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Post by workingclassdog on Nov 28, 2016 17:39:24 GMT
Lord have mercy, with all these great suggestions.. I would have the 'perfect' house... LOL and one I probably could never afford.. haha
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MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,536
Jul 24, 2014 19:51:57 GMT
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Post by MerryMom on Nov 28, 2016 17:47:34 GMT
If you have a basement, pay a little extra to have it dug a little bit deeper so that if you ever finish the basement, you don't have low ceilings.
Also for the basement, have them rough in water line and sewer line so that if you ever add a half bath in the basement, your lines are already there.
I always think of things that are hard to do once your house is built. Hard to dig a deeper basement later on.
Oh, and way more outlets in each room than what is code.
If your washer is anywhere but the basement, have it installed in a catch pan and a drain underneath so that if your washer overflows, the excess water goes somewhere.
Think about where you put your washer and dryer as you really don't want a long curved route for the dryer vent.
If you are in an area affected by weather and you lose power, have your electric panel installed so that you can easily hook up a generator outside. There is a way for the electrician to install it that way.
I think you need to have your own list of must-haves, as I wouldn't have been interested in some of the other suggestions that others have posted. They aren't bad suggestions, just not something I would want.
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Post by hennybutton on Nov 28, 2016 17:58:32 GMT
Definitely include a bedroom and a bath with a large shower downstairs.
Every member of my household has had to use our downstairs shower at one time or another due to injury or surgery. It has a built in bench that makes it perfect. It could use handrails though.
Even if you don't need it for disability, it's nice to have a bathroom guests can use that's not one you use on a daily basis.
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Post by littlemama on Nov 28, 2016 18:00:52 GMT
Wow, I had no idea how many luxury items were out there! I would have just said lots of electrical outlets and a basement!
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846
Jun 27, 2014 18:02:10 GMT
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Post by georgiapea on Nov 28, 2016 18:18:57 GMT
If it's to be a multi level house, put the laundry on the floor where the bedrooms are. That's where laundry is created - the beds and clothes are the bulk of laundry.
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River
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,507
Location: Alabama
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:04 GMT
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Post by River on Nov 28, 2016 18:27:43 GMT
This is a pretty pricey comfort feature, but I absolutely loved the heated bathroom floor in a relatives house. We stayed with them a week and I LOVED that feature. I had no idea it was even a thing, so some of my enjoyment could have been awe of it too. LOL.
If I ever get a chance to redo our bathroom, I'm splurging on this floor. I do typically stand in the bathroom for most of my getting ready routine with bare feet so I'm considering it a must have. I stay cold most of the time, so I'm always looking at things to keep me warm.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,962
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Nov 28, 2016 19:18:59 GMT
Great suggestions! This is what we already had decided on and have asked for quotes on:
The house will be a bungalow (one story) with a double garage and a basement. It's just my husband and me at home now. We are looking towards aging, by choosing a bungalow. We have some must haves and have asked for quotes on some others.
Basement will be finished with 2 bedrooms, one full bathroom and a family room. Storage area will be unfinished. The main floor only has the master bedroom (with 5 pc ensuite) and a den/flex room. Mudroom at garage door entry. Laundry room is actually a closet there. Will talk to her about more space for laundry, including a counter for folding. Have talked to her about drawers instead of lower cabinets.
There are 3 linen closets, but I do have to discuss a broom closet.
Are already getting under counter lighting. 9 ft ceilings in the basement. The livingroom has a gas fireplace. The quote included another one in the basement family room, but I don't think we need one there.
Am compiling more questions for her. Thanks again!
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Post by Jennifer C on Nov 28, 2016 20:50:17 GMT
Wow. Tons of great ideas. Now to get my dh to want to build a house.
Jennifer
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
Jul 12, 2014 21:58:10 GMT
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Post by pridemom on Nov 28, 2016 22:26:32 GMT
Great suggestions! This is what we already had decided on and have asked for quotes on: The house will be a bungalow (one story) with a double garage and a basement. It's just my husband and me at home now. We are looking towards aging, by choosing a bungalow. We have some must haves and have asked for quotes on some others. Basement will be finished with 2 bedrooms, one full bathroom and a family room. Storage area will be unfinished. The main floor only has the master bedroom (with 5 pc ensuite) and a den/flex room. Mudroom at garage door entry. Laundry room is actually a closet there. Will talk to her about more space for laundry, including a counter for folding. Have talked to her about drawers instead of lower cabinets. There are 3 linen closets, but I do have to discuss a broom closet. Are already getting under counter lighting. 9 ft ceilings in the basement. The livingroom has a gas fireplace. The quote included another one in the basement family room, but I don't think we need one there. Am compiling more questions for her. Thanks again! You're being very sensible. Your plans sound a lot like what DH and I plan to do soon. Most builders are clueless about aging in place and universal design. I highly recommend finding an aging in place specialist and arrange a meeting with the builder.
