All of you home owners...tell me.....

[kadaten]

Ooo...forgot!

Gas oven and cooktop!! Must be! Cooks much more evenly! Would do a double oven, too, if you ever host holiday meals

Gas heat!! Don't believe the heat & AC people...heat pumps do NOT work as well, and with gas you don't get burned as badly on the bills!! Even during the gas shortage a few years ago, our winter gas bill was loads cheaper than our summer electric! Plus, gas heat is actually warm

 

[Talking Hands]

Tile floors. Absolutely no wall to wall carpeting.
One level or at least a MBS on the first floor level.
Separate shower and bath/whirlppool in the MB.
Walk in closets in MBS
Separate butler's pantry
Kitchen with separate freezer and refrigrator, cook top, oven
and microwave
Garage at least 2 1/2 car size
Screened back porch
Large covered front porch
Den/library/office area
Family room
Ample electrical outlets both inside and out and separate breakers for the computers and associated equipment.

 

[Ratpack]

I am really taking notes on all of these things. We already have most of the things mentioned in our home now (just closing on it at the end of the month). I do want to put on the priority list: central vac, porch, tile flooring, "bidet- ooh, laalaa"- and laundry chute. Those would make my life easier. Keep the ideas coming! I get to join DH in a couple of weeks at the apartment and we are seriously looking to begin building in a month.

 

[mommyseven]

We just moved into our new house back in November. I didn't think that I would like a microwave over the stove, but I love it! I also like that my kitchen island has outlets. Big Bathtub! Nothing beats soaking in a big bathtub! Oh, avoid light colored grout on anything tiled. Trust me (my old house was a nightmare).

 

[JayCT]

I know a number of people have suggested laundry chutes, but these can be a real fire hazard. Some places may not even allow them. Jay

 

[Desnik]

Question for those who suggested a MBS on the first floor. Do you have younge kids? I don't know how I would feel being so far away from my kids when they are so young. Is this, was this a concern?

 

[believe]

We know we will build in the future. Here are some must for us. If in a subdivision, we love our cul-de-sac. The plan is for a house that when older we can live on one floor, but will accomodate others. We will have the master bedroom on the first floor, with a first floor laundry. There will then be a loft area that leads to 2 spare bedrooms and a full bath.
A mud room is a must. We currently walk into a hall off our kitchen. I don't care for seeing all the grass and dirt that gets brought in. Our's will probably be a room that leads from the garage to the house, DH wants a 'cushion' area where the garage is concerned.
A walk-in pantry...wouldn't give mine up for the world.
If you entertain often, definitely a dining room.
Counter space is essential if you cook a lot or host a lot. I currently have a U shaped counter, but would have loved an island in place if it, that way I could walk out of the 'cooking' area easier.
We have a great room, but I prefer a smaller feel for our living room...so we finished our basement with a smaller living room and currently our great room goes unused.
We will also have natural woodwork, less painting.
The outside will be all brick and now wood showing. As I said this will be the house we grow old in so maitenance free is where we are heading. We are also thinking about a steel or tin roof.
Make sure the deck is the size you want. I would love a bigger deck, but now it is low on the priority list. Also, make sure the door to your deck is off our kitchen or has a non-carpet entry area.
I also would get all shelving put in before moving in. I need shelves installed, but don't see it happening. The same for the garage area.
This is all I can think of right now....but I am sure more will come.

 

[JohnsPrincess]

Built in Bookshelves.
The countertops that is made out of stone (can't remember what it's called right now...but you can cut on it, etc)
The deep/big whirlpool type baths...with an edge all around it.

 

[Christine]

I haven't read this whole thread so maybe someone suggested this already but I think you should get dual-zone heating and A/C. We have that (our house is 2500 sq ft) and it is wonderful. No more "hot" upstairs in the summer.