Details when building a house

[MrsPete]

We're planning to build a house in a few years. We intend this to be our retirement house, so we're building with an eye towards the possibility of walkers or wheelchairs. Money IS an object (isn't it always?), but the land is paid-for and we have enough to build a moderately nice house.

Important details: We're in a warm climate. We have a large piece of flat land in the country; privacy isn't an issue. Our tenative house plan is what y'all up North call a Cape Cod; we Southerners put a big porch on it and call it a low-country house. It's 1.5 stories with a steep roof and dormers upstairs. Our idea is that the first floor will contain everything we need on a daily basis (L-shaped great room, master bedroom, kitchen/dining). Upstairs'll be two bedrooms/bathrooms. There'll be a basement, which will be left unfinished.

Here's the question: What little details in your house do you love? I"m starting a list of nice little details that make a house nicer.

For example, something I love in my current house: We have an electrical outlet above the fireplace, which is so nice for Christmas lights. Also, we have an electrical outlet beside the back door that turns on/off our outdoor outlets; this allows us to turn on/off the outside Christmas lights without going outside.

Something I miss from my old house: Deep sinks. I never realized I loved the sinks in my old house until we moved into this house with its piddly-shallow bathroom sinks. They splash water back up at you.

I want to build this house for convenience. For example, I'm going to switch the powder room (located off the front entrance) with the laundry room (located betweent he kitchen and garage) so that the laundry room'll be adjacent to the master bathroom -- I think I'll love washing clothes only steps from the closet.

And in the kitchen I want a large island and a walk-in pantry.

So, what do you love about your house, or what would you be sure to do if you were building from scratch?

 

[golfgal]

On our island, we have 5 separate spots around the island with outlets-VERY nice when entertaining. Don't make your island TOO big though. I had a friend that had a 10 x 10 island and while all the space was nice she literally had to get up ON the island to clean it.

If possible with your house plan, is there a way to close off the upstairs, either a door at the bottom or top of the stairway? That way you won't have to cool/heat the upstairs when you aren't using it.

Add extra cable jacks in every room-well worth the extra money-same goes for internet hookups. I would put a cable jack on each wall of a room so you aren't limited in furniture placement.

Spend your money on things that aren't easily changed--flooring, countertops, etc. It is also worth every penny to have an architect draw up your house plans vs using stock plans or having the builder do the plans. You have someone on your side to back you up if the builder does something wrong.

Outside, put a faucet on all sides of the house as well as outlets. Since you mentioned Christmas lights, have some heavy duty outlets installed outside to handle the light load.

Stick closets everywhere you can. We have a small linen closet at the top of our stairs that would be just a blank, empty wall but they put a closet in there instead. In our basement we have heavy duty storage shelves installed that hold a LOT of crap . I got the idea from a house we looked at several years ago and then on this site or another message board someone was having the same ones built so I got his pictures and had my Dad build some.

If you have a coat closet on your main floor, double door closet, put shelves on the far right and left walls in that space that is next to the doors in the corners. They are great spots to hold board games, seasonal items, large cooking pans, etc. and a great way to maximize unused space. If you don't have something like this, plan for at least one closet on the main floor that is nothing but deep shelves.

I WISH I had a double oven.

I hate our sliding patio door (we also have a french door in the kitchen). I plan someday to take out the patio door and have windows put in.

Put any basement lights on a switch that is controlled at the TOP of the basement stairs. We had that in our old house--3 separate switches for each area in the basement. I LOVED that.

 

[Green Tea]

A water closet in the master bath. Makes sharing the bathroom much easier.