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Post by Neisey on Nov 28, 2016 22:41:21 GMT
If you are considering ageing in this home, think lower placed light switches and door handles instead of knobs.
Outlets in/near fireplace mantle for electronics, Christmas decorations, etc.
Big laundry sink somewhere (basement, garage, laundry room)
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Nov 28, 2016 23:18:32 GMT
If I could design my own home. I like very small home living. I love studio style spaces, but with closets/storage room The floor plan style of Monica's apartment on Friends, but slightly smaller. Approximately 400-500 square feet. I would have french doors leading to one bedroom, and the other "bedroom" would be an alcove with a storage closet behind it.
I would want: Floors drains, under water heater, washing machine, kitchen sink.
Walk in shower, with a bench seat. A hand held shower. A window and ventilation fan in the bathroom.
A storage room, long and skinny 12 ft x 5ft, for Christmas boxes, outdoor gear, mops/brooms, extra paper goods, safe, miscellaneous, etc.. It would run behind the secondary bedroom area, the front part of it would be an alcove.
No built ins:No tv nook, no built in book shelves, no built in china cabinet, no built in pot shelves, no built in knick-knack spaces,etc...
I would have an appliance garage on the kitchen counter, so that appliances(toaster, toaster oven, foreman grill, griddle) I use would be accessible by just rolling up the door. and sliding them out. When not in use, hidden out of sight.
A small, closet by the incoming door, that would have shoes racks and store cardigans, coats, scarves.
Ceiling fans above my bed and living area.
Recessed lighting in the living area.
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Post by hop2 on Nov 28, 2016 23:50:42 GMT
OUTLETS
OUTLETS everywhere. Other than the requirements for kitchen and bath the quantity and spacing of outlets required by code is antiquated. We plug in everything and extensions are fire hazards. My suggestion is double the outlets required by code, minimum. And if needed in addition to that make sure no wall is outletless.
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Post by ntsf on Nov 29, 2016 0:29:50 GMT
hard wired smoke/co detectors. we upgraded our electrical and have these.. and I love them. grab bars in shower and tub.
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PaperAngel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,310
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Nov 29, 2016 1:07:06 GMT
Great suggestions! This is what we already had decided on and have asked for quotes on: The house will be a bungalow (one story) with a double garage and a basement. It's just my husband and me at home now. We are looking towards aging, by choosing a bungalow. We have some must haves and have asked for quotes on some others. Basement will be finished with 2 bedrooms, one full bathroom and a family room. Storage area will be unfinished. The main floor only has the master bedroom (with 5 pc ensuite) and a den/flex room. Mudroom at garage door entry. Laundry room is actually a closet there. Will talk to her about more space for laundry, including a counter for folding. Have talked to her about drawers instead of lower cabinets. There are 3 linen closets, but I do have to discuss a broom closet. Are already getting under counter lighting. 9 ft ceilings in the basement. The livingroom has a gas fireplace. The quote included another one in the basement family room, but I don't think we need one there. Am compiling more questions for her. Thanks again! I suggest speaking to a realtor in your area before you decide on a plan. For resale purposes, I would imagine in most areas the majority of bedrooms are preferred on a second floor, not in a basement. Perhaps what I call a "glorified ranch" (ie 3-4 bedrooms on the main floor & a loft &/or bonus room upstairs) would better suit your needs now & for future resale. If you plan to live on the main floor, I suggest ample storage, outlets, & light. Best wishes!
