If you were to build a house, what would be your must haves?

[Gato]

You know what we have now that I never thought we'd need, but that I love? Separate master bedroom closets. I love going into mine and not having to see H's crap lying around.

[Deleted]

Two that we put into our bathroom reno were double shower heads and a niche in the shower wall for razors, soap, etc. two of the best ideas ever.

Eta: we also put in extra high counters in our bathroom, with double sinks. It's so nice not to have to practically bend upside down just to wash my face. 

My next house will have a huge laundry room/mud room.

I would also like built in storage solutions like they have at Ikea for our master closet.

Hardwood everywhere. We have admixture of hardwood and stained concrete, which is super easy to clean but gets cold in the winter.

My DREAM house would have a basement with lots of cold storage and extra guest quarters. Also geo-thermal heating and solar powered back up generators. Also solid foam insulation because it makes such a huge difference. My arenas just out this I to their new house and even when there weren't any windows yet, the house was still 20 degrees cooler in the middle if summer. 

[vanillacourage]

Two random things we have that I love - both fireplace mantels have an electrical outlet inset into the top, which is awesome for plugging in electrical holiday decor.

Second, we have windows over our kitchen sink that, when we replace them in a year or two, we'll have installed with tip-out glass. We'll then put in a small shelf-style table out on the deck immediately underneath said windows, so when we have pool parties we can set food out directly from the kitchen without having to carry it outside. /lazy

[kris356]

Dec 16, 2013 20:56:51 GMT -5 DotAndBuzz said:

Oh, and if I'm dreaming? A heated driveway so I never had to shovel EVER AGAIN.

H saw them put one in on This Old House, and immediately added it to the dream list. Apparently it only has to heat the ground to like 34-37 degrees - just enough to keep snow from sticking. Total energy suck, but so so appealing....

Lurker here, they really aren't a huge energy suck. They are on sensors that detect moisture and temperature so they only come on as needed. They are pricey initially but concrete will last a lot longer because you won't have to use salt. They are awesome. The company I work for designs and sells them although they are mostly commercial buildings.

I would love to have radiant floor heat. It is so amazing. But hydronic not electric.

[pinkpinot]

A chef & a maid.

[winecat]

Dec 16, 2013 21:01:24 GMT -5 DotAndBuzz said:

With the tankless - some data is coming out that they don't actually save you money, depending on your location/how you use it. Our plumber said he discourages people from installing them around here (michigan) unless it is a seasonal house, because the ground water comes up so cold that it actually is more work to bring it up to temperature. He said the latitude at which it becomes efficient is somewhere around or south of Memphis.

Interesting!  My plumber recommended that I don't get one either because of the city's water infrastructure.  Whatever it is (can't remember) he said that it leads to deposits in the water that corrode the interior of the tankless heaters which is why they have such high failure rates here.

[Jermys]

Closets and storage. I hate my house.

[fezzik]

Dec 16, 2013 21:24:04 GMT -5 @theycalledherkate said:

- a fireplace
-huge windows everywhere
- huge glass shower
- one of those tubs with feet
- drawers with built-in plugs for easy hairdryer storage
- built-in makeup drawers in master bath
- walk-in closet with built in shoe shelving and possibly an insland in the center for accessories and jewelry if there is room
- hardwood floors everywhere
- white kitchen cabinets with glass
- custom mirrors in all bathrooms (not those shitty builder mirrors with no frames)
- subway tile in kitchen backsplash
- open concept living room/kitchen but more closed off rooms for dining room, play room, etc
- 4 or 5 bedrooms (one of us, one for each child a guest room and bonus playroom)

Oooh, I like the bathroom drawers with built-in plugs idea!

[lissaholly]

I love dream house talk;)

The things I would want my house to be designed around are natural light and layout. Ideally I would want a three way split, but I could take two. The three ways would be master, kids, and guest bedrooms/ office would all be separate from each other and the main living spaces. Ideally there would be a door closing off the guest bedroom/ office area

3 full baths and a powder room. The powder room for the living spaces and the bathroom for each sleeping area

Office. This would be in the guest bedroom area

Open kitchen and family room. Big gathering space so everyone can get together

Rec room big enough to fit pool table and another TV. DH likes sports, I do not.

3 car garage

Walk- in pantry

Craft room. I want a room I can mess up and shut the door. Man that would be nice!

Master bath with soaking. ( not jacuzzi!) tub double vanity, linen closet and decent floor space. No hallway bathrooms please

Laundry room with space to fold laundry and a utility sink.

Playroom that would eventually become a bar area;)

ETA:  good storage in EVERY room would be nice.  

[fezzik]

Dec 16, 2013 20:56:51 GMT -5 DotAndBuzz said:

Oh, and if I'm dreaming? A heated driveway so I never had to shovel EVER AGAIN.

