Options Analysis

Windows
From wood and vinyl, to single-hung, double-hung, and casement, there’s more to windows than panes, sills, and shutters. And it’s best to go with the best. “For a lot of more permanent things, [like windows], I make the decisions for homeowners,” says Frosch, who uses Pella and Andersen nearly exclusively (both companies will service their products) and rarely agrees to another brand. “Price is down the line. Function is number one.”

Make sure to take into account basic maintenance requirements. Wooden windows are common, but call for more upkeep than their vinyl counterparts, so determine first how much time you’re willing to spend on them. Also make sure to take into account features like air-filtration ratings, pre-finished interiors and exteriors, and energy efficiency. “There’s nothing worse than bad windows,” Nelson says. “We encourage people to get the best windows they can.”

Built-Ins and Hidden Storage
When it comes to built-in storage and cabinetry in tailor-made homes, one size does not fit all. Custom cabinets and shelving units are built to fit any size and space, while pre-finished cabinetry is more commonly selected for areas where size and function don’t vary. “I try to understand how my clients live and how they use their space,” says Walgamuth, who recommends wood for more formal settings and laminate or enamel for back-of-the-house, utilitarian locations.

While oak used to be the hands-down material of choice, other woods like birch, maple, cherry, and alder now lead the charge for built-in bookcases, benches, and lockers—all of which build character. “The first items to be considered for storage are the individuals’ wants and needs,” Appert says. “There are many different ways you can accomplish a pure storage need. Hidden storage is the best way to achieve this; however, built-ins become part of your home like a treasured heirloom, which you [pass] on to the next family that lives there.”

To help that heirloom be relevant when the time comes to hand it over, steer clear of glaring material fads—you don’t want another avocado-green appliance situation down the road—and stick to neutrals. And if deciding on your storage takes a bit longer than planned, no worries. It is possible to hold off until after the home is built to install the final product. “If you can provide the space for them in the design,” Nelson says, “cabinets and built-ins are easy to do later.”

Wiring & Technology
It’s a technological world now, and homes reflect it. Pricing, of course, depends on the extent of the technology; those with dens rivaling the bridge of the starship Enterprise will obviously pay a bit more than the average homeowner. From choosing between wireless and structured wiring, to planning a major home theater system, there are plenty of options to play with. “Buyers should spend the money upfront on the items that will allow for flexibility and expandability in the future,” Appert says. “Since the options are endless, you want to be sure you select pre-wiring options, since it becomes difficult and expensive to install [wiring] after the home is built.”

Technological features like lighting are also becoming increasingly experimental. Walgamuth says he has had clients who prefer complex programmable lighting systems and those who are content with the old-fashioned flip-of-a-switch. Different approaches, such as low-voltage lighting inside a home (to highlight a piece of art, for example), add a creative touch.