The New Home Checklist: Don’t Forget these Must-Haves

You’ve made the decision to buy a new home, or maybe you’re going to build one. It’s an exciting time as you go through your choices and piece them together into what will become your dream home. At Homes By Taber, we love this part of the home building process, because we get to work closely with you on what will become your future. We also like to follow a new home checklist so you don’t forget these must-haves.

Outdoor living space. We live in Oklahoma. Of course, we want to get outdoors, right? But this area should be more than a concrete floor. That’s not really “living”. Look for an outdoor living area that is ready for you and your activities. You might want an outdoor kitchen and a fireplace for those chillier Oklahoma days and nights. A covered patio makes life more enjoyable, but if that is not possible, maybe a pergola would be a perfect addition. Ask yourself how you want to experience your outdoor living in your new home, and then share that answer with your builder.

Storm shelter. This is absolutely a “must-have” for Oklahoma homes. The safety of your family is not an option. Homes By Taber’s founder, Taber LeBlanc, experienced the power of a tornado when it hit his own neighborhood. His family stayed safe in the storm shelter he had. And he insists that this feature be a standard in every home we build, making us the largest purchaser of storm shelters in the nation.

Tankless water heater. This is another one of those items that homebuyers might not appreciate during the planning process, but they’ll be so glad for it later. A tankless water heater is the solution for running out of hot water. Instead of storing hot water, which means you have a limited capacity of available hot water, this system heats it as needed. You’ll save about $100 per year in electricity costs and the system lasts about 20 years.

Air filtration system. Like the storm shelter, this feature protects your family. Without a filtration system, you’re subjecting people to a level of pollutants that exceeds what you’re breathing outside. With the airtight seals on today’s homes, everything is contained inside—allergens, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, and chemicals. Homes By Taber includes an air filtration system in every home so that you can breathe easily and healthy in our homes.

Fully-extending cabinet drawers. These seemingly little details make a big difference throughout your home. The items at the back of your drawers will never get lost again. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to dig under the cabinet to find what’s lodged in the back. When shopping for homes, pull out the drawers to make sure they come all the way out. Extra bonus if the drawer glides are made of metal instead of plastic.

The right plumbing and lighting fixtures. Think of all the lights and faucets you’ll use in your home. Do you envision the smooth curve of a kitchen faucet or something more contemporary? Would a pot-filler faucet be helpful in your kitchen? Don’t forget all the options you have for the showerhead, too. A rainfall showerhead is gentle and relaxing, and by having it installed before you move in, you’ll save time and money later.

Your lights range from recessed and ceiling mounts to task lighting, chandeliers, pendants, and sconces. And don’t forget the dimmer switches! As you’re selecting these fixtures, think of how their design complements one another, in color and style.

Sprinkler system. Take care of your lawn effortlessly. This irrigation system is set to water your lawn on specific days and times. You can even control it from your phone! Access your control panel through the app to program watering zones and set schedules.

Community amenities. Beyond the home itself, look at what the neighborhood provides. Amenities could include a swimming pool, clubhouse, playground, splash pad, walking trail, pond, and fitness center. Decide which ones truly matter to you so you don’t have to deal with regrets later.

The right builder. While considering your choices of a homebuilder, look carefully at what is included as standard features, both in the homes and their neighborhoods. Ask about the energy efficiency, the construction process, and what’s included in the standard features. You should partner with a builder who respects the importance of every detail.

Homes By Taber wants to be that partner when you’re looking for a new construction home in the Oklahoma City metro area. Our single-family homes raise the standard on standard features: granite and quartz countertops, stainless steel kitchen appliances, storm shelter, air filtration system, tankless water heater, security system, fully sodded yard with sprinkler system, outdoor living space with a wood-burning fireplace, cable and gas lines to the patio, and much more. Talk to us about your must-have new home checklist. We’ll be happy to show you ours!