Which Layout?

So we are building on to IL's house, which is already a two family.

We are converting the garage into a master bedroom and adding a 16 x 10 extension.

With the extension would you rather have a walk-in-master closet and master bathroom, or a dining room?

If we pick the dining room, then we will have a first floor living room, dining room, kitchen and a basement family room.

If we pick the closet/bathroom combination we will have a first floor kitchen and dining room and the basement will be used as the living room/basement.

We are a family of 4, so I feel the extra bathroom will be so helpful down the road. We aren't home often and rarely use the living room as it is.


Opinions?

Which Layout?

Bathroom/Closet.

Re: Which Layout?

I would rather have the bathroom/closet, but I'm thinking for resale, the living room on the first floor will be better than in the basement.

Re: Which Layout?

Re: Which Layout?

I would go with the option where the living room is on the first floor.

Our living room has been in the basement since we moved in (about three years ago), and it is annoying me to no end. We put it there in favor of having the office upstairs. I'm switching the rooms in the next couple of months.

Whenever we have guests over, I guess everyone is just too lazy to walk down to the basement lol...and people always wind up hanging out in our dining room and kitchen. That is fine, but I feel it would be more comfortable and easier for them if we had a living room by the dining room and kitchen.

Message edited 4/20/2013 10:45:11 AM.

Re: Which Layout?

For resale - I think more common living space on the main level would be preferable. If you had a living room and large eat in kitchen on the main level, then I would say go ahead with the master suite. But if you have to sacrifice a living room/family room/gathering spot, where most people spend their time at home, then I would forego the closet and bath in the master.

Unless it's a higher end home or new construction, most people view a master bedroom suite as a bonus, not as a must-have. And people comment all the time that they don't "live in the bedrooms." so if given a choice, most people would take smaller bedrooms and larger common areas over the reverse.

Of course, if you plan to stay long-term in the home and have not intention of selling, then your personal preference might become more of a factor then what the general public would prefer!

Also keep in mind that, from an appraisal and real estate standpoint, basement rooms can never be counted as living space or figured into the square footage (even if they function as living space).

Which Layout?

Would this be the 2nd bath or the third?

If it would be a 3rd bath and you already have at least 1.5 bath I would do the dining room.

If it is a one bath home I would do the master bath bc IMO most people want to buy a house with at least 1,5 baths.

Also if it were a one bath home I would try to add a .5 bath or maybe a bath in the basement and still keep LR upstairs.

Message edited 4/20/2013 10:54:23 AM.

Re: Which Layout?

My ILs have a full bath upstairs, but it wouldn't be for our use.

In terms of resale....this hopefully won't be on the market for quite some time. The house is going to be ours and our inlaws plan on retiring in FL, which leaves us with an entire second floor as well down the road.

If the living room is downstairs, the dining room is big enough to have a sitting room/dining room. We had this when we lived in SC. We would have a full size dining room table, love seat, coffee table and 2 comfy chairs.

Re: Which Layout?

I say whichever one you will get the most use out of and need more, is the one to go with. A dining room down the road will do no good if you really need a bathroom. And you're spending good money, so get exactly what you think you want/need most.

Re: Which Layout?

Re: Which Layout?

This is what I am thinking of down the line. 4 people sharing one bathroom, which we never had to do is a scary situation...especially with my daughter and myself. She is girly now at 6...I can't imagine her at 13.

Which Layout?

I would do the bathroom/closet combo. Is your kitchen an EIK? Do you need the DR?

Re: Which Layout?

I wouldn't want the living room in the basement, that's one of the reasons I wasn't a fan of the high ranch.

Although I would love to have a master closet and bathroom, if it means loosing the living room I don't think I would want that.