Buying a new home? Before you pack a single box, think about the construction of the house and what you can do to improve it. Here are six overlooked yet infinitely useful additions to modern real estate.

1. Solar Panels

A common misconception about solar energy is that it requires extensive, ground-to-ceiling upgrades in your home. In truth, all you need are a few photovoltaic panels on your roof to get your start in green living. You can make further modifications as your budget allows, but solar panels themselves are easy to install and a great investment for the future. Some companies even offer solar rentals and free installation.

2. Pavilions

Less time-consuming than a deck but more sophisticated than a patio, a pavilion will bring style and class to your backyard, especially if you choose limestone or granite that complements the home itself. You can build these on your own if you research how to build a proper foundation and structure, or even if ask a knowledgeable friend.

3. Attics

What are you going to do with your attic? It can offer so much more than just storage space. For example, you can convert it into a hip, private bedroom for your teenager, or you can add a few electrical outlets and transform it into an excellent home theater away from all the noise of the main household. As long as you insulate it properly against the winds of winter, there’s no reason why your attic can’t be treated like any other part of your house, and not like just a big and chilly closet.

4. Home Security

The last thing you need is your new home to be burglarized as soon as you move inside. In addition, the right security system can also protect against fires, floods, and other natural disasters. Some, like the ones offered by Vivint home security in Farmington UT and around the US, will even give you remote monitoring capabilities and temperature control.

5. Jewel Boxes

An architectural jewel box is a small, house-like construction usually attached to the back of the home. It can serve as everything from a conservatory to an indoor patio. Think floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum sunlight and relaxation, especially in the winter, when a jewel box can allow you to enjoy the snow from its warm and cozy interior.

6. Garage Additions

If you’re a fan of DIY and home improvement projects, you’re going to need somewhere you can roll up your sleeves and get down to business. Just don’t wait until after you’ve moved in to remodel your garage because that’s when you’ll run into restrictions and obstacles. It will be one of your primary work spaces, so it requires early attention to be built to maximum capacity.

As a new home owner, you have a unique window of opportunity to make changes before you officially move in and “real life” limits your possibilities. Use these tips to expand, modify, and protect your living space so that it becomes not just a house, but a home.