What things are “a must have” in a new home?

Question

I am going to be building a new home. Nothing huge, I’m single, no kids. I’m thinking a two bedroom one floor finished basement. Some sort of cottage or bungalow type deal. I’m starting a list of what it must have. As in a garage with a door leading into a mud room and then the kitchen? Or into an entry way next to the front door? Steps from the garage down into the basement? I guess I’m asking about basic convenient layout. What about your homes layout do you like? What do you wish you had? What don’t you like?

One thing I do want even though it will be a smaller home is a decent sized entry. I visit new homes, even larger ones, and all of the company ends up on this tiny bit of tile in the entry way falling over each other, the kids and the dog trying to put shoes on and off.

There are a lot of new homes on the market and I've looked at a few. They all tend to go for curb appeal and size, not quality. The trims no good, dry wall not skim coat, narrow hallways, cheap doors and banistors etc...Oh, and miles upon miles of wood floors. Not good when you like a boxer dog around.

Answer 1

There are plenty of websites online where you can find awesome floor plans. After you find one you like, take it to an architect, and have him or her adjust so that every thing is just the way you want it. One thing to keep in mind is that the outside of the home doesn't have to look like the one on the website attached to the floorplan you like. An architect will help you adjust the exterior of the home look the way you want also.

Before you even start looking at builders be sure you know what "extras" you want. Things to consider are walkout basements, garage door openers, garbage disposals, dedicated lines for dryers, and microwaves, dishwashers, doorknobs, faucets and shower heads, flooring. Think of the kind of kitchen cabinets/ appliances you want The earlier you decide on your extras, the more you'll be able to talk you builder down. If you are more specific now means that the estimate your builder will also be closer to the actual cost of your home.

I would go to the local library and take out magazines with home decor in them, flag pictures you like and take photocopies to show your builder when you're planning your house/ kitchen so they know what you want.

Be sure you spec your home out with a few builders. Don't just settle on the one with the best price, be sure to take into account the quality of material each builder uses for things like sheetrock (is it moisture/mold resistant in the bathroom?) and insulation. Make sure you ask for references, and check them out. Alot of builders change their entire demeanor the second you sign a contract, be careful and Good luck!

Answer 2

30 years ago I designed and had my design build by the builder.
This was after living in a lot of places plus a strong interest in design.

There were 4 of us then and I knew down the road I would be taking care of senior parents. (I am an only daughter and my hubby is an only child) These times came and went after we raised our children.

I will give you a few suggestions.

A small house needs an open plan to give it the illusion of size. Be sure to put in a 1 and 1/2 bath or a two if possible. It will make it much more salable in the future. The half for company is important, or they will have to go into your bathroom.

You could put the space and everything in place except the bath fixtures for one in the basement. Then later install and decorate it.

There are many floor plan sites on the Internet. We are looking to size down from a 5 and 3 to a three and two, but so far have not found anything that appeals to me. I may have to design again.

Last time I did the rough lay out, room sizes, electrical etc. Now it took about 4 years to accomplish it. So it is not an easy task.

Put pen to paper and have fun. It sounds like you already have some great Ideas. When mine were done (in pencil) I gave them to the builder and they converted them to blueprints.

Answer 3

Large well equiped kitchens are a must have. The kitchen becomes a focal point at lots of gatherings. Also if your laundry room is to be in the basement a Laundry shot makes life easier. Hardwood or laminate flooring not only adds value to the home but saves money in the long run since you don't have to replace carpet. Ceramic tile with heating elements instead of linoleum is also wonderful. And the more energy star products you use the more efficent your house will be and the lower the bills.

Answer 4

I agree with you about the entry way 100% I've been going through that for 25 yrs now guess the only other thing I'd like is a nice great room where everyone hangs out to talk and watch T.V. after all when you have guest and friends over you don't hang out in the bedrooms or bathrooms so to me they don't need to be so gracious and a nice deck to entertain in the warmer months which are right around the corner, can't wait! Hey good luck with your new home.

Answer 5

Building a house can be very expensive, and unwieldy. Before you build, I would check out the stock that national home builders have built in your area. They are offering HUGE discounts, because they have so much stock and they need to reduce their inventory. Some builders are offering 8-10 months free payments, to get rid of the homes. They will also give you some upgrades, and you can choose your own carpets and paint colors.

Answer 6

I hate the homes down here... I grew up in NY in a two story big beautiful house with 6 kids...

Here (down south) everything is made of frigging cinder blocks and on one level...

My living room wall that separates my kitchen needs to go! It makes the living room a strange shape and closes it off like a little box.

I love open floor plans where the stationary fixtures create room dividers that are low and you can see over. I hate boxy, closed off rooms and thick heavy dividing walls.

Houses down here just suck... I have no idea what they were thinking?

Good luck to you! Just remember... open flowing feng shui floor plans that you can see through from room to room.

Answer 7

while im residing house on my own, i take chips and salsa and a can of Dr pepper and a rice krispies handle into the showering room and take an outstanding long bathtub. And consume. and then, that night, i'm getting below the effect of alcohol and **** **** up and pass out on my acquaintances returned porch. each so often i take a 2 a.m.-below the effect of alcohol-bare swim interior the snake-infested pond in my returned backyard.

Answer 8

A nice large deck or patio, linen closet or cabinets in the baths, and his and her walk in closets in the master bedroom.

Answer 9

go to any lumber yard or home depot or lowes they have many books of plans for new homes they cost about 8or 9$ you will get a lot of good ideas