There are so many things to think about when building a new home, especially since it is the largest purchase most people will ever make. But this is where it gets fun and real and stressful all at the same time. Don't overlook the small, but important, details that can make a big difference when building your first home.

Over the past 11 years, more than 4,000 homes have been built in the Daybreak community so we know a thing or two about building a new home. We have compiled our list of five tips for building your first home so that your experience is as stress-free as possible.

1. Do your homework

Save yourself valuable time and money and study your floor plan. Think about how you will use each room in the house and what modifications you might want to have done during construction. Ask up front about what changes are possible. Once construction begins, it may be too late or too costly to make alterations.

It's also a good idea to ask the sales agent what the most common selections or modifications are that past homebuyers have made. Consider asking if it is possible to see a completed home of the floor plan you have selected. This allows you to really get a feel for the space.

2. Double-check storage

Adequate storage should be an important aspect of your new home check-list. Storage that utilizes the space thoughtfully can make your home feel larger. Check the number of closets and cabinets. Do you need a built-in spice rack or do you want the garbage can hidden? Sometimes modifications can be made to kitchen cabinets to accommodate mixers or other large kitchen equipment that you need access to, but don't want sitting on your countertop. Also, consider opting for built-in bookcases and storage. Not only are built-ins functional, but they make a home look and feel more custom.

Consider the square footage of walk-in closets, storage and cold storage options, and cupboard space in the kitchen and laundry room. Do you need a linen closet upstairs and downstairs?

3. Prioritize

You've picked your lot, you've picked your floor plan and now it's time to pick the interior finishes for your home. There are so many options to choose, but the best advice is to keep things simple. Pick a color palette and interior finishes that will be able to adapt as the years go by and then add colorful touches with furniture and artwork that can be updated as trends change.

Pinterest can be your friend or foe during the building process. Make a list of your priorities—Column 1: Must-Have; Column 2: Really Want; Column 3: Would be Nice. This way you already have in mind what you will and will not compromise on.

While many people like to organize their interior finishes on Pinterest or Houzz others may prefer a more tangible approach using an interest board.

Creating an inspiration board is easy. Clip inspiration from magazines, print concepts from online, visit home decor stores and get samples of fabric or paint colors so you can see the variations in textures. Doing this ahead of time will prepare you for your design consultation with your builder.

4. Splurge Wisely

The cost of making changes to the standard finishes that builders offer can add up when building a new home. Pull out your wish list again and decide what you want to have the builder add to the home and what you think you could do on your own. For example, choose special fixtures to light one or two main areas but opt for basic fixtures elsewhere. You may also want to add a backsplash later on or choose 2-tone paint vs. 3-tone. All of these choices can save you money.

5. Be Active In The Building Process

During the building process, take a walk through your new home frequently. There are multiple milestones during the building process such as when the foundation is poured, at 4-way inspection (right before drywall is installed) and then at final walk through.

All new homes at Daybreak are built to Energy Star 3.0 standards. This standard enhances more than just energy efficiency. With a new set of specifications for moisture barriers, ventilation systems and framing, it also raises the bar for indoor air quality, long-term structural integrity and overall comfort.

And since the new standard requires that every home be fully inspected, performance-tested and certified by a third-party energy rating firm, homebuyers can confidently expect their new home to perform as promised.

Now that you know what questions to ask, how to prioritize your wish list and how to make your budget go further, it is now time to find your new home. But don't worry. We're here to help! Daybreak is home to several home builders and over 25 model homes where ideas and inspiration abound. There is something here for everyone, whether you are looking for a condo, townhome or single-family home! Stop by the Glass House to tour our model homes Monday-Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM.

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