Suggestions on building a new home?

Question

OK-I know that I have asked this question or something similiar to it many times before, BUT, I want to be thoroughly researched before we start.

We are in the planning stage of builidng a new home. We have 2 children, ages 4 and 7 who are very active. We have met once with our designer and have basically come up with the fact that we want a 2-story "Farmhouse" type home. We are going to be building on a 200+ acre farm, and wanted to stick with the theme. I want to build as much house as I possible can within my budget. Does anyone have any suggestions on things that I can put into the house? Any suggestions on upgrades? Any suggestions on where we can find materials, etc. at discounted prices without sacrificing quality. I want this home to be something that we can live in and enjoy for the rest of our lives, and I want everything to be of top quality. Any info that anyone can give is appreciated, especially from builders! And for other, what do u have that u can't live without?

Answer 1

Salvage yards are a great resource. Almost every city has some type of salvage yard that specializes in doors, windows and fixtures.

My brother in law lucked up and found some great old school doors with etched glass numbers on them every door is different but it adds to the charm of their cabin.

If you can get away and go to Brimfield, MA http://www.brimfield.com/
Huge array of stuff. Find a dealer that has tons of doors or windows and make him/her a cash deal.

These older pieces are usually of solid wood and built a million times better than some of the stuff on the market today.

There are tile outlets all over the place as well. We have a great flooring place here in Atlanta called Floor and Decor.

http://www.flooranddecoroutlets.com/

I bought some 16" slate tiles for a little over a dollar a piece, home depot wanted over two dollars each.

Is there any old barns or buildings on your 200 acres? If so have that wood recycled and planed down if it is warped and use that for flooring, siding or roofing. It will give you that true rustic feeling.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I designed and built our house 30 years ago and we are still here.

1. Build as much space as possible and build for older children, because time will fly.

2. Put in the best fixtures and appliances you can afford. (a quiet Kitchen aid dishwasher has been the best, we have had two.) I strongly recommend Maytag washer and dryer. In 39 years we just bought our 3rd set 2 years ago.

3. Put on the BEST quality roof you possibly can. Our original roof only lasted 6 or 7 years due to asphalt shortages then. The second was a bargain at $3800. the third at $8800. and the last nearly $10,000.

4. Put in the very best heat and air you possibly can. Get your warranties in writing. For the first time ever our heat pump (it was $5000.) compressor died at 8 years. We had all of the paper work with the 10 year written warranty and letter . It was to be $1200. We got it replaced for free.

5.We put in an in the wall vacuum system. In 29 years it has never required servicing. We are actually getting a motor home with the in the wall system. I am spoiled.

6. Insulate between floors and rooms if at all possible. Especially the bedrooms. It helps the children sleep.

7. An alarm system if you can.

8. Motion sensor lights around the outside of the house, and put them on every corner or room that juts out. (We added these during spiffing up three years ago.) They are great. The entry areas are an absolute must.

9. Make sure you have a 1/2 bath for company and near the living areas.

10.Put in an 18 foot garage door, the 16 foot ones are just too narrow for two cars. Oversize the garage if at all possible. Ours if about 21 wide and 24 deep. It has been a good size.

Keep a notebook with the clear plastic sleeves. In it you put all warranties and instruction books for everything along with the receipts of purchase. Staple them to the booklets.
This way you NEVER wonder where these things are. I keep mine in a kitchen drawer.

Things I did wrong. Fortunately not many.

1. Not enough air flow in the bathroom or light (the shower mildews).

2. Thermal windows were not to available then but I should have had them. Our 42 foot sun room (end and side) does have thermals. They are excellent.

3. Try to build a style that is as currently stylish as possible.
so it won't date itself quickly. (I designed ours so large that the pitch of the roof is comparable with houses being built now. But ours was built when ranch houses were popular. So
It was a good accident.)

I have rambled long enough. Hopefully I have given you things to think about. I hope you love your new home as much as I still love ours.

Good Luck and be patient. It is a process.

Answer 3

First are you going to build the home yourself or are you going to be hiring a contractor? Because if you hire a contractor to build, he will be able to get the best price for materials due to the quantity they typically buy in a year.

But your best bet is to work with an architect vs. a designer. An architect will have a better handle on costs. You could even work with a contractor and architect at the same time because they can work together to get you the best quality home for your budget. Not to mention an architect will be able to design a home around your life style and habits.

I must say though you have stated two things that do not go hand in hand. Quality and "As much house as possible for my budget". You are better off with a smaller house with finer details, quality construction and that works for your lifestyle than building a huge home that has many un-used rooms. Plus have you considered your utilities? The larger the home, the larger the utility bills. I would suggest reading the book "The Not So Big House".

Answer 4

Here is a site that may give you some more ideas for the design of your home:

http://www.archwaypress.com/page.php/advancedsearch.htm

They have tons of floor plans for you to look at.

good luck!!!!!