Creating a Custom Home Wishlist

When you imagine all the things your new custom home could be, and could include, there are many options and details to consider. This can seem overwhelming, but you can begin by making a custom home wish list to help clarify your thinking. We encourage you to enjoy the process and don’t feel you need to cover every possible aspect. When you work with an expert custom home builder, we’ll guide you to reach a completed design for your custom home. Follow our tips to begin gathering and documenting your thoughts:

• Home size: Consider square footage and number of bedrooms.
• Overall architectural styles you favor: Snap photos or take screenshots of styles you like, which could include Bungalow, Craftsman, Farmhouse, Colonial, Georgian, Gothic, Mission, Modern, Mediterranean, Ranch, Victorian and more.
• Garage options: Number of cars, attached or detached, includes work area?
• Exterior materials: This category includes siding and roofing options. Are there certain colors or textures you like? Do you favor stucco, brick, wood or engineered siding? Clay tile roofing (or the look thereof), metal roof, textured shingles, etc.
• Consider common use cases for your new home: Think about (and list) how you like spending your time at home and also the possessions you value. Do you entertain often? Formally or informally, indoors or out? Do you have kids or plan to? What are your hobbies? Do you want to display collections or trophies in your home? Would you like a man cave or a gym/workout room?
• Mental walk-through: Mentally walk through the practical ways you’ll use your new house, common duties/tasks you perform, when bringing home groceries, going to/from work or school, when sleeping, when entertaining, eating with family and more. We’ll help you organize the floor plan and layout in a way that makes sense for your needs.
• Love vs. hate: Think about all the things that were wrong with every other home or apartment you’ve ever lived in—and all the details you loved.
• Consider special use rooms: You could include a home office, gym, craft room, art studio, kids’ playroom, movie room, game room, man cave, wine cellar, sunroom and more.
• Rooms commonly included: Open living area, open kitchen, dining nook, formal dining room, family room or den, bedrooms (how many?), mudroom, laundry and utility rooms, powder room/guest bath or half bath, master suite with bath, 2nd master suite, hallway bath, attic, basement, loft area for lounging or reading, and more.
• Interior features: Consider ideas like a double-height foyer or entryway; vaulted, raised, tray or beamed ceilings; fireplaces; kitchen island or peninsula; walk-in closets, dressing room(s) and more.
• Kitchen and bath features: Appliance types, faucet styles, sinks, vanities, shower and tub features.
• Outdoors: Would you like a covered porch, balconies, back or wrap-around deck mother-in-law apartment (which could be indoors as part of the home, over the garage, separate guest house, etc.)? Could you use an outdoor kitchen, pool, pool house, sauna (separate structure or indoors)
• Interior finishes and flooring: There is a world of options here, but note major looks you like. Do you prefer hardwood flooring? Generally dark or light? Exotic wood or something classic? You’ll need to choose countertop and vanity materials, bathroom and shower tiles, kitchen cabinet style and color and much, much more. Create a look book with images you like or wait to discuss with your builder.
• Window and door styles: See above!
• Preferred look and feel: What atmosphere are you going for? This could differ in certain areas of the home. Do you want museum-like elegance? Will your home literally be your castle? Are you interested in a southern mansion, sleek contemporary style, mid-century modern, industrial, minimalist, beach-y ambiance, rustic cabin feel? (This can affect and/or guide your building material and finish choices, along with details like the style of pendant lighting over your kitchen counter, type of stairs and railings, flooring, tile, etc.)

The Custom Homebuilding Experience

Working with a skilled and experienced custom home builder will make creating your new custom home a joy. At Miller’s Residential Creations, we are passionate about the design and build process, and dedicated to constructing your dream home–just the way you’ve always envisioned it. Building your new custom home should be an exciting experience for you, with many creative decisions to make along the way.

Once the design plan is in place, we’ll build your home with meticulous craftsmanship in an organized, well-managed construction process. We’ll pay careful attention to the established timeline and keep you updated throughout. Soon you’ll be able to move in and being enjoying your new luxury custom home. Contact Miller’s Residential Creations for further information or to get started on your custom home.