H saw them put one in on This Old House, and immediately added it to the dream list. Apparently it only has to heat the ground to like 34-37 degrees - just enough to keep snow from sticking. Total energy suck, but so so appealing....

This would be amazing!  Although, H is the one in charge of clearing out snow, I'm sure he would like that.  

We will be out in the country though, so our driveway will be pretty long and not fully paved.  The main method of clearing snow will be with the tractor and blower attachment.  

[rugbywife]

This thread has made me start this:

Sigh...I wish I could win the lottery.

[fezzik]

Dec 16, 2013 21:50:52 GMT -5 rugbywife said:

This thread has made me start this:

Sigh...I wish I could win the lottery.

I'm sucking my time on pinterest right now too.  I wish I could use all the ideas!

The lotto would be nice, but I guess we'll have to settle for a more practical mini dream house, haha.

[penelope]

All I want is a real sauna. One with running water in it and a shower.

And closets in every bed room.

[rugbywife]

Dec 16, 2013 21:55:48 GMT -5 fezzik said:

Dec 16, 2013 21:50:52 GMT -5 rugbywife said:

This thread has made me start this:

Sigh...I wish I could win the lottery.

I'm sucking my time on pinterest right now too.  I wish I could use all the ideas!

The lotto would be nice, but I guess we'll have to settle for a more practical mini dream house, haha.

We won't ever be able to afford to build in our area so when I dream, I dream big, lol.  If we could actually, reasonably afford it, I would be able to pin some more realistic stuff, lol. 

[fezzik]

I also want these hidden outlets in the kitchen:




and drawers under the sink instead of a cupboard:

[keyslover]

Dec 16, 2013 22:18:03 GMT -5 fezzik said:

I also want these hidden outlets in the kitchen:




and drawers under the sink instead of a cupboard:

You are totally upping the game with photos!

Love this thread and dream of building/remodeling with an unlimited budget. . . Or is it an unrealistic budget? Either way we are stuck in or old small house for now, but it is fun to dream and be prepared.

[alare]

We built a starter house from a developer. Our must haves were:

3 or more bedrooms
walkout basement--doesn't feel necessary now since the basement is used as a spider playroom + storage
large kitchen
open floorplan--now we'd rather have some rooms closed off so we can watch tv and not hear the dishwasher running
2 1/2 baths--still happy with that decision even though it's only the two of us. Don't have to coordinate shower times with guests.
5 pc master bath with jetted tub--now would rather have master with separate garden tub and only one sink so there would be more counter space.
upstairs laundry--LOVE
Large master bedroom--now seems like wasted space . . .
Large master closet--LOVE
Mudroom--LOVE
Huge pantry--LOVE
3 car garage--LOVE

Things we didn't think about but would want in a new house:

South facing backyard
Finished basement--it would have been cheaper to have them finish while they were building the house
Highest carpet pad possible if house contains carpet.
Bigger lot with mature trees.
Double oven
More storage space
More recessed lighting

[fezzik]

Dec 16, 2013 22:42:59 GMT -5 keyslover said:

Dec 16, 2013 22:18:03 GMT -5 fezzik said:

You are totally upping the game with photos!

Love this thread and dream of building/remodeling with an unlimited budget. . . Or is it an unrealistic budget? Either way we are stuck in or old small house for now, but it is fun to dream and be prepared.

haha, I was doing my best to avoid posting pictures, but they make explaining so much easier  

I would love an unlimited budget!  I know we have to be realistic and even when we build it won't be a huge house.  I just hope we can figure out a decent layout and we won't end up regretting anything.

[agnes]

My must haves would be deep single basin integrated sink into my stainless steel counters, laundry/mudroom, easy access to backyard/deck/patio, pool.

Everything I'm not too picky about.

[sugarbear]

Dec 16, 2013 20:25:35 GMT -5 hisno1girl said:

A room that was all my own and no one else is ever allowed in. EVER.

We are slowly remodeling our home and, hope to add on a second story some day. When we finished the basement last year, we had our architect do all the plans for all three phases. He asked for our wants and I told him I wanted a turret, all to myself. He didn't even blink! The only things allowed are my sewing machine, my books, and my grandmothers's chair. I can't wait.

[marylennox]

A nice screened in porch or sunroom.

A great deck/porch/patio.

Laundry room.

Lots of storage and built in shelving, like built-in bookshelves.

A big walk-in closet.

[spitforspat]

Secret passageways and rooms.

