Few things are as personal as your home, but for most people it’s also their most valuable investment. As such, it’s a wise move to make sure it’s the best house it can be–in terms of performance, comfort and all around aesthetics.

Designing and building a high performance stylish house (be it a townhome, condo or single-family) means different things to different people though. But it’s easy for some people to forget that the most important parts of a house are the unsexy elements and systems they cannot see–footings, foundation, structure, insulation, plumbing, electrical wiring, insulation, roofing, etc. 

“It’s no secret that building a home that lasts requires making wise choices, using quality materials and incorporating effective construction methods,” building products giant LP Building Solutions says. “But what are specific approaches today’s builders can take to help ensure the structure will last for another hundred years? The solution lies in building with redundancies and utilizing the right structural solutions.”

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It’s also important to build for your climate, a message that architects and building scientists have been spreading for years. LP agrees, saying older homes often give you the clues as to why they lasted so long. “How can some homes last for over 100 years and some do not? For starters, pay attention to the weather conditions in that particular area—whether that’s strong winds in the Plains or the Midwest, high heat in Phoenix, below-freezing temperatures in the north, or moisture-rich humidity and salt in the Carolinas and Florida.”

For our list, we operated on the assumption that your house is structurally sound, well insulated and uses quality materials. The list does not include obvious items like good insulation, high-quality windows, low-flow toilets or energy efficient appliances (those choices are standard and not considered extra). But it does contain materials, products and details we think every house should have no matter if you’re building a mansion in Manhattan Beach, a condo in Chicago or in the midst of a fixer upper in Florida. Most of our picks are about added design value, though some offer other practical benefits to homeowners.

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Here are the nine things we think every house should have:

Good Entry Hardware

The entry hardware is important for obvious reasons: It needs to keep you safe from (unwanted) strangers and would-be home invaders. To help you choose, the American National Standards Institute provides a standardized system for evaluating the security and durability of door locks. Grade 1 locks offer the highest level of security and durability and are good enough for commercial applications and high-security residential settings. The locks are tested to ensure high resistance to force, impact and numerous cycles of operation. And remember: Heavier is better, so look for solid brass, stainless steel and robust construction. But security isn’t the only job for the entry hardware. As one of the first things visitors see (and perhaps touch), it also has to look good, so choose wisely.

A Killer Door

You can’t buy cool, high-quality door hardware and then cheap out on the front door.

“The entrance to your home is often its public face, communicating your sense of style to the world,” The New York Times wrote in 2021. “It’s also a transition space that can be either inviting or forbidding — a source of pleasure or frustration.” In short, the front entry is incredibly important.
If you’re not convinced, then think about this: A good entry system can increase the value of your home. According to the real estate company, Century21, “A well-executed entryway remodel can offer a strong return on investment, significantly enhancing curb appeal and potentially increasing a home’s perceived value by a substantial amount.”

Cool House Numbers

It might seem like an insignificant thing, but don’t overlook the house numbers. Whether your house is traditional or modern, the strength of the number signals to the world that you take architecture and design seriously. And it tells the world that you sweat the small details. Bonus: Cool house numbers will pique the curiosity of passersby, too, as they wonder what the inside may look like inside.

Statement Light (at least one)

Every house needs at least one dramatic pendant to anchor a foyer, dining room or staircase. Better yet, if you have one for each space–even better. We’re not talking about gaudy, large pieces that are too showy. Rather, we prefer well-designed, sophisticated pieces that will make visitors take notice. But why statement lighting?
According to lighting and smart fan manufacturer, Modern Forms, the lighting is essential for adding visual interest, defining a room’s style and creating a focal point. “It goes beyond basic illumination, acting as a design element that can dramatically transform the ambiance and personality of a space.”

Counter-Depth Refrigerator

In our view, few things ruin a kitchen more than a bulky refrigerator that protrudes into the space. Not only is it ugly, but it’s also inefficient. It’s particularly egregious when you consider that there are so many counter-depth refrigerators (and various price points, if you’re on a tight budget) that can give your kitchen a built-in, high end look whether you have a modern kitchen or a traditional one.

Wall-Hung Toilet

If you’ve spent any time traveling in Europe, no doubt you’ve seen wall-hung toilets in hotels and airports. Then, they started appearing in commercial spaces here, too. Now, wall-hung toilets are growing in popularity here as well, especially in sleek and modern interiors.

The toilets are not just about looks, though. Because they use a carrier and flush system that is installed behind the walls, the units save space and make bathrooms feel bigger. Its concealed tank, absence of a visible trapway and floating design open up floor space give homeowners the ability to easily clean underneath the toilet bowl. Wall-hung toilets also can be installed at custom heights, making them suitable for various needs, including those of the elderly or disabled, Kohler says.

Smart Lighting Control

If you’re doing a major remodel or building a new home, investing in some smart lighting is a good idea. Smart lighting control offers a range of benefits, allowing owners greater convenience, remote control, scheduling and automation of lights. This in turn leads to reduced energy consumption, customizable lighting scenes and enhanced safety and security, Philips says.

No need to go hog wild and make every device in the house a smart unit. To save money, you can be more strategic in choosing which lighting device is smart. The exterior lights and the living room lights are good options.

Wall-Hung Vanities

If you are doing a modern (or transitional) project, a wall-hung vanity is an ideal choice. As the name suggests, these units float on the wall (as opposed to the conventional way sitting on the floor). Though they reduce storage space in a vanity, the products allow homeowners to clean underneath. That floating feature allows light to penetrate into the bathroom, making the space feel bigger than it actually is.

Floor Warming (in the bathroom)

Walking barefoot on a cold bathroom floor in the middle of winter is about as unpleasant as it sounds, but if you live in a cold or cool climate, warm floors are about as pleasurable as it sounds. Houses in really cold climates often have floor warming throughout, but not everyone can have that. A nice compromise is an electric floor warming system in the bathroom. The systems can be connected through a smart thermostat for convenience, and they can be placed on a schedule to activate during the morning and evening when you are likely to be home.