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Build with a few things in mind.....wide hallways/doorways/curbless showers, etc.....in other words, think handicapped accessible. Reason being that life can and will change in the blink of an eye!
The big one is ... no stairs.
Last edited by Dave_n_Tenn; 01-17-2024 at 09:45 AM..
I want a roomy laundry room adjacent to the bedrooms.
Definitely, a pull out trash and recycle cupboard.
Counters and toilets that are custom heights for tall people.
Build with a few things in mind.....wide hallways/doorways/curbless showers, etc.....in other words, think handicapped accessible. Reason being that life can and will change in the blink of an eye!
I just look at curbless showers as a Lazy Man's Hack.
Makes so much more sense than stepping over a curb.
Before you talk about amenities, think about this:
Making changes or modifications to plans and designs now is cheap and you’ll pay for it over the mortgage. Make those changes later on and they’re out of pocket and far more expensive, if at all possible. For example:
Was building a new house in FL with a pool and cage. There was very little space on the deck on the far side, like maybe 18”. Looking at this on the plan, then also looking at a model, we realized if the deck was kicked out another 18”-24” it would make a lot more room to move around the pool and that would also be additional living space. It added about $2k to the cost of the home. To do it after the fact would have cost big $$ to add to the deck/slab and expand the screen enclosure.
Good luck! I’ve built a number of houses, and every one has been a rollercoaster, but it’s always been worth it, mainly because you end up with what you want.
I would add any options that make the garage bigger.
If there are options to add more hose bibs I would do this.
We have a conditioned attic (the attic is inside the insulation envelope) in our current house, which is something I really like. While a house can later be converted, it's more cost effective to do it during the build.
If it makes sense (usually in bigger houses), have the hot water plumbed for recirculation using a pump.
Add more air returns if it's an option. Our current house has a air return in most of the rooms, including all of the bedrooms, which I expect helps maintain an even temperature throughout the house.
Someone mentioned bigger roof overhangs. I think this is a great idea, although I don't recall ever seeing this as an option for tract housing.
Was already mentioned, but a 240V outlet capable of charging an EV for every garage bay and one outside.
Hot and cold running water in the garage, ideally with a big stainless sink and a hose to allow one to spray themselves, boots or equipment off if particularly muddy.
If feasible for the lot, a pull through garage (one that has a door on front and back.) Makes boats/trailers as well as lawn equipment a breeze, as well as cleanout of the garage.
I don't have an EV but have passed on a couple of great deals on powertools that required 240.
Solar panels. I think they make sense if you're building new, along with a host of other (mostly mentioned already) energy saving measures.
Easy-to-access shutoffs for every bathroom in the house, and a convenient and easy whole house shut-off.
Before you talk about amenities, think about this:
Making changes or modifications to plans and designs now is cheap and you’ll pay for it over the mortgage. Make those changes later on and they’re out of pocket and far more expensive, if at all possible. For example:
You do realize that anything you finance with your mortgage you'll end up paying 2 to 3 times the apparent price over the term of the loan?
Put as little as possible on the mortgage. Pay cash for everything you can.
You do realize that anything you finance with your mortgage you'll end up paying 2 to 3 times the apparent price over the term of the loan?
Put as little as possible on the mortgage. Pay cash for everything you can.
We use same as cash financing for many home improvements.
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