Homebuilding Insights

Homebuilding is constantly evolving. Each year, new trends in design, fixtures, and materials emerge, which can make it harder to determine what you truly need and want in a new home. So, what are the essentials when building a new home?

Start by examining your current home. What’s missing? You might need an extra room, a more efficient layout, additional storage, upgraded fixtures, or a combination of these features. Think about what would make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Then, gather ideas from websites, magazines, open houses, and model homes. Keep a list of your favorite features to discuss with your builder.

At Ernest Homes, our new home floor plans are designed with real families in mind, but personalizing your home with the right features is what truly makes it yours. Here are some must-have features to consider including when building a new home.

Kitchen Must-Haves

• More drawers than lower cabinets. Drawers in the bottom (base) cabinets are a smart choice. They’re easier to access than traditional cabinets and make staying organized much simpler. Deep drawers with a sliding layer on top are perfect for silverware, utensils, and linens.
• Pull-out shelves and a pull-out trash can. In addition to drawers, pull-out shelves make it easy to reach spices, canned goods, and vertical items like pot lids and trays. A pull-out trash and recycling station keeps everything out of sight but close at hand.
• Dual wall ovens. Tired of bending over to check what’s in the oven or juggling different baking temperatures? Dual wall ovens solve both problems. They’re closer to eye level and allow you to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures at the same time.
• Built-in microwave. Free up valuable counter space by building your microwave into the cabinetry or island. Whether it’s above the oven, in a wall cabinet, or tucked into the island, a built-in microwave keeps your kitchen looking clean and uncluttered.

Primary Suite Essentials

• First-floor suite. A first-floor suite—whether it’s the primary suite, a guest suite, or a space for another adult in the household—adds everyday convenience and long-term value. It also supports aging in place and can make multigenerational living easier.
• Oversized walk-in shower. If your bathroom layout allows, an oversized shower is a luxury you’ll appreciate every day. Add a built-in bench, grab bars, and recessed niches to keep products organized and within reach. Planning these details up front makes the space more functional and comfortable.

Smart Floor Plan Choices

• Thoughtful flex spaces. Look for a floor plan that offers flex space where you truly need it. Some rooms near the front entry can serve as a formal dining room, office, bedroom, or study. Just think through how you’ll use the space. A home office, for example, may be better located away from the front door to provide quiet and privacy.
• Laundry room placement. Bedding, clothing, and towels constantly move through the laundry cycle. Placing the laundry room near the bedrooms can save a lot of steps. If the primary suite is on a different level, consider who will be doing most of the laundry and plan the layout around that.
• Outdoor living space. A balcony, patio, deck, or screened porch effectively becomes another “room” in your home. Make sure there’s enough space for comfortable seating and, if you’d like, a dining table. Outdoor living spaces are ideal for relaxing, entertaining, or watching kids and pets play.

Everyday Living Details That Matter

• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. LVP is one of the most popular flooring choices in new homes because it combines the look of hardwood with impressive durability and water resistance. It stands up to busy family life, pets, and everyday spills, and it’s easy to clean. Installed in main living areas, kitchens, and hallways, LVP adds warmth, style, and practicality to your new home.
• Family entry / mudroom / drop zone. Whether you call it a mudroom, sand room, or family entry, this space is the gateway from the garage into your home. Durable cabinetry, cubbies, hooks, and benches give everyone a place to stash shoes, coats, backpacks, sports gear, and leashes, keeping clutter from spreading through the rest of the house.
• Abundant, well-planned storage. Storage is easy to overlook until you don’t have enough. Look for homes that take advantage of every possible space—under-stair storage, linen closets, pantry shelving, attic access, and built-in cabinets. Smart storage solutions make it easier to stay organized through every season of life.

By incorporating these must-have features into your new home, you’ll create a space that is stylish, highly functional, and personalized to how your family truly lives. At Ernest Homes, we understand how important it is to get these details right from the start.

From innovative kitchen layouts to thoughtful primary suite designs, flexible floor plans, and practical finishes like LVP, our homes are designed to enhance your daily living experience. Explore our new home plans in Georgia, browse our communities near Savannah, and discover how our Design Studio team can help you personalize every detail.

Ready to build your dream home? Contact Ernest Homes today and let us help you create the perfect new home that includes all the must-have features on your list—and more.