building a house.. what would you have done differently?

Question

does anyone have suggestion, on building a house.. what would you have done differently

Answer 1

Always put in a basement if your area permits it. It makes plumbing, hvac, electrical, etc. so much easier and doubles your sq. footage. I went with a crawspace and spent 2 weeks on my knees, back, stomach trying to work down there.
Don't use cheap trim. We used 3/4 pine from the home center, routed a design in it, painted it, and hung it. Now its warped, twisted. Will have to replace it all someday. I will still make my own, but use higher quality kiln dried wood. And besides, the trim is what ties everything together and 'finishes' it.
Do not be afraid to fire anybody! Its your money, your house, get it done right. Yes you need permits for just about everything. I have had to walk some of my friends through firing their contractor that was doing terrible work. But also don't be afraid to give them a winning chance of proving their worth, just don't give them money before they prove anything.

Answer 2

Haha, how funny. I just looked up on google exactly what you wanted to know. I have to make a brochure on the exact same thing too. There are some recommendations in my school book though - Humanities Alive. If your using the same book most of the information is actually there. If not, here it is: - Build a wooden house not a brick one. - Lay deep concrete foundations and bolt the wooden house frame to these. Reinforce foundations with steel rods or mesh. - Clop wall and roof frames together with metal pins. - Rock is better to build on than sand or clay. - Strap down your hot water system. - Use plywood sheets to brace walls. - Avoid using an open fireplace as chimneys can topple unless securely braced. - Fix all roof tiles or use alternative roofing. (e.g. steel). I hope this helps :)

Answer 3

We built last year. Moved in at Thanksgiving 2006. I designed my house.

I did not do any stairs. Split format. French Doors wherever possible. Planned on if someone needed to enter with a wheelchair. The only thing I left off which I wish I had added was an island in my kitchen.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Oh man. For starters, we placed our house too close to the road, and we didn't take any of the views into account. We got lucky on some windows, but the very best room in the house is from the upstairs bathroom!

Also, we're still in construction, because we don't have very detailed plans of what we want in each room -- my husband is doing all the work himself.

We wish we had more rooms, as well.

Answer 5

don't put in vaulted ceilings
use radiant heat in your floors
use metal roofing and siding materials - maintenance free
don't buy cheap windows
finish putting ALL trim etc on before you move in or odds are it will never get done LOL
Good luck with your project!!

Answer 6

WIDER DOORWAYS!!! Try moving a side by side refrigerator thru a 32" doorway, or an overstuffed sofa.

Answer 7

built where there was a better view
bigger kitchen
warmer style bathroom
fireplace in master bedroom

Answer 8

im building 1 rite now.............kinda sad were moving though. i wish i a made 1 of the closets bigger.