Just when new-home buyers can’t imagine the inventory of homes getting even more user-friendly, builders introduce new features and packages that bring the idea of “creature comforts” to new levels. That’s because, in addition to wanting built-in technology to manage and monitor appliances, energy and safety, new-home buyers deserve ease of use.
You might call these amenities the “soft skills” of a smart home.
On the surface, for example, the new homes at Valencia in Morgan Hill by Dividend Homes feature premium craftsmanship plus designer finishes and features, all wrapped up in attractive, Mediterranean architecture and situated in neighborhoods with abundant community amenities.
But beyond magnificent curb appeal and visual wow factor both outside and inside the homes, Dividend’s attention to detail becomes obvious on touring each home. Dividend Homes sets the stage for convenience and efficiency in new-home living by considering and including a variety of features that homeowners certainly want, but may not expect.
In addition to the required solar panel system, homes include an HVAC system with programmable thermostats, built-in USB plugs in the kitchen, structural prewiring for satellite and surround-sound prewiring in the family room.
Even the efficiency and convenience of plumbing goes above and beyond with soft-water unit preparation, cast iron waste pipes between floors for sound control (per plan), low-water consumption fixtures, tankless water heaters and a smart, programmable automatic sprinkler system.
Dividend’s Valencia elevations feature three-bedroom, four-bedroom or five-bedroom plans of up to 2,762 square feet in size and all homes have at least two-and-a-half bathrooms. In a true depiction of how smart design meets homeowner-friendly living, some elevations even have four bathrooms.
Also, with energy efficiency a top priority for buyers and a requirement for builders, Dividend’s homes at Valencia include insulated walls that meet or exceed state of California energy standards as well as the needs of buyers who want to help protect the environment.
Included is a 50-amp circuit for electric vehicle charging in the garage, a feature also shared by Bay Area homes built by City Ventures, which has communities in Alameda, Oakland, Santa Rosa, Scotts Valley and Union City.
Calling its homes “the most advanced, energy-efficient, solar-ready new homes,” City Ventures CEO of Homebuilding Phil Kerr added that “we don’t look at these ‘extras’ as upgrades; they’re standard with every City Ventures home. There’s even a remote control feature to the car-charging station.”
The “all-inclusive green” commitment from City Ventures encompasses high-performance, energy-efficient appliances and materials; dual-glaze, Low-E and ultraviolet-coating Milgard windows as the standard; and fully integrated HVAC systems with Nest thermostats.
“It’s not just technology and energy-efficiency,” said Kerr. “It goes way beyond that. Each home has gadgets and features that make everyday life smarter and keep down living costs for homeowners. People just find it’s a better way to live.”
The homes’ included “soft skills” features include Decora Touch electric switches; prewiring for wall-mount TVs — with wire-hiding component placement in the living room; CAT5 cable and RG6 phone prewiring in all bedrooms and living room; and even nice-to-have elements such as soft-close cabinets in the kitchen and all bathrooms.
Some City Ventures elevations, such as at The Sugarmill in Union City, even feature a convenient and innovative “tech room” home office space.
In addition, most of City Ventures’ neighborhoods and condominium communities are constructed in urban infill areas close to public transportation and employment centers; their new-home buyers, therefore, can enjoy living with lower impact on the environment.
How smart and friendly do you want your new home to be? Tell each builder that you meet. Chances are, each builder regularly conducts homeowner and buyer surveys to ensure that the inclusions in their new homes meet or exceed expectations.
