How do you build a house anyway?
As a realtor, I have walked through lots of homes. I could give you a pretty long list of things I like or don't like. I have helped clients design their own homes, built from the ground up. My husband and I have renovated a century year old farmhouse, changing not only the aesthetics, but also the entire main floor layout. My parents built my childhood home, and we also helped them build their retirement cabin.
If anybody was set up to design and build their own home, it was probably us. And yet, the process has been long, complicated, and painful at times. If you've ever built a house, you know our pain! To add to the fun, our design is unique. We have features I've never even seen in other homes, and a floorplan that admittedly has had a few of our subcontractors scratching their heads at times. Our house is different because WE are different. Our needs are different. And we aren't done yet! Through it all, through the thousands of decisions to make in the design process, is always that nagging feeling that you're forgetting something!
You know what I'm talking about, right? All those times you walked through your current home and thought to yourself "If I ever built a house, I would make sure to include..."
SO...what are those things? What unusual, overlooked, underappreciated, or just plain helpful or funny features do you love in your own home? What would you add if you were building? These could be BIG--entire rooms even. Or they could be tiny--outlets in specific places, or a waterline direct to your coffee maker. If it just popped into your head as you were reading, we want to hear from you! Comment your ideas below!
Things I would add to a new build:
Rough ins for gas and electric at the furnace, stove, and garage heater
Rough ins for electrical and data cables where you'd like a TV to go.
240 volt outlet in the garage for a welder/electric vehicle charger
LED lighting for energy efficiency
In floor heating
Garage floor drain
Extra tall ceiling in the basement and mail level. adds the option for things like chandeliers or golf simulators later
Double water lines running to the master for a dual shower head set up
Small garage door on the side for things like snowblower and mowers.
And after this winter, a heated driveway haha
Just some ideas!
I have a few ideas of things that we would like if we have a good chance to build a home.
Vacuum / broom/cleaning closet
Linen closet
Walking pantry and canning storage area
Fireplace
Garage with a bathroom
A great central location with a window to put up the Christmas tree
Seasonal storage
A true cellar ( to adequately store garden produce)