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,962
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Nov 29, 2016 2:17:26 GMT
Great suggestions! This is what we already had decided on and have asked for quotes on: The house will be a bungalow (one story) with a double garage and a basement. It's just my husband and me at home now. We are looking towards aging, by choosing a bungalow. We have some must haves and have asked for quotes on some others. Basement will be finished with 2 bedrooms, one full bathroom and a family room. Storage area will be unfinished. The main floor only has the master bedroom (with 5 pc ensuite) and a den/flex room. Mudroom at garage door entry. Laundry room is actually a closet there. Will talk to her about more space for laundry, including a counter for folding. Have talked to her about drawers instead of lower cabinets. There are 3 linen closets, but I do have to discuss a broom closet. Are already getting under counter lighting. 9 ft ceilings in the basement. The livingroom has a gas fireplace. The quote included another one in the basement family room, but I don't think we need one there. Am compiling more questions for her. Thanks again! I suggest speaking to a realtor in your area before you decide on a plan. For resale purposes, I would imagine in most areas the majority of bedrooms are preferred on a second floor, not in a basement. Perhaps what I call a "glorified ranch" (ie 3-4 bedrooms on the main floor & a loft &/or bonus room upstairs) would better suit your needs now & for future resale. If you plan to live on the main floor, I suggest ample storage, outlets, & light. Best wishes! Many of the bungalows being built around here have one bedroom plus a den/flex room on the main floor and the others in the finished basement. That's what a lot of empty nesters are looking for. DH and I absolutely want that. WE are currently in a two story and DH has some issues with one of his knees. We don't want to have to deal with 2 flights of stairs as we get older (we are only in our mid-50s, but we don't plan on moving for a very long time after this). We have looked at some lovely two-storey houses and were almost tempted by one of them, but both of us keep going back to the bungalow. So that's become an absolute for us. Definitely needing lots of outlets - I've got that on my list. There should be lots of light, looking at the plan. There will be loads of storage in the basement, and should be more than enough on the main floor. Thanks!
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PaperAngel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,310
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Nov 29, 2016 2:53:04 GMT
I suggest speaking to a realtor in your area before you decide on a plan. For resale purposes, I would imagine in most areas the majority of bedrooms are preferred on a second floor, not in a basement. Perhaps what I call a "glorified ranch" (ie 3-4 bedrooms on the main floor & a loft &/or bonus room upstairs) would better suit your needs now & for future resale. If you plan to live on the main floor, I suggest ample storage, outlets, & light. Best wishes! Many of the bungalows being built around here have one bedroom plus a den/flex room on the main floor and the others in the finished basement. That's what a lot of empty nesters are looking for. DH and I absolutely want that. WE are currently in a two story and DH has some issues with one of his knees. We don't want to have to deal with 2 flights of stairs as we get older (we are only in our mid-50s, but we don't plan on moving for a very long time after this). We have looked at some lovely two-storey houses and were almost tempted by one of them, but both of us keep going back to the bungalow. So that's become an absolute for us. Definitely needing lots of outlets - I've got that on my list. There should be lots of light, looking at the plan. There will be loads of storage in the basement, and should be more than enough on the main floor. Thanks! It appears a bugalow with basement is common in your area; do you mind sharing in what state or region of the country you're located? Sounds like you already know what you want in terms of location & layout, which are the most important decisions; now you can focus on the details. Best wishes!
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,962
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Nov 29, 2016 3:09:49 GMT
Many of the bungalows being built around here have one bedroom plus a den/flex room on the main floor and the others in the finished basement. That's what a lot of empty nesters are looking for. DH and I absolutely want that. WE are currently in a two story and DH has some issues with one of his knees. We don't want to have to deal with 2 flights of stairs as we get older (we are only in our mid-50s, but we don't plan on moving for a very long time after this). We have looked at some lovely two-storey houses and were almost tempted by one of them, but both of us keep going back to the bungalow. So that's become an absolute for us. Definitely needing lots of outlets - I've got that on my list. There should be lots of light, looking at the plan. There will be loads of storage in the basement, and should be more than enough on the main floor. Thanks! It appears a bugalow with basement is common in your area; do you mind sharing in what state or region of the country you're located? Sounds like you already know what you want in terms of location & layout, which are the most important decisions; now you can focus on the details. Best wishes! I'm in Alberta in Canada. They don't build as many bungalows these days, because lot sizes are narrower, but the ones I've seen are more for empty nesters with the other bedrooms in the basement. All houses around here have basements.
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PaperAngel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,310
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Nov 29, 2016 4:01:02 GMT
It appears a bugalow with basement is common in your area; do you mind sharing in what state or region of the country you're located? Sounds like you already know what you want in terms of location & layout, which are the most important decisions; now you can focus on the details. Best wishes! I'm in Alberta in Canada. They don't build as many bungalows these days, because lot sizes are narrower, but the ones I've seen are more for empty nesters with the other bedrooms in the basement. All houses around here have basements. Thanks for the info; I'm not familiar with your area. Sounds like resale will not be a problem. Have fun with planning, patience with building/moving, & lots of happiness in your (future) new home!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 29, 2016 4:13:11 GMT
Since you are planning on bedrooms in the basement, make sure that you test the area for radon and if it's present mitigate for that while the house is being built. It's a lot more expensive to discover you have radon problems after you've built than before.
