Contemporary dark blue Virginia barndominium with three-car garage, stone detailing, and expansive windows illuminated in the evening
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Written by Spear Builders

10 Design Features That Add Value to Your Custom Home in Virginia

🛠️ Build Smarter: Add These Features to Your Custom Home in Virginia

When you’re building a custom home, every design decision matters — not just for comfort and aesthetics, but for long-term value. At Spear Builders of Virginia, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners design homes that are not only beautiful and functional, but also smart investments.

Here are 10 custom home features that add real value — both in the eyes of future buyers and your family today.

1. Main Floor Primary Suite

First-floor primary bedrooms are more than a luxury — they’re in demand. They offer convenience, aging-in-place flexibility, and broad appeal to all generations.

Great for: multigenerational families, retirees, and resale

Bright and spacious first-floor bedroom suite in Virginia featuring large windows, French doors, plush bedding, and cozy décor.
Comfortable and accessible first-floor bedroom suite in Virginia.

2. Open-Concept Living Spaces

An open kitchen/living/dining area makes homes feel larger and brighter. It also fosters connection — perfect for families, entertaining, and modern lifestyles.

Browse our build gallery to see how we design spaces that flow seamlessly.

Open concept living room in Virginia home featuring large stone fireplace, wooden coffered ceilings, large windows, and comfortable seating area.
Inviting open-concept living room with impressive stone fireplace in Virginia.

3. Energy-Efficient Windows & Insulation

High-performance insulation and upgraded windows can dramatically lower energy bills — a big win for value and sustainability. Plus, they improve indoor comfort all year long.

We guide every client through smart envelope upgrades. Learn more about home insulation pros and cons.

Bright sunroom in Virginia home featuring energy-efficient windows, comfortable seating, and panoramic views of greenery.
Energy-efficient sunroom designed for comfort and efficiency in Virginia.

4. Custom Kitchen with Walk-In Pantry

A well-designed kitchen is always a top priority — and one of the best ROI builders. Add features like:

  • Large island

  • Quartz or granite counters

  • Soft-close drawers

  • A spacious walk-in pantry (highly requested!)

We tailor kitchens to your lifestyle and budget.

Custom-designed Virginia kitchen featuring white cabinetry, marble countertops, hardwood floors, and a spacious walk-in pantry.
Virginia custom kitchen with luxury finishes and walk-in pantry.

5. Mudroom or Drop Zone

This one small space makes a big difference. A drop zone off the garage with cubbies, hooks, and a bench keeps clutter in check and families organized.

Bonus: Adds function without much cost — a top-value upgrade.

Spacious mudroom entry in Virginia home featuring built-in storage cubbies, seating areas, tile flooring, and glass double doors.
Functional and stylish mudroom entryway in Virginia home.

6. Outdoor Living Space

Porches, covered patios, and decks create extended living space and curb appeal. In Virginia, outdoor living is a must.

See ideas in our barndominium porch design guide, even if you're not building a barndo.

Luxurious outdoor living area of a Virginia home featuring a pool, covered patio, fireplace, and comfortable seating areas.
Elegant outdoor living space perfect for entertaining in Virginia.

7. Dedicated Home Office or Flex Room

Remote work is here to stay. Buyers are looking for homes with a quiet office, craft space, or homework nook. A flexible room adds big appeal.

Want ideas? Check out 10 Must-Have Features in Your Custom Home.

Bright, spacious home office suite in Virginia featuring built-in bookshelves, elegant cabinetry, and large windows overlooking greenery.
Sophisticated home office design perfect for productivity in Virginia.

8. Detached or Oversized Garage

Adding a detached garage (or an oversized attached one) gives you room for:

  • Cars, tools, and equipment

  • Storage

  • Home gym or workshop

  • Future conversion to in-law suite

Explore detached garage possibilities.

Black pole barn-style detached garage featuring dormer windows, stone accents, and stylish design nestled in a wooded Virginia setting.
Elegant detached garage with pole barn styling in Virginia.

9. Hardwood or LVP Flooring

Buyers love low-maintenance, beautiful floors. Hardwood and high-end LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring are durable, stylish, and timeless.

They also help reduce allergens and cleaning hassle.

Spacious open-concept Virginia home featuring custom hardwood floors, bright natural lighting, and modern kitchen
Custom hardwood flooring elevates open-concept living spaces in Virginia.

10. Thoughtful Lighting & Tech Upgrades

Smart switches, recessed lighting, under-cabinet lights, and dimmable zones all make your home feel higher-end — without a major price jump.

Plus, integrated tech (like smart thermostats and security systems) is a growing must-have for buyers.

Modern pendant lighting illuminating stairway with white shiplap walls and natural light in a Virginia home.
Stylish lighting fixtures enhancing interior aesthetics in Virginia.

📍 Where We Build Custom Homes in Virginia

We design and build custom homes throughout Central Virginia, including:

Want to build on your land? Learn how we do it: Build on Your Lot in Virginia

🏡 Let’s Design a Home You’ll Love for Years

Whether you're building your forever home or making a smart investment, these design features help you get the most out of your new build.

Contact Spear Builders to schedule your consultation and start planning today.

Custom Homes
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