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As for the size, Holden and the surrounding towns have quite a few larger houses now, and while I wouldn't say there are a tone out there for rent, there are some available. The problem is that a lot of people looking to get into Holden, mostly because a) the schools, and b) it is still out of the city but close enough that you can easily get everywhere quickly and doesn't have the high costs of Metrowest. We have quite a few Condos in the smaller range, but I figure a lot of people don't want to live in a condo. That and quite bluntly, I have a real problem myself looking around the town in that it is only available for rich executives these days because everything is so large.
Also, I am thinking about what I can afford to build. Larger houses cost more. Plumbing costs a lot more to put in than a bedroom (plumbing is expensive, so are fixtures). I don't the budget really allows for a growth in size, so to get the three bedrooms likely requires scaling down the size of the bedrooms. But I could probably work in a 12x12 and 2 11x9 bedrooms for a similar square footage. Would that be too small for bedrooms though?
You don't have to do all the work at once in the other bathroom but do have the plumber and electrician bring the wires and pipes to the room. You can always finish it off later over the 10 years you plan to live in it.
Think about the space you will have in a 12x12 bedroom. You will want to fit in at least a queen sized bed plus dresser, bureau and don't forget a good sized closet and then placement of the furniture according to where the doors and windows are.
There are so many things to consider when building a house and you don't want to limit your possibilities for the future be it living, renting or selling. Who knows what will happen in 10 years. You might not want to be a landlord.
Also build to suit the neighborhood. If most houses on the street are 2400 sq one half that size will be an odd ball. The same goes for style of house. You mentioned that you were thinking modern but that would stick out in a neighborhood of antique victorians.
Have you looked into a modular? They are not what they used to be and the stigma is more or less gone. You might be able to put up a bigger prefab home for the same price as a smaller stick built.
Also, I am thinking about what I can afford to build. Larger houses cost more.
In that case, I would be flexible with the house design. Design it such that you can add on an addition later if needed and make it flow with the existing house/lot
Many good ideas here. May I add a perspective. We have been watching RE market in NE for a few years and have found a real lacking of smaller newer homes. (not rocket science, I know) Of everything suggested herein, the 3 bedroom 1.5 bath with even a one car garage is what we would look at twice.
Every house gets sold eventually. Sometimes even you have to sell unexpectedly. So, my advice to people buying/building a home is always . . . think about resale! Plus, things that make a home more attractive to a perspective buyer will also make it more attractive to a perspective tenant.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cloudship
Also, I am thinking about what I can afford to build. Larger houses cost more. Plumbing costs a lot more to put in than a bedroom (plumbing is expensive, so are fixtures). I don't the budget really allows for a growth in size, so to get the three bedrooms likely requires scaling down the size of the bedrooms. But I could probably work in a 12x12 and 2 11x9 bedrooms for a similar square footage. Would that be too small for bedrooms though?
Budget is always the limiting factor. Those bedrooms are not tiny but definitely on the smaller side.
Quote:
Originally Posted by johngolf
You can easily fit 3 bed, 2 bath in 1400sq ft.
Absolutely. I've seen homes like that and many of the slab ranches in Natick/Framingham have a similar configuration to that and are in that size range. The key is to be efficient with your living space. Don't waste square footage on things like long hallways and don't make rooms odd shapes that are hard to use.
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) Of everything suggested herein, the 3 bedroom 1.5 bath with even a one car garage is what we would look at twice.
