Faulkner: Details make the difference when building a new home

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There are many upgrades to consider when building a new home. Many of these upgrades are more easily added at the construction stage when access is easier.

If your new home will include a basement suite, here are some things to consider before the suite is built.

I recommend installing a forced-air furnace for the suite instead of electric heat to preserve the remaining 100 amps of electrical feed for other add-ons.

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Having a gas line run to the main suite for a gas stove can make it easier to add things like air conditioning, a hot tub, and an electric car in a home with 100 amp service.

A patio could be installed instead of a deck to allow for another window in the basement suite. As patios are lower than decks, this can also increase backyard privacy.

Pre-run lines for air conditioning. This would be difficult to do after the suite is in.

Pre-run a dedicated 15 amp line and on its own breaker for a future 15 amp hot tub to comply with a hot tub development permit. Let’s not forget what is important!

One could add two feet to the garage to compensate for reduced storage because of the basement income suite.

Run conduit to the garage for 30 amp service for a future upgrade to an electric car.

Whether you are planning an income suite or not, there are other things to consider regarding your new-build home.

Pre-run for solar panels to future-proof somewhat.

Consider a lot with a south-facing living room to catch the winter sun. Be mindful of a fire hydrant and future bus stops, which can limit front parking.

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Know that a detached garage will allow for more windows and natural light in a home, afford more storage in the attic and may be slightly less expensive to insure.

Taking possession in January could allow a couple to top up their First Home Savings Account, which could give them an additional $5,000 to $7000 tax rebate the following year.

Consider incorporating lighter finishes to bounce the available natural light for a brighter and cheerier living space.

You may also be able to incorporate a doggy shower near a door to better accommodate all your family’s preferences — your fur baby may or may not appreciate that.

Don’t rush to complete your landscaping. Consider letting the clay settle for a year in the rain and build it up before the final grade so you do not have to regrade in five years.

In our case, we are installing a removable gate/fence in the back to allow a small trailer to be parked on our lot. Even though we have a zero-lot line, we can still accommodate a small trailer for the ATVs.

It can cost more to have the builder install window coverings, fencing, landscaping and a deck than to do it either yourself or have your contractor do the work afterward. Deciding whether to include them in the build will depend on a few factors.

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By having the builder add them, you can include them in your mortgage, so you don’t have to pay for them upfront. This can be useful if one plans to save up to buy their second home sooner or if they don’t have the extra money and want to enjoy their finished backyard right away.

When purchasing a new build, having a realtor assist and represent you through the process can be beneficial.

We love helping our clients move from the life they have to the life they want.

What would you include or want in your new build?

Dennis Faulkner, B.A. Economics, works as a realtor at MaxWell Challenge Realty. He can be contacted to answer your real estate questions at dennis.faulkner@icloud.com

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