Many people dream of building a custom home, but it’s not always clear where to save and where to invest. Since building a home is often the largest investment of a lifetime, it’s worth spending wisely on features that will truly enhance your quality of life. So, where should you splurge to get the best value?

SPACE PLANNING

One of the hardest things to change later on is your home’s overall layout. Hiring an interior designer separate from your builder allows you to create truly custom details rather than just tweaking an existing stock plan. Most standard home builders (like those featured in Parade of Homes) buy materials in bulk to build stock plans, limiting your choices. With an interior designer, however, you have the freedom to select every detail. While that might sound overwhelming, a skilled designer will take your vision, refine and curate, and present options tailored to your needs, making the custom home design process simple and enjoyable.

An interior designer takes the time to understand your lifestyle, asking thoughtful questions about how you live now and what changes you envision to live even better in your home. We want to know how you wish to navigate and experience the space, the details of your daily routines, and what matters most to you. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of having a cozy library, a conveniently located laundry room, a dedicated kids’ area, a spot for the cat’s litter box, a dog washing station, a home theatre, an outdoor kitchen, or a specific design element you can’t stop thinking about. This is your chance to bring those ideas to life. While renovations are always an option, planning your space intentionally from the start saves time, hassle, and future expense.

ANYTHING STRUCTURAL

If you’re envisioning higher ceilings, a home extension, or a spacious 3-car garage, make sure to include these in your priority budget. Structural upgrades like these can be both difficult and expensive to change once construction is complete, so planning them at the start is key. By investing in these elements now, you’re setting the foundation for a home that will suit your needs and lifestyle well into the future, without the need for major renovations down the line.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to complete every detail at once—you can build the main structure now and finish certain areas or features in stages as your budget and needs evolve. This approach allows you to prioritize essential structural elements while still leaving room for gradual upgrades, giving you flexibility as your family grows or your lifestyle changes.

THE BUILDING ENVELOPE

We strongly recommend investing in high-quality insulation, windows, doors, roofing, and siding. These core elements are essential to your home’s functionality, energy efficiency, comfort, and curb appeal. Features like abundant natural light, effective insulation, a durable roof, hard-wearing siding, and quality doors can truly elevate your space. If you’re thinking about options like floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s best to plan for these impactful features from the outset of your custom build.

Since doors are used daily, solid core options are a worthwhile choice for their soundproofing capabilities, heat retention, and temperature regulation. Their weight and durability also make them a valuable, lasting addition.

Your roof plays a crucial role in protecting both your home and your investment. By selecting premium roofing materials, you’ll ensure strong defense against harsh elements like heavy rain, high winds, and intense sunlight, while also extending your roof’s lifespan considerably.

KITCHEN

The kitchen is often the most expensive room in a home because it’s the heart of daily life and a hub for social gatherings. It requires significant investment in cabinetry, appliances, countertops, and other essentials. Since families tend to spend much of their time in or near the kitchen—cooking multiple meals and entertaining guests—this space truly deserves high-quality materials. Investing in durable cabinets (opt for wood if possible!), flooring, countertops, and reliable appliances will ensure the kitchen stands up to daily wear and tear.

It’s also essential to design a kitchen that will serve your family’s needs for years to come. Whether that means having four seats at the island, two dishwashers, a large pantry, or dedicated storage for your bakeware, identifying these priorities early is crucial. Planning these must-have features from the beginning saves you from the hassle and expense of trying to add them after the kitchen is complete.

BATHROOMS

Tile not only adds beauty to a space but also serves a critical function in protecting wet areas from moisture damage, mold, mildew, and deterioration over time. Choosing quality fixtures—and hiring a skilled plumber—helps prevent leaks, drainage issues, and other plumbing failures, while also providing a luxurious, worry-free experience. Although high-quality materials and expert installation can be pricey upfront, the alternative is far costlier. Poor drainage, subpar fixtures, or faulty plumbing can lead to extensive mold, mildew buildup, and eventual water damage, requiring a complete replacement of surfaces and fixtures in the future. Investing in quality now means peace of mind and long-term savings, as well as a beautiful, resilient space you can rely on for years.

STORAGE

Dreaming of a walk-in pantry, hallway storage, spacious closets, a customized kitchen cabinet layout, or a garage for all your tools? Plan for these features from the start. Thoughtfully designed storage not only boosts your home’s value but also elevates your quality of life, creating a sense of organization and luxury by ensuring that there’s a place for everything.

Built-ins—like shelves, benches, or entertainment centres—add personality and practicality to any home, making them excellent additions during the build phase. With more people working from home, the demand for custom, space-efficient solutions has risen, as homeowners seek unique designs tailored to their needs. When planning a built-in, consider its placement, dimensions, storage layout, and architectural details to ensure it integrates seamlessly with your home’s style, adding function and charm without feeling like an afterthought.

QUALITY MATERIALS

Your floors are one of the most heavily used surfaces in your home, so it’s essential to select materials that are durable and built to last. Hardwood floors are a popular choice, as they can be refinished multiple times, giving them the ability to look beautiful for decades. If you have pets or young children, consider hard-wearing options like wood, high-quality laminate, or tile in moisture-prone areas such as the kitchen, mudroom, and bathroom. These materials are easier to maintain and withstand spills and wear better than other options. For bedrooms, where comfort is key, think about adding durable, stain-resistant carpeting to create a warm and cozy environment.

Baseboards, though often overlooked, play a significant role in the finish and durability of a room. Many people complete a beautiful space with MDF trim to save on costs, but this material doesn’t always stand the test of time. Investing in solid wood baseboards is a worthwhile choice if your budget allows. Solid wood trim is lightweight, strong, and eco-friendly, adding character to your interiors and enhancing the room’s overall quality. Unlike MDF, wood baseboards are more resilient and less prone to damage, ensuring that your home looks polished and well-crafted for years to come.

INTEGRATION

If you have the chance to integrate certain features into your home’s design, seize the opportunity. Built-in electrical components, such as lighting, outlets, entertainment systems, thermostats, automated window treatments, seasonal outdoor lighting, and home security systems, can enhance convenience and functionality.

Integrated lighting, for example, allows for a seamless look and provides customized control over ambiance, while built-in outlets in strategic locations help minimize visible cords and clutter. Entertainment systems and thermostats that are incorporated into your walls or cabinetry streamline your space, making them easy to access and adjust without disrupting the room’s design. Automated window treatments add comfort and privacy, allowing you to control natural light with the push of a button. Consider installing programmable holiday and outdoor lights that can change colours based on the season or occasion, giving your home a festive, welcoming touch year-round. An integrated security system adds an essential layer of safety, with cameras and alarms that blend into your home’s design while offering peace of mind.

Building a custom home is a significant investment that requires careful consideration of where to allocate resources for maximum benefit. Prioritizing space planning with an interior designer can lead to a truly personalized layout that enhances daily living. Investing in structural elements, high-quality materials, and functional spaces—such as kitchens, bathrooms, and storage—ensures long-term satisfaction and efficiency. Additionally, integrating practical features like built-in systems and durable flooring not only elevates your home’s aesthetic but also improves functionality and convenience. By making informed decisions from the outset, you can create a home that meets your needs and lifestyle for years to come.