Now that COLTON is officially open, and you’ve walked through 14 beautifully decorated model homes by 11 trusted homebuilders, it’s hard not to be impressed. The homes look amazing. The details, the design, the comfort, it all stands out. And of course, the location in Todd Mission makes it even better. It’s peaceful, close to nature, and still just a short drive from everything you need.
From all the features shown by the builders, you might feel like you want them all. The oversized showers, the statement lighting, the three-car garages, the built-in wine fridges — who wouldn’t?
Here’s the thing — when it’s time to pick a home, you’ve got to look beyond the looks. Not every feature that looks good in a model home is something you’ll use or need every day.
So, how do you choose?
That’s what this guide is for. We’ll walk you through what to look for when buying a home in COLTON, a masterplanned community where modern home architecture styles meet everyday livability.
1. Choose a Floor Plan That Fits Your Daily Life
It’s easy to get caught up in the furniture and decor of the model homes at COLTON. But when it comes to buying a home, you need to think about how the layout will work for you every day.
Ask yourself:
- Is the kitchen close to the garage? That makes bringing in groceries easier.
- Are the bedrooms in the right spots? If you have kids, you might want their rooms near yours. If not, you may prefer more space between them.
- Do you need a home office or a playroom? Look for flex rooms where you can use your way.
- How many bathrooms do you really need? If you have guests or a growing family, two may not be enough.
- Do you entertain? An open layout between the kitchen and living room can make hosting easier and more enjoyable.
COLTON offers a variety of floorplans, from cozy one-story homes to spacious two-story designs. Many even allow you to customize features like converting a study into a bedroom or expanding the patio to create more outdoor living space.
2. Make Sure There’s Enough Storage
When you walk through a model home at COLTON, everything looks clean and clutter-free, but that’s not in real life. Once you move in with your boxes, furniture, and everyday daily essentials, storage becomes a big deal.
When touring homes in COLTON, pay attention to where things will go:
- Do the bedrooms have closets big enough for practical use?
- Is there a pantry in the kitchen? Make sure it fits more than a few snacks.
- Are there hallway closets or linen storage near the bathrooms?
- Is the laundry room just a corner, or is there space to store supplies?
- Can you use part of the garage for extra storage or shelves?
Some COLTON builders also include drop zones or mudrooms, which are perfect for backpacks, shoes, and daily mess. And if you’re touring a two-story home, check if there’s storage under the stairs, that’s valuable hidden space.
It’s also a good idea to ask the builder what upgrades are available. Some offer built-in shelving, extra cabinets, or attic storage options.
3. Focus on a Functional Kitchen
It’s easy to fall in love with a kitchen that looks good, but what really matters is whether it works for how you live every day.
At COLTON, every builder has a different kitchen layout. Some are great for everyday meals, while others are designed for entertaining. Before you get sold on a backsplash or pendant lights, take a closer look at how the kitchen is laid out.
Ask yourself:
- Is there enough counter space? If you cook often, you’ll want room to prep, serve, and still have space for small appliances like a toaster or air fryer.
- Is there space for more than one person to move around? If you cook with a partner or have kids running through the kitchen, you need a layout that doesn’t feel tight.
- Are the cabinets and drawers easy to reach and located in practical spots? Think about where you’d put plates, pots, pantry items, and cleaning supplies.
- Is the sink in a useful spot? Ideally, it should face the living area or a window so you’re not staring at a wall while doing dishes.
- Do you host guests or holidays? An island with seating or an open space connecting the kitchen to the living room can make a big difference.
Additionally, consider your household size:
- For couples or small families, a simple L-shaped kitchen with a pantry may be enough.
- For bigger families, or if you cook a lot, you’ll want more storage, a walk-in pantry, and extra outlets for appliances.
4. Pay Attention to Natural Light
Good natural light makes a home feel warm, open, and comfortable. It can even help you use less electricity during the day. But not all homes are designed the same, so it’s important to pay attention to how much natural light each room gets.
As you walk through model homes in COLTON, notice how the sunlight moves through each space. The main living areas, like the kitchen, family room, and dining room, should feel bright during the day without needing all the lights turned on. A room with just one small window might not give you the natural light you want, especially if it faces the wrong direction.
Windows on more than one wall can really open up a space and let in more light. That’s especially helpful if you work from home or spend a lot of time indoors. If you enjoy reading, doing projects, or keeping houseplants, good natural light will make those daily things even better.
Also, think about how much privacy you want. Some bedrooms in front-facing homes may need blinds or curtains, while others may have higher or smaller windows to give you privacy without losing light. And in a place like Texas, where the sun can get intense, it’s worth asking how the home stays cool. Some homes at COLTON are designed with shaded patios or smart window placement to help control heat.
5. Test the Quality of Materials and Finishes
Model homes at COLTON are built to impress, but your job as a buyer is to look past the surface and make sure the home is built to last. Don’t be shy about testing things as you walk through.
Open the kitchen cabinets. They should be solid, not flimsy. Drawers should glide smoothly and not wobble. Try the soft-close feature — a gentle push should be all it takes to shut them.
Tap the countertops. If it’s real stone like granite or quartz, it’ll feel hard and sound heavy. If it sounds hollow or feels light, it’s probably laminate. Ask what’s standard and what’s an upgrade — models often show top-tier options.
In the bathroom, turn the faucets on and off. Do they feel sturdy or cheap? Open vanity drawers and check how they’re built. While you’re there, look under the sink for clean plumbing work and no leaks.
Walk the floors. You shouldn’t hear squeaks or feel soft spots. Floors should feel solid and level, especially in the kitchen and hallway, where you’ll walk the most.
Shut a few interior doors. They should close easily and stay closed. Loose or uneven doors can mean rushed work, even in new homes.
Even though COLTON homes are built by trusted names, it’s always a good idea to double-check. You’re not questioning the builder — you’re making sure the home is right for you, and we love that.
Don’t Be Torn — Tour Again and Choose with Confidence
Can’t decide between a few homes at COLTON? That’s okay. The best way to be sure is to tour again.
Walk through the homes one more time. Take notes. Ask questions. See how each layout feels. The right choice will be clearer the second time around.
COLTON has 14 model homes by 11 top builders and you won’t find this variety anywhere else. Take your time. Choose the one that fits your life, not just your wishlist.
Schedule your next tour today and make your decision with confidence.