 

[crz4mm2]

I have my ""dream" home and I keep changing things.
I would want all one level (or, like you can have a couple bedrooms upstairs that I can close off). Basement I guess. I would not have one but DH insists.
I'd have a double oven too.
I'd also like one of those pot filler water things over the stove.
I'd have a mud room from the garage. I'd like a HUGE family room with fireplace.
I'd also have a sunroom so I could maybe grow some plants! LOL. and would have a hot tub out there

 

[MrsPete]

On our island, we have 5 separate spots around the island with outlets-VERY nice when entertaining. Don't make your island TOO big though. I had a friend that had a 10 x 10 island and while all the space was nice she literally had to get up ON the island to clean it.

If possible with your house plan, is there a way to close off the upstairs, either a door at the bottom or top of the stairway? That way you won't have to cool/heat the upstairs when you aren't using it.

Add extra cable jacks in every room-well worth the extra money-same goes for internet hookups. I would put a cable jack on each wall of a room so you aren't limited in furniture placement.

Spend your money on things that aren't easily changed--flooring, countertops, etc. It is also worth every penny to have an architect draw up your house plans vs using stock plans or having the builder do the plans. You have someone on your side to back you up if the builder does something wrong.

Outside, put a faucet on all sides of the house as well as outlets. Since you mentioned Christmas lights, have some heavy duty outlets installed outside to handle the light load.

Stick closets everywhere you can. We have a small linen closet at the top of our stairs that would be just a blank, empty wall but they put a closet in there instead. In our basement we have heavy duty storage shelves installed that hold a LOT of crap . I got the idea from a house we looked at several years ago and then on this site or another message board someone was having the same ones built so I got his pictures and had my Dad build some.

If you have a coat closet on your main floor, double door closet, put shelves on the far right and left walls in that space that is next to the doors in the corners. They are great spots to hold board games, seasonal items, large cooking pans, etc. and a great way to maximize unused space. If you don't have something like this, plan for at least one closet on the main floor that is nothing but deep shelves.

I WISH I had a double oven.

I hate our sliding patio door (we also have a french door in the kitchen). I plan someday to take out the patio door and have windows put in.

Put any basement lights on a switch that is controlled at the TOP of the basement stairs. We had that in our old house--3 separate switches for each area in the basement. I LOVED that.

Excellent ideas! This is just the kind of thing I was hoping to learn.

I'd already thought of the not-too-wide island thing; I've always wondered HOW they clean some of those monsters on HGTV. Especially since this is going to be our retirement house, this matters! Imagine me 70 years old trying to climb onto the island!

Love the thoughts about outlets, cable/internet jacks, faucets. Those are things that won't cost much of anything, yet will make the house sooo much more convenient.

I don't think we'll be able to close off the upstairs; it'd mean losing the pretty staircase, and that matters to me.

Excellent suggestion about multiple switches for the basement lights. No one wants to walk down dark steps. On the subject of the basement -- which will be left unfinished for now -- should we run basic plumbing lines down there during construction? It would make it cheaper in the future if we wanted to install a basement bathroom, but it would probably cost "real money" now. Anyone know about this?

I've never had enough storage in any house I've lived in -- and I'm NOT a packrat. I'm definitely planning closets, a walk-in pantry, and built-ins all over this house. And though our attic will be relatively small, it's going to be a walk-in attic, located between the two bedrooms upstairs. I'm very willing to pay for good storage!

Thanks! Keep it coming! I'm making notes.

 

[MrsPete]

A water closet in the master bath. Makes sharing the bathroom much easier.

I go back and forth on that one. I don't know.

I have my ""dream" home and I keep changing things.
I would want all one level (or, like you can have a couple bedrooms upstairs that I can close off). Basement I guess. I would not have one but DH insists.
I'd have a double oven too.
I'd also like one of those pot filler water things over the stove.
I'd have a mud room from the garage. I'd like a HUGE family room with fireplace.
I'd also have a sunroom so I could maybe grow some plants! LOL. and would have a hot tub out there

Double ovens -- definitely!
I would like one of those pot filler things, but I think we're going to do a cooktop in the island. So that can't happen, can it?
Mud room from the garage is already on the plans.
We're planning a small sunroom/office with a built-in desk along one wall, but I don't grow . . . well, anything. I'm not good that way.