[Waffles]

It's our dream to do that one day and I've amassed a ridiculous dream list, including:

central vac, air, alarm & sound system
ceiling fans
plantation shutters
under floor heating except for towel drying radiators in bathrooms
a paved outdoor area off the kitchen/dining area with bbq space & pizza oven and a fire pit
pool
garage
pantry between kitchen and garage
laundry room at bedroom level with sink and room to hang clothes to dry
3 bedrooms + an office + a playroom for kids + a grown up playroom/bar area
a wine fridge
a bathroom for kids, one for guests and a master thingmie for us, including dressing room
separate toilet from master bathroom
deep & large bath in master with separate tiled shower
high ceilings, large windows, high skirting boards, crown molding
tile & wooden floors throughout
granite or slate tops
a large kitchen with island and breakfast nook
two ovens, a proper extractor fan, a hotplate (on top of normal stuff)
fireplace in living room and maybe master/master bath
balcony off master bedroom
kids rooms in opposite wing to master

and so many more things I can't think of now so I'm off to pinterest to keep dreaming

[christy082]

4 bedrooms
2 full baths, 1 half bath (master bath with dual sinks)
Full finished basement
3 or 3 1/2 car garage
Laundry room (not in the basement)
Fireplace

[dirtyred]

I want a secret room like in old movies.  Behind a bookcase or something.  And a secret passage would be cool, too.  I tell DH the secret room will also be a tornado shelter, which might increase my chances of actually getting one.

[anlo]

Everything OP said, plus:

A decent sized laundry room with drying racks for sweaters, delicates, etc. I would want this room to be near the bedrooms.

Lots of cabinets in the kitchen

Double oven

Built in bookshelves

No carpet

Roomy closets

I might splurge on an allergy friendly air quality system if there was room in the budget

[lulu13]

We are just at the end of building our house and there are a million and one things we had to consider.

We were a 3/2 and we added a new large master with master bathroom as well as a new bathroom for the kids (with double sinks) and powder room for the guests off the kitchen so we are a 4/3.5 now. We also kept the old master so now we have a kind of mini-master with an attached bathroom for overnight guests.

We added on a large kitchen which is my favorite part

Walk-in pantry

Large island (ours is 10LX5W)

Indoor laundry room

Panel ready/built in cabinetry for kitchen/appliances (it's all recessed to so blends with the custom cabinetry)

wine refrigerator

large stove with double ovens

High ceilings (we did 10 ft in all in most of the house but I think the master is 12 ft)-coffered ceilings in the master and vaulted in the family room.

Space in the kitchen for a large dining room table (space for a large table without dedicating a room to it)

Large windows in front and one facing the backyard over the sink

Large walk-in closet in the master bedroom

all new hardwood flooring

fireplace in entry way room (living room)

hidden outlets in kitchen

Wired for sound and security throughout

We also did a lot of marble in the bathrooms because my whole house is basically white and gray with dark wood. The only bathroom I didn't do marble in was the kids.

sliding door in kitchen leading to the backyard and french doors off the master to the backyard

separate heating and cooling for each side of the house

detached garage that we are insulating and adding a bathroom to

I feel like I could go on and on..I am sure I have left out tons of details

Right now I am ordering new furniture and it's a nice break from picking every tiny minute detail of the actual house.

We started in July and only have over a month to go. It's been a fun experience and luckily we have worked with great people.

[purrbox]

Dec 16, 2013 20:47:04 GMT -5 DotAndBuzz said:

-Hardwood throughout
-GOOD WINDOWS - do not go cheap/builder grade here, you'll regret it
-I'd seriously look into geothermal heating/cooling
-Efficient kitchen with an actual range hood, not some half-ass fan that just blows stuff back into your kitchen
-Drawers drawers drawers in the kitchen under pretty much all counter space. I have this now and LOVE it. Lazy Susan in the corner cabinet
-double vanity in master bath, and good storage in the master bath
-separate water closet space in master bath
-Jack-and-jill bathroom for the upstairs bedrooms **but only if the sink area was separate from the shower/toilet area, so you'd technically have a J&J to the sinks, and then another door to the shower and toilet room**
-Wine cellar, or at least a big wine fridge
-In house vacuum (we have this now - LOVE)
-Mud room
-Lots of outlets, including a phone charging station in the kitchen, or wherever you drop your bags when you come home
-Lights on dimmers
-Washer and drier on the main level in a separate laundry room w/ ample cupboards, counter space, and a utility sink (or at least efficiently use the space if it isn't a big room)
-Patio or deck


eta: crown molding and wide trim throughout. 

Absolutely agree about the windows! I'm guessing our windows are builder grade, and they suck. They have fog developing in between the glass.

[mcfelix]

Love this thread! We actually are planning to build our dream house so it's great to hear everyone's opinions on this.

Very important to us in the new house:
- Mud room off garage with charging station/area
- Separate his and hers closets
- large master shower with bench
- rear covered porch
- large 2nd floor laundry next to master
- 3 car garage
- inground basement (so we can have a patio off the back of the house instead of a deck with a full flight of stairs to the yard)

I could go on forever but those are the key items.

Eta - we hope to start our house by march so i need to make sure I don't forget the awesome details, like outlets above the fireplace master that were mentioned by someone earlier.

[Deleted]

Ample storage space.

That is the only thing sort of lacking in our current home.