There is a lot to think about and consider (and possibly reconsider) when building a new home. There are the obvious items, of course, but what about those items that would be a bit more difficult to add or change after your home is completed? You don't know what you don't know, so let's review 6 cool things to include when building a house.

Finished Basement.

Did you know that it is less expensive and easier to finish a basement during the new home construction process vs. afterward? The contractors are already there and they can purchase the materials in bulk with the rest of your home's building materials, which is cost-saving.

Countertops.

Do you choose granite? Marble? or maybe laminate. It comes down to personal preference and budget. Think about how long you plan to spend in this home and how often you may want to make updates. Laminate is easier and less expensive to swap out down the road. On the flip side, granite is long lasting.

Backsplash.

Like countertops, there are several options from paint to tile. This is a great way to bring some character to your kitchen.

Flooring.

There are a variety of options when choosing to floor for your home. From hardwood to engineered vinyl and ceramic tile. Not to mention the different styles and colors.

Fireplace.

It's definitely easier to add a fireplace to a new construction home, vs. an existing home, so think this one through when considering if you want to choose a floor plan that includes a fireplace. That being said, a fireplace can be added to an existing home, as long as it meets your metro or county building codes.

Additional Outlets.

Can you have too many outlets? Aesthetically, I guess the answer could be yes. But when you are in the middle of a very long email or maybe working on a critical work document and your laptop flashes "battery low", you have minutes to find your power cord and plug into an outlet that will reach. Think strategically when the time comes to choose how many outlets you need, as well as placement.

In summary, building a home can be a daunting task, but taking the time to carefully consider every aspect of the process will ensure a successful and fulfilling result. We hope the six key elements mentioned above will guide you in making the right choices for your new home. If you're interested in learning more about the Berks Homes building process, we invite you to give us a call at 484.772.2693 or visit us at one of our model homes in any of our three regions. Our team is always available to answer your questions and help you turn your dream home into a reality.