Thanks!

 

[golfgal]

I would most defiantly plumb the basement for a bathroom AND a wet bar. The problem is where to put them. Too many people I know will stick the bathroom plumbing in the middle of the basement. Make sure you thing that through and probably put it along a wall, probably in a corner away from any windows you will want to use for other rooms.

As for the attic, size doesn't matter as much as having it well organized. Here are the shelves we built in the basement. They are deep enough for the large Rubbermaid totes:

Put something like this in your attic.

 

[dejr_8]

One feature we tried to work into our house but couldn't was (for lack of a better description) a mini-shower in the mudroom.

Friends of our in MA has this and we loved it.

It is essentially a half-height shower area that is used to water plants, wash off dog paws when covered mud, etc. Their's was about 2.5 ft x 3.5 ft.

I guess you could call it a super utility sink area.

 

[Rafiki31]

Along with cable jacks, consider phone jacks. WIll you have an office that has a separate line? Or will they all be wired together? The office wires need to be considered.

I would def have the plumbing go to the basement, if not for just laundry you can have a sink down there for utility type stuff. I am a big fan of having sinks everywhere. Is that weird? lol.

My dream house would have "his & her" bathrooms off of the master bedroom.

You may want to consider having a higher toilet and/or safety bars in the tub/shower, for when you are a little older. Also make sure there is a bathroom and everything on the main level.

 

[golfgal]

I go back and forth on that one. I don't know. Double ovens -- definitely!
I would like one of those pot filler things, but I think we're going to do a cooktop in the island. So that can't happen, can it?
Mud room from the garage is already on the plans.
We're planning a small sunroom/office with a built-in desk along one wall, but I don't grow . . . well, anything. I'm not good that way.

Thanks!

In our master bathroom we have a large pantry like linen closet at the end of the sinks (oh double sinks in the master bath are great) and the toilet. Sometimes if I don't shut the door all the way the dog will come in to help so I open the door on the linen closet to hide from the outside world . I don't like having a separate room for the toilet because it is harder to clean in there. Having at least a 1/2 bath on the main should help the bathroom congestion problem.

As for the mini-shower idea-we had some friends that put water spouts in their garage and a large drain so they could wash their car inside during the winter. They were forward thinking enough to pipe both hot and cold to that so when they went to fill their DD's small pool they could use warm water .

 

[clovergirl5]

When we built our first house, there were things that I didn't have or didn't think about when it was being built--I was only 19 at the time and didn't know any better I guess. Our 2nd house I was sure to have outlets around and good lighting put over the snack bar/island, a whirlpool tub in the masterbath and a full bath downstairs in the basement for the kids, and a room closed off as the laundry room. The only things I wish was different now is more closet space and a better set up in our large living room. Kinda limited on how to arrange the sectional couch because the stone wall with gas fireplace is on one wall, 2 long windows on another, an open staircase leading to the basement (which is completely finished and where 3 dc have their rooms) on another wall and a sliding door on another wall, and an open walkway to the dining room in the corner. Its hard to arrange the sectional and bigscreen. I wish I would have put more thought into that. But we make it work You know, every year its, where are we gonna put the christmas tree

 

[amid chaos]

I have a double oven...makes thanksgiving feel like I'm cooking for 4.

Love my pot filler and stainless shelf above the stove.

I had lots of wide, deep drawers put in my kitchen...love them.

We had the counters built a bit higher and deeper....those extra couple inches really make a difference.

Small spice drawers built in under the cabinets.

Under cabinet lighting,.... have them, never use them.

Sink in the laundry room. I had them keep the sink cutout from the counter. They cleaned up the sides, put two holes for my fingers. I can put the piece over the sink and then have a full flat area to fold clothes.

I have a pass through from the linen closet in the bathroom to the laundry room. pass dirty clothes through and they land in a basket in the closet in the laundry room.