Definitely more outlets than you ever think you'll need, and make sure you have some near the windows facing the street if you plan to put lights or decorations there.
All major living facilities on the main level (laundry, at least a 3/4 bath, kitchen, bedroom) or the option to convert spaces for those purposes later if needed.
Seats in any showers (our ensuite and first floor bath were remodeled in 2010 and we couldn't believe that the ensuite doesn't have a built in seat in the shower, and there is definitely space for it). If you can do a walk in shower without a door, it's much easier to clean / keep clean when you're not dealing with glass doors.
Outlets outside, including some under the eaves for holiday lights and some on the side near the driveway to plug in a vacuum cleaner or rug doctor for cleaning out your car.
Outdoor faucets on multiple sides of the house.
Cable jacks built into rooms where you might later need or want to connect a modem, tv or computer.
Mudroom off of the garage or other exterior entrance.
Make sure the floor plan doesn't have any weird dead end rooms. We have a formal living room right off the front entry that isn't accessible from any other room and the flow is bad. There are no sightlines for watching over kids playing in there from any other room, and it's totally cut off from the rest of the house. It's just odd.
Good exterior lighting in the front AND the back. Our back yard lighting is poor and it makes it difficult to keep track of our dogs when they're out for potty breaks in the back when it's dark out.
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Post by PEAcan pie on Nov 29, 2016 4:26:27 GMT
Large I mean very large mud room with sink.
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Post by jamielynn on Nov 29, 2016 4:30:21 GMT
I love these posts; here are some we have:
Auto turning on/off lights in larger closets USB on outlets in any spots/rooms you will charge at (kitchen counter, near nightstands, in office, in garage) Dimming light switches in all rooms Drop in speakers in all the rooms for listening to music (we didn't do this in a guest bath and now that we have a child we really wished we had even done it there - I use it a lot while cleaning and can listen as I go room to room) Outlets midway up the wall to avoid cords hanging Outlet on landings for ease of vacuuming steps Back lighting above/below kitchen cabinets - our laundry is off the kitchen so we ran it in there too I love my laundry room between the garage and kitchen (center of the house)- the noise is not an issue and it is so convenient to run a load while cooking or get the outdoor dirty stuff in the wash immediately without dragging it through the house. Crown moulding - backlit Tall baseboard/crown (we wished we had done larger) Tall ceilings - especially in basement level if you are having a basement I love having my closet in our bathroom - then if one of us is sleeping the other can get ready but not need to have lights on or be in and out Walk in closets in each room - one of my favorites is in my office, I keep the printer in there, our filing cabinet (and all my christmas shopping) Shelving in all the rooms - including storage room, garage right from day 1 - its such an easy project to put off for later, and so necessary to have
It wasn't in the budget at the time but I wished we had heated under the tile, and run tile throughout versus the wood/laminate. However, we didn't want to do tile without the heating and the heating wasn't in the budget then.
We have spoken about how in the next house we build we would plumb in if not have a 3/4 bath in the garage. Kids playing outside, in the pool, and a husband with a dirty job - this would be really nice (as the garage is heated)
We live in an area where "everyone" has a basement - it is rare to not have one. Our next home would not have one. We have a ranch style (with a basement) and we love the style. So many people have commented how smart it is (and really non-traditional here) - for when we age or when we sell it that it will appeal to a wide variety of people. We also have what I believe is called Jack and Jill style which we love. The master bed/bath are off one side of the house, and the rest of the bedrooms are off the other side for privacy. The only downfall of this for me was when we had a newborn/infant, but our room was large enough I kept our child in there with us about a year for my comfort.
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Post by angiet on Nov 29, 2016 5:16:21 GMT
We are in the early process of building. For me, I really thought of how I used space. In the model of the kitchen like we are building, the dishwasher seemed to be in the wrong place for me. It was in the busiest corner of the kitchen, where it would be in the way when opened.. We are having it moved to the other side where I think it makes the kitchen flow better.
We are in our mid-fifties now, so we are looking towards aging and what possible needs we will have then. We are having an adult height toilet put in the master "water closet" along with pocket doors.
