5 ways to future proof your custom home
There are many articles and systems out there written to tell you how to future proof your custom home. As you process all that information think through your family history, current conditions in the area you plan to build, and the local climate. While there are very robust energy rating systems that will in fact get you to very low energy usage, we are blessed here in Virginia with ample sun for solar and low energy costs from public utilities (relatively speaking). This changes the conversation about whether you should invest in a robust system to reduce energy costs – especially when you take into account the costs associated with things like triple pane windows vs double pane windows for instance.
Thinking through your family history and your expected mobility challenges is another place where you should spend some time. Of course, none of us knows what tomorrow holds, but if your family members all live into their 90s and don’t have mobility challenges, how likely is it that you will have mobility challenges? Working through a life plan that goes with your home is critical to make it economical and adaptable.
Looking at the climate conditions and the severity of storms hitting the area where you are building is a dynamic analysis as things continue to change, but can be very informative on the systems you select. The frequency of 2″ rainstorms in our area have increased by more than 100% in recent years. These storms with greater intensity often bring strong winds along with concentrated rainfall – this may impact your future proof decisions on overhangs, gutter size, and roof slope.
Here are 5 considerations that apply to most new custom homes we design:
- Make the floorplan as flexible as possible. Consider 1 level living opportunities and reinforced wall systems for future grab bars. Have a zero step shower and lever style door handles where possible on an accessible floor level.
- Create the most energy-efficient and durable building envelope solution you can afford without designing for an extreme climate. All predictions have Virginia staying fairly moderate for temperature swings for the foreseeable future. While passive house is a great strategy for clients that want to achieve zero energy status, the insulation values and strategies required to get this certification add considerably to the cost of construction.
- Make sure your electronic and communications system is wired for a changing future technology. Add in options for pulling new wire easily in the future as technology evolves.
- Pick the most durable and low maintenance building materials. Remember quality costs more, but in the long run will save you time, money, and frustration.
- Consider a rainwater catchment system. While storms in our area are wetter than in previous decades, it seems the space between storms can draw out longer than typical as well.
While we don’t know what the future holds for anyone of us, creating a resilient and durable custom home will protect your investment as best as can be protected.
