There are many decisions to make when building a custom home and deciding what you want to include in the house. From the flooring to the backsplash, you’ll want to add features that complement your style and taste. If you’re going to create a space that can be enjoyed long-term, there are a few upgrades to include to make it a functional and convenient place to live in each day.`

1. Wood Floors Upstairs

Although carpet is commonly used in the upstairs hallways, you can opt for adding hardwood floors for a luxurious and sleek touch. Hardwood floors can be an extension of the downstairs space and will look beautiful if you’re already planning on adding a wood staircase. They will not only boost the aesthetics of your upstairs but will increase the value of the home.

2. Designated Area for Your Microwave

Unless you create a specific area for your microwave to be placed, you’ll likely store it on the countertop, which can take up too much room and limit your food prep space. Instead, request that your builder adds a built-in area for the kitchen appliance over the stovetop or beside the stove area. Both places will keep the microwave off of the countertops without making it difficult to reach when preparing your food. You can even consider placing it in a base cabinet above the pots and pans drawers.

3. Painted Cabinets

Add a unique feature in your kitchen or bathroom with painted cabinets that are installed. You can incorporate a pop of color in the room that makes the space inviting and unique, which is considered to be a modern twist on all-white rooms that have been popular in past years.

Photo by Alair Homes Lawrence Park TorontoDiscover kitchen design ideas

4. Deep Drawers

Extra-deep drawers can increase the functionality of your kitchen and will provide you with a space to store your pots and pans. Although many pots and pans can become lost in dark cabinets, you can rely on the drawers to find what you need and limit the amount of clutter that develops. Consider installing drawer dividers to keep the pans separate and group like items together to make the space streamlined.

5. Deep Cabinets

You can enhance the kitchen in your custom home by adding a deep cabinet above the refrigerator, which will make the appliance flush with the rest of the cabinets. The deep cabinet will also allow you to have extra room to place certain items that aren’t used as frequently when cooking or serving.

6. Upgraded Tile

Upgraded tile is not only more durable but will appear more attractive when used on a backsplash or your bathroom floor. Investing in quality tile early on will prevent you from having to replace it at a later date if it begins to crack or chip. You can create a stunning design on the floor or a backsplash with patterns that are available without making it look overly trendy.

7. Carpet Padding

Carpet padding makes it more comfortable to walk on your floors and provides more cushion, which is ideal if you have small children who are crawling or are learning how to walk. The padding is inexpensive to install and is a practical upgrade to request from your builder when designing your Alair Homes Lawrence Park property.