Many people dream of living in a luxury home or mansion. With their spacious rooms, expensive materials, and every extra luxury you could possibly want right in the comfort of your home, it’s no wonder. To get the perfect luxury living space, many homeowners choose to have a home custom-built to their exact specifications. However, before you get into the process of constructing your luxury home with the help of contractors, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

Location, Location, Location

The location is important for any real estate purchase, but it can be even more significant when you’re constructing a new home. The location can impact land prices, property taxes, and (of course) what kind of living situation you’ll find yourself in. For luxury homes, remember that the location you build in might not be the location you live in year-round. For example, in 2016, up to 45% of homes sold in Maui were bought by out-of-state home buyers. When picking out the right location for your luxury home, consider as many aspects of the decision — like finances, neighborhood, and amenities — as possible.

Emphasize Energy Savings

Just because you’re looking to add a lot of luxury to your new home doesn’t mean you have to do so with high energy costs. When constructing your home, remember to opt for energy efficient appliances and techniques whenever possible. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s better for your utility bills as well. Some construction techniques lend themselves better to a more energy-efficient home. For example, modular constructions reduce energy consumption during the building process by around 67% and reduces energy costs later on for occupants. Even if you have the budget to afford a higher energy bill doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of efficient techniques available to you. It’ll also add to a home’s resale value, as many potential buyers will want an eco-friendly and efficient household.

Consider Your Curb Appeal

One of the best perks of having a luxury home is the look of your home. Both the interiors and exteriors of a luxury home should be impressive, but you really want your curb appeal to sell that idea of luxury. How can you accomplish this? Focus on elements that add that extra polish to your home’s exterior: a long driveway, lots of outdoor space, beautiful landscaping, and more. Remember to design before the work begins, especially for landscaping. Every minute someone is designing, working on a bid, planting, shoveling, or putting the finishing touches on a picture-perfect backyard costs you, so going in with an idea of what you want your finished product to look like can save you time and money.

Don’t forget that maintenance matters, too! A large yard and long driveway only look luxurious if they’re well-kept. Asphalt driveways should be sealed every two or three years, and regular work on your landscaping will keep it looking beautiful and luxurious year-round.

Choose Your Priorities

Finally, when you’re constructing your own custom home, you’re in charge of what gets included and what doesn’t. This means you get to decide exactly what goes in it. How many bedrooms will you want? Do you need a larger kitchen? Focus on the areas of the home you’re going to get the most enjoyment out of, and design with your daily life and activities in mind. A luxury home can of course have extra add-ons, but make sure you’re prioritizing the aspects of a home that are going to get the most use.

When you’re constructing your dream home, you’re free to include whatever amenities and luxuries you want in it. However, don’t forget these tips to make your luxury home one that you can’t wait to live in.