If you dream of designing your perfect beach home, Orange County, California, is the place to make that dream a reality. From sun-kissed beaches and sparkling turquoise waters to glamorous communities, there are endless opportunities to create something truly special here.

Why New Home Design? 

Whether it’s customizing a dream space or taking advantage of the most modern amenities, there are plenty of reasons why people opt for new homes over resale homes. For some, it's the excitement that comes with building from scratch. For others, it’s enjoying design freedom at its finest. No two homebuyers have the same motivations when constructing their perfect abode, but here are a few reasons why people choose this route. 

• Designing a new home is your chance to make it uniquely your own. From the paint swatches and finishes to how you want each space laid out, it allows you to create harmony and balance with your family’s lifestyle, so it all naturally blends together from the inside out.

• In a new home, you can have peace of mind knowing that the systems and infrastructure are all up to date. Plus, many modern homes come with energy-efficient designs. These components not only save you money in repair costs and upgrades, but they'll also help keep your monthly utility bills low. 

• New homes have a lot of appeal, such as the luxury of having a brand new space to make your own, the air quality, and the pristine fixtures. Taking that first step into a newly built home is a very special experience. 

Best Home Builders

When you embark on your journey toward creating the Orange County home of your dreams, finding the right builder for this important project can be overwhelming. To help guide you in selecting the ideal partner to bring your vision to life, here’s a checklist of questions to ask your Orange County new home builder that cover several aspects of the process. 

• Can you provide references of recent buyers and current homeowners?

• Do you have in-house financing options available?

• Are there options for adjusting the floor plan or spaces like a basement or deck?

• Are there custom options to upgrade the standard features?

• Will there be a homeowners association? What fees are associated with the neighborhood, and what do they cover?

• Do you offer a home warranty program?

• What are the local schools like? How much are property taxes?

• Are there daycare centers and grocery stores nearby? What are the local emergency facilities like?

• What future development is planned for the next five years?

Designing a Floor Plan

Working with various floor plan design options, you can customize nearly every interior and exterior area in your Orange County dream home when you buy new. Rearrange room furniture layouts, adjust the footprint, and add outdoor spaces like a covered patio. 

Interactive floor plan tools open up a world of possibilities for creating a home that is uniquely yours. You can use your personalized floor plan to experiment with furniture placement and finishes that reflect who you are, allowing you to express your style in one-of-a-kind ways.

When you design your floor plan for your new home in Orange County, consider how to make your house the perfect home for you and your family. Think about the following questions as you devise the ideal new home floor plan: 

• How large is your family, and do you expect to grow it within the next few years?

• Do you anticipate major changes to the way your home is used? For instance, is an elderly family member moving in, or are older children going off to college?

• Do you work from home or need a home office more than once or twice each week?

• Do you enjoy entertaining at home? If so, is your style more formal or casual?

• Do you like wide-open spaces or more closed-off, private spaces?

• What is the traffic flow like in your home

• In the morning?

• After school and work?

• In the evening?

• On the weekends?

By designing a floor plan tailored to fit the needs of everyone in your household, you'll be better able to manage busy days and move through your home with ease. 

Things to Consider When Working with Orange County Home Builders

When designing your dream home in Orange County, be selective when choosing a builder. Make sure they understand the details of what you envision for your future abode. You want to create something truly remarkable together so your home brings joy to all who enter. Here are a few factors to keep in mind: 

• Your home should be a sanctuary that can grow with you over time, so plan for the future today. Look at your current lifestyle and consider how it might change in 5–10 years. Think about any specific events you need to prepare for, like an upcoming job move or the kids going off to college, that might change how you use the space.  

• When building a home, be sure to look beyond its four walls. Being mindful of your home’s placement on the lot can have far-reaching effects, such as the amount of natural light that comes through the windows during the year. Research the orientation of other homes in the neighborhood, and find out where new homes may be constructed since this could impact your home down the road. 

• Make the most of Orange County's stunning weather with a floor plan that lets you enjoy its sunshine and fresh air. When it comes to children playing or entertaining friends, make sure you consider the traffic patterns between interior and exterior areas as you design your space.

• Your outdoor space should be an extension of the inside of your home, with cozy, comfortable furnishings and decor. Orange County living offers year-round opportunities to enjoy a meal, entertain guests, or just sit back and relax outside, so upgrade this space as much as you can. You won't regret taking full advantage of that sun-filled California lifestyle.

Looking for a new home in sunny Orange County, California? You’ll find a gorgeous and amenity-filled Pulte home everywhere you want to be. And when you build with us, you have so many choices for design and layout, both indoors and out. Love your life every day in a Pulte home.

Discover stunning floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities today!

Contributed by Christy Murdock Edgar