If you're going to have an island, maximize storage. I have shelves, drawers and cabinets along with seating.

Took the cabinets to the ceiling, but put small, glass door cabinets where I keep glasswear that we dont use very often. This way all my cabinets are accessible for daily use.

 

[LindaR]

Oh, I plan my dream house too. Retirement is a long time off for me but MY dream house (my lottery house!!) has more to do with my present day issues. I've had two spinal surgeries, with more to come.

My kitchen would have double ovens, dishwasher would be raised off the floor (bending is a major issue with me), the lower cabinets would all have pull-out surfaces so that I am not bending trying to dig for a skillet in the back. Floors would be heated......no carpet (vacuuming kills my back). Master bedroom on first floor. Laundry (washer/dryer raised off floor) on first floor too.

I have lots of other ideas!

 

[RunningGirl]

My dream house would have "his & her" bathrooms off of the master bedroom.

Mine too!!

I would choose my windows very carefully. Get the kind that tilt in EASILY for cleaning. I got the kind that tilt in, but they're a bear to do. My dad's are a cinch.

Outlet in the master closet (if it's a walk in) for charging phones etc.

My doctor put an outlet under each of the windows facing the front of her house that all operate on the same switch. She uses those for the electric candles at Christmas time. I thought that was cool!

 

[DebbieW]

Seems like most of the issues I have with my current house revolve around lighting and electricity.

I would love to have more windows to let in natural light. The down side would be having to clean them -- but still....

I would also like to do some landscape lighting, but my exterior power sources just don't accommodate what I'd like to do. I have solar lights in the flower beds, but I can't do any uplighting or any "real" lighting, if you know what I mean. Solar lights are only so-so.

My bathrooms are definitely not "spa-like" bathrooms. The only outlets in my bathrooms are by the sinks and are used for blowdryers and such while you're standing looking at yourself in the mirror. On cold winter mornings, I would love to have a towel warmer on the opposite wall, but alas, no power outlet.

I would also like to have power outlets in my closets, so I could plug in things like rechargeable vacuum cleaners and keep them out of sight.

I can't help it -- I am a power cord snob. I can't stand to see power cords, so thankfully my lamps all plug into outlets behind the couch, the tv and component cords are hidden by an entertainment center, etc. I say the more electrical outlets, the better.

 

[clovergirl5]

In our master bathroom we have a large pantry like linen closet at the end of the sinks (oh double sinks in the master bath are great) and the toilet. Sometimes if I don't shut the door all the way the dog will come in to help so I open the door on the linen closet to hide from the outside world . I don't like having a separate room for the toilet because it is harder to clean in there. Having at least a 1/2 bath on the main should help the bathroom congestion problem.

As for the mini-shower idea-we had some friends that put water spouts in their garage and a large drain so they could wash their car inside during the winter. They were forward thinking enough to pipe both hot and cold to that so when they went to fill their DD's small pool they could use warm water .

We did this too, works great for washing the vehicles during the winter with the hot water.

 

[golfgal]

I have a double oven...makes thanksgiving feel like I'm cooking for 4.

Love my pot filler and stainless shelf above the stove.

I had lots of wide, deep drawers put in my kitchen...love them.

We had the counters built a bit higher and deeper....those extra couple inches really make a difference.

Small spice drawers built in under the cabinets.

Under cabinet lighting,.... have them, never use them.

Sink in the laundry room. I had them keep the sink cutout from the counter. They cleaned up the sides, put two holes for my fingers. I can put the piece over the sink and then have a full flat area to fold clothes.

I have a pass through from the linen closet in the bathroom to the laundry room. pass dirty clothes through and they land in a basket in the closet in the laundry room.

If you're going to have an island, maximize storage. I have shelves, drawers and cabinets along with seating.

Took the cabinets to the ceiling, but put small, glass door cabinets where I keep glasswear that we dont use very often. This way all my cabinets are accessible for daily use.

