Invest in the future: handy extras for your new build:

Building a new home is a unique opportunity to design everything exactly according to your wishes. You choose not only the layout and finish, but also the technical features that make your home comfortable, energy-efficient and future-proof. Yet many people only think about all kinds of 'extras' afterwards, which are actually much easier and cheaper to integrate during the construction phase. From smart home automation to extra power sockets: with the right choices, you can make your home more pleasant and increase its value in the long term.

Charge your car at home

It is impossible to imagine the streets without the electric car. More and more newly built houses are equipped with a charging station or at least the preparations for one. Requesting a charge post quote is therefore a smart move: after all, with a charge point at home you charge quickly, safely and cheaply.

- Ask the contractor to provide a separate circuit for the charging station.

- Consider a smart meter or an energy management system that adjusts the charging current to your consumption.

- Choose a model with internet connection so you can monitor consumption or schedule charging on cheaper night tariffs.

A charging station is not only convenient for yourself, but also increases the value and attractiveness of your home to prospective buyers.

Home automation and smart technology

Home automation allows you to control lighting, heating, blinds, security and even household appliances via your smartphone or voice. By already taking into account cabling and connection points during construction, you avoid expensive modifications later on. You don't have to have a fully automated home right away; experts at https://www.homedeal.nl/ recommend starting with a basic installation and expanding it later. Examples include: smart thermostats that optimise your energy consumption, motion sensors for lighting in hallways or outside, and smart smoke detectors that send notifications to your phone.

Preparing for solar panels and home batteries

Even if you don't install solar panels right away, it's smart to provide the necessary pipes and cabling during construction. That way, you avoid a lot of hassle later when you decide to switch to solar power. Also consider a place where a home battery can come later. That storage option is becoming increasingly popular as the emphasis on self-consumption increases. A separate technical room with sufficient ventilation, connections and space for inverters and batteries really makes all the difference.

Extra sockets and connection points

It sounds trite, but too few power outlets is one of the most common frustrations among new residents. During the design phase, everything seems logical, but as soon as you set up furniture and appliances, you notice that something is missing in key places.

Provide extra connection points in the kitchen. A coffee machine, kitchen robot, kettle or toaster: they all need power. And now that we are all taking our smartphones into the bedroom, sockets next to the bed can be super handy for charging your smartphone at night.

Thoughtful ventilation and air quality

Modern homes are airtight, which is good for energy efficiency, but less so for air quality. A good ventilation system is therefore essential. Consider systems with heat recovery (type D) that not only bring in fresh air, but also reuse the heat from the exhaust air. In addition, consider sensors that automatically measure air quality and, if necessary, adjust ventilation.

Extra comfort in the bathroom

The bathroom is one of the places where comfort, or the lack of it, is felt the most.

With underfloor heating, you step onto a pleasantly warm floor in the morning instead of cold tiles. Bet it does wonders for your mood? Moreover, underfloor heating ensures even heat distribution and less dust circulation, which improves the indoor climate.

Or how about a towel radiator? That way you will always enjoy a nice temperature in the bathroom and you can get straight into a nice warm towel after showering.

Security and access control

Good security ensures not only the protection of your home, but above all peace of mind. Modern systems today are much more than a classic alarm system.

Thanks to videophone, you can immediately see who is ringing your doorbell, wherever you are. Via your smartphone, you can speak to visitors or open the door, even if you are not at home. Convenient and safe.

Or how about motion sensors? As soon as movement is detected, the lights switch on automatically or the camera starts up. So you immediately deter unwanted visitors.

Plan smart, live comfortably

A new home offers a unique opportunity to do everything right from the start. Handy extras make your home future-proof and increase comfort. When making possible choices, think not only about today, but also about how you want to live in five, ten or twenty years' time. By investing in smart features during the construction phase, you will enjoy a home that is not only beautiful and practical, but also future-proof.