Building and Designing a New Home Tips and Tricks – Home Storage

Here at Regency Homes of Omaha, we know that building a new home can be frustrating. There are so many things to think about that it can all become overwhelming extremely quickly. In order to help alleviate some of that frustration we’ve put together our ‘Building and Designing a New Home: Tips and Tricks” series.

Important Design Element – Home Storage

The amount of storage that is in a home is often overlooked but an aspect of the home that is always appreciated. While extra storage spaces aren’t at the top of most home buyer’s wish lists, the lack of storage, or poorly places storage, are shining examples of bad home design.

Here’s how you can plan a home with plenty of storage space;

Main Floor Storage Space

• Garage – With the plethora of garage storage systems on the market, a little extra space in a garage goes a long way! Whether it’s simple shelving, an elaborate storage system, or attic trusses with pulldown ladders having extra storage space in the garage is almost a must.
• Rear Foyer – The rear foyer is where the family will be entering the home most of the time, and as such, storage elements for coats, backpacks, shoes, purses, phones, keys, and such are needed here more so than even the front door. The storage space in this area could be cubbies and drawers, or a full walk-in closet, whichever the space allows for.
• Pantry – Time and time again I hear from family and friends that they just never have enough cupboard space in their kitchens. A walk-in pantry is a great example of storage done right.
• Laundry – The laundry room is often where home owners will store cleaning products, extra paper towels and toilet paper, and, of course, laundry related products (ironing board, detergents, a hanging rack, etc). A laundry room should minimally have a shelf lined along the walls of the room. If you want to go the extra mile, add base cabinets and a counter top for folding.

Bedroom Areas

• Linens – A framed linen closet with shelving can hold a lot more than a simple cabinet. Most homeowners, especially any with teenagers, will appreciate any additional bathroom storage space. Additionally a simple framed linen closet with shelving will often be lower in cost compared to other types of linen closets.
• Bedroom Closets – Generally the idea is to keep the secondary bedroom closets simple with double shelving where possible so that more of the budget can be spent on a much more elaborate system for the master suite. At minimum a small walk-in closet with a nice storage system should be included in the master suite.

This was only one building and designing a new home tip. If you’d like to read more tips check back at our blog every now and then, or if you’re a bit more impatient, sign up for our FREE planning guide where you can find this information and more! Secrets to Building a Quality Home.