What to include in home?

Our first home was a custom build. We sold that a year ago and just finished an almost full gut on our new home. I think it's great that you're taking your time figuring out what you want. Here are the things that I found really important. Some of them made it into my new house, some not.

Central Air
Open concept kitchen/dining/living area
9 foot ceilings on main floor
8 foot ceiling in basement
Mudroom - think about where you are going to put your stuff when you walk in the house
Coat closet
Walk in pantry
Separate walk in closets for me & DH
Master bath with large shower
Playroom for DD
Laundry room on floor with bedrooms
Butler's pantry between kitchen and dining room (I had this in my first house but not in the new house. It was great for entertaining)
Office/extra bedroom on first floor
Large hall closet on main floor
Large linen closet on floor with bedrooms
Attached two car garage. If you don't have an attached garage (I never did), think about how you are going to get into the house from the driveway. Will you have to walk all the way around the front of your house to get in the front door? Does a side/back door make sense?
Tankless hot water heater


ETA: tankless hot water heater

Message edited 11/14/2017 9:19:58 AM.

Re: What to include in home?

When we expanded our house, I tried to think of possible future scenarios.

My home office (p.s. On the official architectural plans that you submit to the town, don't call it an "office". They gave me a hard time about running a business from my home. I don't, it's just where I have my computers and desks. ) has an exterior door and interior door that is wide enough for a wheelchair. If for any reason, someone in the house needs to use a wheelchair, we can set up the side door for access.
The home office can also be easily converted to a quasi apartment for DS if he wants to be semi-autonomous in a few years. Or, if our parents need to live with us for a while because they can't manage on their own.

I insulated all of the interior walls. It wasn't that much money, but it definitely softens the sounds throughout the house. Now, if DC are being loud for any reason, it doesn't reverberate through the whole house.

Have a couple (at least one) outlet outside that is controlled by a light switch inside. We have one at the front of the house that I use for Christmas/Halloween lights, and after Christmas, I use it for the snow melting mats on the front steps. Makes it easy to turn things on and off.

Have plenty of water spigots and electric outlets around the house. One per side at least. Instead of running hoses or wires everywhere, you can tap into the house on each side. You never know when you need water or electricity.

Look into heated walkways and/or driveway. I installed some heated walkways myself, and would love to have a heated driveway. Turn on the switch, or have it programmed, and the snow just melts on its own. No shoveling needed..

Re: What to include in home?

Posted by GoldenRod




Look into heated walkways and/or driveway. I installed some heated walkways myself, and would love to have a heated driveway. Turn on the switch, or have it programmed, and the snow just melts on its own. No shoveling needed..

What to include in home?

I am probably an exception on this, I have a ranch and I love it. I would never want to live in a 2 story home. We have 2 sides to our house, living and sleeping and they are separate. I love that set up.
We have a basement and at the foot of the stairs is our W/D and that works.
Currently I have a 10x10 walk in pantry in the basement which is awesome. But I would like a closet sized pantry for small appliances and such on the main floor.
I need a Bathroom in the basement.
I have an attached 2 car garage and access to one side from inside the house. I wish I had a second door for the other side in the house. I also wish I had a door leading into the garage on the side of the house.
I would have USB ports installed into all the outlets in the home.
I would have my house made "Smart". I want automatic lights when I leave/enter a room. Turn on a light when I am away. Things like that.
A heat lamp in my shower.
My kitchen needs updating but I can't figure out what I want after 5 years of being in the house, so I am waiting.
Basically there is very little I would add to my house. I consider us very lucky because it was perfect for us when we bought it. I would like a fridge drawer in the kitchen and a french door wall oven.
Oh and a garbage disposal. I know that is not really a popular thing here in NY but it is totally something I want.

Re: What to include in home?

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by GoldenRod




Look into heated walkways and/or driveway. I installed some heated walkways myself, and would love to have a heated driveway. Turn on the switch, or have it programmed, and the snow just melts on its own. No shoveling needed..

This is DH's dream!