate them.

• Will you have kids and work from home? You can include a playroom that can serve as a home office later.

• Install a floor drain near the hose so your kids and dogs don't make a mess when they hose off.

• You may want to think about installing plumbing and electricity for a potential shop you can run from home in the future.

• You'll need the space for some of your purchases. For example, build a large closet for a gun safe and a garage high enough for your boat.

• Consider installing wiring for a potential security system.

• Questions to ask yourself:

  1. How will I utilize my house in the next ten years?

  2. How big will my family be, and how do I create common and individual spaces for everyone?

  3. How will I maintain my privacy? For example, do I want a guest room directly across from my room? Probably not!

  4. How reliable is the electricity where my land is? Do I need to wire for a generator transfer switch?

Accommodate your ideal future and lifestyle!

We can help you plan for your future in your dream home and turn it into a reality. Call Straight Edge Builders at (616) 218-5444 or fill out our contact form for a complimentary consultation. We build in the West Michigan area.

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