These are all great ideas. My mom had the under cabinet spice racks in her house and they are great--she also had an undercabinet knife holder too.

We have a few deep, long drawers, I would love more. ALL of our lower cabinets have slide out shelves

Oh, I plan my dream house too. Retirement is a long time off for me but MY dream house (my lottery house!!) has more to do with my present day issues. I've had two spinal surgeries, with more to come.

My kitchen would have double ovens, dishwasher would be raised off the floor (bending is a major issue with me), the lower cabinets would all have pull-out surfaces so that I am not bending trying to dig for a skillet in the back. Floors would be heated......no carpet (vacuuming kills my back). Master bedroom on first floor. Laundry (washer/dryer raised off floor) on first floor too.

I have lots of other ideas!

My Dad has a raised dishwasher in his kitchen and I LOVE it!!

 

[crz4mm2]

Walk in closets and walk in pantry are a MUST.
Lots of outlets everywhere. Outside too.

 

[savannahcat]

Everyone has mentioned electrical outlets, so here are two non-traditional places that we put them:

Under the bathroom sinks so that you can leave hair appliances plugged in while they are stored away.

In the kitchen pantry - I use it to plug in my Roomba and also for a small microwave that the kids can use (mine is over the stove).

 

[The Mystery Machine]

We're planning to build a house in a few years. We intend this to be our retirement house, so we're building with an eye towards the possibility of walkers or wheelchairs. Money IS an object (isn't it always?), but the land is paid-for and we have enough to build a moderately nice house.

Important details: We're in a warm climate. We have a large piece of flat land in the country; privacy isn't an issue. Our tenative house plan is what y'all up North call a Cape Cod; we Southerners put a big porch on it and call it a low-country house. It's 1.5 stories with a steep roof and dormers upstairs. Our idea is that the first floor will contain everything we need on a daily basis (L-shaped great room, master bedroom, kitchen/dining). Upstairs'll be two bedrooms/bathrooms. There'll be a basement, which will be left unfinished.

Here's the question: What little details in your house do you love? I"m starting a list of nice little details that make a house nicer.

For example, something I love in my current house: We have an electrical outlet above the fireplace, which is so nice for Christmas lights. Also, we have an electrical outlet beside the back door that turns on/off our outdoor outlets; this allows us to turn on/off the outside Christmas lights without going outside.

Something I miss from my old house: Deep sinks. I never realized I loved the sinks in my old house until we moved into this house with its piddly-shallow bathroom sinks. They splash water back up at you.

I want to build this house for convenience. For example, I'm going to switch the powder room (located off the front entrance) with the laundry room (located betweent he kitchen and garage) so that the laundry room'll be adjacent to the master bathroom -- I think I'll love washing clothes only steps from the closet.

And in the kitchen I want a large island and a walk-in pantry.

So, what do you love about your house, or what would you be sure to do if you were building from scratch?

I am in a 1.5 story now and I do not consider that a "retirement house" for us. We also want to build after this house on land or get a condo (not sure how things will go in 7yrs.)

Now I do LOVE the 1.5 story because I have kids and they are upstairs.

However it is a big bummer that my family with mobility issues cannot just spend the night at the drop of a hat. It is a problem we have with this house.

I want all the bedrooms on the main floor. In fact I want 2 "mini masters" on the main level.

So we are planning a ranch house with a finished basement with a walkout.

As far as the kitchen, I want a HUGE walk-in pantry that includes storage for bulk and overflow of kitchen appliances and holiday platters, etc., so I do not have to go down to the basement.

BIG computer/office room on main level is a must for us. We have that in this house. DH and I share the room. It is pretty big and we have big desks.

Now...I would like a room off of the kitchen. Like a "hearth type" room without the fireplace. Just a small area where I can have my tv, video games, exercise area, read, etc....

Good Luck! We plan all the time.