When planning your custom log home—whether in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Georgia—it’s essential to consider good design ideas that add value and meet your personal needs. Based on our research, we’ve collected the six best design features that will enhance your home and add potential appeal to future buyers.
First Floor Primary Bedroom
Single-floor living is a great benefit, especially for couples as they mature. Even non-disabled adults can be subject to knee or hip surgery. Removing stairs from the equation can make life easier during recovery. Additional bedrooms can be situated on an upper floor, but one-floor access is preferred. When planning the first-floor master, you must ensure some separation from the main living areas and adjacent first-floor laundry. This will keep everything as private and convenient as possible.
En Suite Master Bath
Expanded attention is also focused on the master bath or “en suite” in designer shorthand. Many Katahdin Cedar Log Homes now have master bathrooms designed to create a spa-like atmosphere, adding to the sanctuary of the main suite. Some of the most popular features for masters include double-sink vanities, spa tubs, and large custom showers. If you don’t desire a tub, ensure your shower is oversized and beautifully designed. Add tile, stonework, and frameless glass enclosures to the shower for timeless appeal. Also, if your master bath will not have a tub, it is a great idea to have one in another bathroom!
Kitchen Islands
The kitchen plays a central role in many new homes. An expansive kitchen island allows family and guests to gather and offers additional casual seating. Keep your island a manageable size relative to the rest of your kitchen. Your island shouldn’t overwhelm the room. Allow for easy movement when appliance doors are open. Concepts for kitchen islands can range from functional “waterfall” sides to repurposed furniture that provides ample storage and visual appeal. Granite, quartz, slate, or composite counters can add impact and functionality to the island and don’t necessarily need to match other kitchen counter materials. An oversized, deep sink will add to the island’s food prep and clean-up utility. Many homeowners also locate the dishwasher in the island for easy rinsing and loading.
Outdoor Entertaining
Between grilling in the summer and fire pits in the winter, outdoor spaces for entertaining can expand the living area of your new Asheville, NC, home when you’ve got a houseful for the weekend. Imagine enjoying mountain vistas, rolling hills, or lake views from your beautiful outdoor decks and broad-covered porches. These outdoor areas also add form and function to make the transition between inside and outside easy. If you’re considering a porch, ensure it’s broad enough to accommodate seating. A narrow porch or deck adds costs without much functionality. If summer outdoor entertaining is your primary focus, consider adding a screened area on your patio or porch. That will keep insects from interfering with the fun!
Solar Panels This Year
Are you considering including solar power in your new custom home? This year, 2019, is the last year the 30 percent Federal tax credit for residential photovoltaic solar arrays will be available. Tax deduction rates step down beginning in 2020. While the optimal location is on the roof, ground mount arrays can also overcome challenges for southerly orientation or shade. Solar panels are sleeker and more powerful than ever, with high-performance panels producing power well into 30 or more years. Add a storage battery, and you’ll never worry about power outages during storms again!
Energy Efficient Heating & Cooling
Your new home will incorporate many energy-efficient features. These might include improved insulation, double- or triple-glazed windows, and thermally insulated doors. Ensure that your savings continue by adding a high-quality HVAC system. Opt for high-efficiency heat pumps—powered by your local utility and offset by your brand-new solar array— that can provide heating and cooling for a fraction of the cost of older systems. If you’re unsure of the best options, we have a lot of solutions that can save energy and money.
Upgrade Air Exchange with Ventilation
Ventilation is another area where innovation has played a role. Because today’s efficient homes are very well sealed, proper ventilation is essential for healthy air. We recommend installing a ventilation system to cope with fluctuating humidity levels in North Carolina and South Carolina. An advanced ventilation system will remove stale air from the home and draw in fresh air while controlling humidity. These systems are designed specifically for your home, and air exchange needs are based on air tightness.
Do you still have questions about what design features to include in your custom home in Hendersonville, NC? Call us at 833- 244-8944, and we’ll gladly help you narrow down the options.