I love to take baths but the jetted tub in the model was very deep and would be hard for me to use since I have a bad shoulder. After much back and forth, they were able to find me a shallow jetted tub that is much more user friendly.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 8:37:45 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2016 6:58:23 GMT
It appears a bugalow with basement is common in your area; do you mind sharing in what state or region of the country you're located? Sounds like you already know what you want in terms of location & layout, which are the most important decisions; now you can focus on the details. Best wishes! I'm in Alberta in Canada. They don't build as many bungalows these days, because lot sizes are narrower, but the ones I've seen are more for empty nesters with the other bedrooms in the basement. All houses around here have basements. Since you mentioned alberta, we're in AB too and just finished a home too. Consider spray foam insulation, I've been amazed at how little drafts I feel in the home. My DH wanted to spend the extra there because of the long term benefits. We also built similar, master bedroom plus office on the main floor and we did 3 bedrooms downstairs with a walkout basement for the teenagers. I spent extra in getting a custom kitchen, we spend a lot of time in there and so I wanted something that would work well. We did a hidden pantry with counter height electrical outlets. We went with a bigger window by the kitchen sink and I absolutely love it. I love windows so we designed our home so that the bathrooms all have windows. our home is situated on our acreage so that we wake up to the sunrise, the kitchen has sun streaming in, and then we get a great view of the sunset from the living room. Think of where they'll be putting your floor vents if you go with forced air. The front entrance has the floor vent right next to the door so my carpet is half covering it but I can't move it. It bugs me that the heating guy wouldn't have looked at that when they chose that spot.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Nov 29, 2016 9:04:50 GMT
I haven't read the other posts but I have some thoughts. For re-sale value consider two bedrooms on the main level (a friend did this). Have a shower and tub off the master bathroom. Have the tub edge lower so you can easily get in it in the future. Put a seat in the shower. Behind the wall board have them put in extra 2 x 4's in case you ever need a grab bar in the tub and have them document where it is. Build the stairway to the basement so that you could put one of those motorized chairs on it in the future. As few steps as possible to the front door. Build your home real close to grocery stores, places to see a Doctor and have x-rays etc. Live close to a big City with hospitals in case you need them in the future. How much more would solar energy cost? Insulate the house well as well as all of the electrical outlets. If the garage is attached insulate the ceiling as well as the walls. Wide doorways in case someone is in a walker or wheelchair some day. Ease of getting around the kitchen in case someone uses a walker some day. We have something like 40 year shingles on the house now with hail protection on them and our Insurance Company gives us a discount in our home insurance.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,962
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Nov 29, 2016 12:57:53 GMT
Lots and lots to think about. Thank you everyone for your great suggestions!
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scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,306
Jun 26, 2014 19:30:06 GMT
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Post by scrappinghappy on Nov 29, 2016 13:25:07 GMT
This is a pretty pricey comfort feature, but I absolutely loved the heated bathroom floor in a relatives house. We stayed with them a week and I LOVED that feature. I had no idea it was even a thing, so some of my enjoyment could have been awe of it too. LOL. If I ever get a chance to redo our bathroom, I'm splurging on this floor. I do typically stand in the bathroom for most of my getting ready routine with bare feet so I'm considering it a must have. I stay cold most of the time, so I'm always looking at things to keep me warm. Not as pricey as you think. it cost us $400 extra to install the underfloor heating and about 2c an hour to run it. In a cold climate it is the best feature in our house. OP one thing no one has mentioned is home automation. Choose light switches, outlets, etc that can be programmed from your phone or through a hub and computer. Some will even work with Alexa. We have it set so when we approach the house, proximity setting on our phone, the lights turn on, the AC/heat settings change. Out bedtime setting turns off most of the house lights and also changes the AC/heat. Wake-up changes the AC/heat, urns on the lights in the kids room and runs the coffeemaker. We have a scene for watching tv that dims the lights, turns on all the audio equipment and the tv. We can enable and disable the house alarm from our phones and also lick and unlock the door to the garage. Dh is a geek so ours might be extreme but lots of useful stuff especially if you have mobility issues. It is more expensive than non programmable switches etc but cheaper to install now than replace later.
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Post by hennybutton on Nov 29, 2016 13:41:40 GMT
I like your plan. But, I would recommend a powder room on the main floor so guests don't have to go through your bedroom to use the toilet. A good place to put it might be off the mudroom.
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