Building new house, what features would you like? (traffic noise, floor, how much)
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This is hypothetical. If you were to build a new house what features or things or systems would you like, and why if you want to elaborate.
I'd prefer a house on some acreage set back from the road so I have a bit of space from neighbors and there's no traffic noise.
Hydronic underfloor heat because it's efficient, quiet, and fairly even.
Alarm/home automation wired to every door and window for security, convenience, and energy savings.
Whole house audio. I've seen this and it's surprising how much it get used. Being able to feed TV, computer, MP3 player, etc. throughout the house, garage, and yard/patio is sweet.
Ducted A/C because it's unobtrusive.
Attached three car garage near the kitchen for two cars plus shop area.
Humidity control for comfort and energy savings. Higher humidity air feels warmer in the winter so you can comfortably lower the set temperature.
Outdoor receptacles on all sides plus across yard and out at end of driveway. Also additional receptacles under eves for Christmas lights.
Dusk to dawn sensor wired to and selectable for exterior lights.
Outdoor water faucets on all sides plus around property/yard.
Loop driveway so you don't have to backup, back out, or turn around (accept leaving garage).
Many windows for light in and view out. Perhaps with perhaps with automated insulated covers that close at night or when away making the poorly insulated window more like an insulated wall.
Gas stove. I just like gas the best.
Open kitchen layout. Better for socializing.
Detached workshop/garage with small apartment above for storage, projects, and hobbies; plus guest quarters.
"butler's pantry" off the kitchen - a galley style hallway room with floor-to-ceiling cabinets on both sides. Glass doors so you can see contents. Maybe a wine/beverage fridge in the pantry, maybe a prep sink. In a perfect world, it would open up into a large mudroom. Power outlets for things like coffeemaker, espresso machine, toaster to keep them off the counters in the kitchen.
Ethernet cable drops (Cat 6) in all TV locations
Pre-wire for security camera at front door
Additional coax cable runs for over-the-air HDTV\radio antenna
Thermostats in locations that make sense
Heated floor in all bathrooms
Pre-wire for automated blinds
Wet bar because it looks cool
Gas for grill and fireplaces
Alarm for garages
A/c for garages
Water on every corner of the house and put in the yard
Outdoor toilet/shower
Walk in pantry and laundry
Power outlets everywhere on the outside
If I could, I would have the following:
A mud room where I could come in and rinse my feet off or leave my muddy clothes if there wasn't a drain.
I would put the water heater in the garage instead of up in the attic where it could flood the house.
I would also like a screened in porch, a kitchen island, and a walk-through door near the garage door so I don't have to raise it up and down frequently.
I have a nice-sized workshop that's separate from the garage, and I'm very happy about that.
I would love to have in my ideal (i.e., dream) house:
1. In-floor hydronic heating (particularly in bathrooms)
2. Home run plumbing
3. The most expensive and energy efficient windows money can buy along with spray foam insulation and proper attic sealing to prevent heat loss and ice dams.
4. Metal shingle roof (mostly because they look cool).
5. Heated garage.
6. Hydronic heated driveway and walkways.
7. Full home automation (i.e., Lutron).
Can you guess that I live in a cold and snowy climate?
1) Plenty of outlets and circuits
2) Cat 5E and coax wired to a network closet in rooms and in some utility spaces (for wireless APs)
3) Heated floor in kitchen and bathrooms. On a timer so I don't have to freeze my feet off in the morning
4) At least two full-size bathrooms. Don't have to be McMansion-huge, just have to accommodate a 5' tub, 60" vanity, commode, and a linen closet without being cramped.
5) A couple of largish rooms with direct exterior access and not dedicated to laundry, for my hobbies and my wife's studio. Garage access would be second choice. An outbuilding (with electricity, plumbing including 1/2 bath, and HVAC) would be another option.
6) Natural gas for grill.
7) Hot water recirculation or other instant hot water system.
8) Dual-fuel range.
9) A roof antenna, because F--- Comcast.
10) Lots of windows and skylights. I hate dark houses.
11) Plenty of storage area.
12) 2 or 3 car attached garage.
I'm sure there's more, but I'm easily bankrupt by now.
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