Designing a custom home involves hundreds of decisions. Floor plans, finishes, fixtures — all essential. But there’s a brief window before the walls close up when it’s possible to include features that elevate how the home actually functions and feels day to day.
These aren’t luxury gimmicks or impulse add-ons. They’re practical, proven upgrades we recommend to every client — because once they’re part of your home, they become part of how you live.
They’re also far easier and more cost-effective to install during the build. Retrofitting later often requires compromises in function, aesthetics, or both.
1. Lutron Lighting & Shades
Comfort, control, and efficiency from the moment you wake up.
Lighting and shading systems set the tone for your home. A whole-home Lutron setup lets you program light levels and window coverings based on time of day, lifestyle, or activity — all controlled from your phone, voice assistant, or a sleek wall keypad.
Use cases include:
- Morning scenes that gradually raise blackout shades and bring in soft light
- Evening settings that dim fixtures and lower blinds across shared spaces
- Full-home shutoff with a single “Goodnight” command
It’s a seamless experience that enhances comfort, supports energy efficiency, and simplifies everyday routines.
Why during the build:
Lutron systems require centralized wiring, specific switch locations, and space for the processor. Preplanning ensures the infrastructure is hidden, the layout is functional, and the system performs as intended without retrofit compromises.
2. Whole-Home Sonos
Audio in every space, without the clutter.
Integrated audio transforms how people experience their homes. With Sonos speakers wired into key rooms — kitchen, living areas, bathrooms, patio — sound becomes part of the background flow. Play music, podcasts, or the game seamlessly from space to space.
Most clients don’t want to see equipment. A properly designed system places in-ceiling or in-wall speakers that disappear into the architecture, preserving the look of each room.
It’s not about volume — it’s about presence. Background music while entertaining. A podcast during morning routines. A movie soundtrack on the patio during dinner.
Why during the build:
Speaker wire and in-ceiling speaker placement must be set before drywall. Installing after the fact typically involves cutting into walls or settling for visible hardware. Planning now preserves aesthetics and makes the system feel like part of the home, not an afterthought.
3. TVs in Every Room
Discreet screens, no exposed cables.
Screens are a fixture in modern homes — but exposed wires and visible equipment don’t belong in a well-finished space. Prewiring for TVs in key locations ensures a clean look and reliable performance.
Clients often include:
- A kitchen TV for news or recipes
- A discreet mirror-integrated screen in the bathroom
- A flush-mounted display in the gym or guest room
- Built-in conduit and power for outdoor or patio displays
It’s not about excess — it’s about flexibility and intentionality. When the infrastructure is there, rooms can evolve over time without visible clutter or improvised solutions.
Why during the build:
Running high-voltage outlets, HDMI, ethernet, and conduit to ideal mounting locations is straightforward during framing. After drywall, those same elements are costly or impractical to install cleanly. Building it in now ensures future-ready rooms with a finished look.
4. Home Theater
Dedicated performance that a living room can’t replicate.
A true home theater isn’t just a big screen. It’s a room purpose-built for immersion: optimized acoustics, blackout lighting, controlled ventilation, and seating positioned for ideal sightlines.
Whether you’re watching a film, streaming a series, or hosting game day, the result is the same — a focused, high-quality experience without distraction.
Even modest-sized homes can support a dedicated theater with the right planning. The key is designing the space for performance from the outset.
Why during the build:
Theater elements like soundproofing, projector wiring, acoustic treatments, stepped flooring, and blackout shades are far more efficient to implement during construction. Retrofitting typically means compromise — on layout, equipment placement, or room dimensions.
5. Outdoor Pizza Oven
Turn the backyard into a destination.
Few features activate a backyard like a built-in pizza oven. It becomes a natural gathering point — interactive, fun, and surprisingly versatile. For families and entertainers alike, it’s one of the most-used (and most-loved) outdoor features we see.
Options range from classic wood-fired ovens to gas-assisted models for convenience. Both offer impressive results — crisp crust, open-flame flavor, and the kind of experience that brings people together.
Why during the build:
Whether it’s gas, electric, or wood, these ovens require planning. Running gas and electric lines to the patio is straightforward during site work and framing. Trying to do so after the fact may involve trenching, concrete cuts, or exposed piping. Planning the outdoor kitchen layout now avoids disruption later.
In Summary
These five upgrades may not be the flashiest line items in a design meeting — but they’re the ones clients appreciate most once they move in. They simplify routines, elevate daily living, and support the way modern families actually use their homes.
Most importantly, they’re significantly easier to implement during construction. A small amount of foresight now avoids major compromises down the road.
If you’re in the planning phase of a custom home and want to explore the smart features that truly make a difference, we’d be happy to walk you through what’s possible.