Grace Construction, Inc.

Have you ever heard people who have just moved into a new home say…..I wish I had thought of that when I was building or I wish my contractor had suggested that to me? I’ve said before that planning is the most important part of the process and NOW is the time to do it. Whether you are ready to build, thinking about remodeling or just planning for your dream home you can’t spend enough time planning.

This is a continuation of my last post to share some of the things I have heard homeowners tell me that they want in their homes and some things they wish they had included. This post will cover the Closets, Bedroom and Outdoor/Garage areas:

Closets

You never have enough closets or closets that are big enough

Outlets in closets

Enough space in closet to hang long clothes

Built in ironing board in master closet (see photo)

Built in safe for valuables

Full size broom closet to hide cleaning supplies

Solar tubes for lighting in closets and dark spaces

Designated closet for modem, router, audio and video equipment with outlets and chest high shelves

 Bedroom

Four plug outlets in the bedroom

Master switch in bedroom to control outside lights and attic lights

Vanity with sink in each bedroom

Pocket door between bedroom to bathroom (see photo)

Outdoor/Garage Areas

Hose bibs everywhere….Can’t have enough hose bibs – locate on each side and end of house

Color and seal the garage floor before moving in

Walk in door to the garage

Give the landscaping bushes enough room to grow

Gutter downspouts connected to a pipe to move water away from foundation

Have extra irrigation zone for drip irrigation for deck and patio

Add cabinets and countertops to garage

Permanent staircase in garage to attic

Three car garage for storage or shop space

Dog or Cat door

Bury PVC and thread high quality hose to keep off lawn to area where need to water

Run wiring to the outside for audio systems

Outlets under eaves outside for Christmas lights (see photo)

Run conduit under driveway for future wiring needs

Outlets on all four sides of your house

Pre-wire for future security cameras

Pre-wire for a generator

Exterior gas piping for deck grill and outdoor fire pit

Make your porches and portals deep – at least 12 foot minimum

TV and internet cable for garage

Have you ever heard people who have just moved into a new home say…..I wish I had thought of that when I was building or I wish my contractor had suggested that to me? I’ve said before that planning is the most important part of the process and NOW is the time to do it. Whether you are ready to build, thinking about remodeling or just planning for your dream home you can’t spend enough time in the planning phase.

I thought I would share some of the things I have heard homeowners tell me that they want in their homes and some things they wish they had included. This post will cover the Kitchen, Baths and Laundry/Mud Room. Let’s take it area by area:

Kitchen

Recess the refrigerator
Add outlets in the pantry for charging
Built in paper towel holder
Small appliance “garage” with outlets – easy access locations to store small appliances
Set up for both gas and electric appliances in case you change later
Pantry light with motion sensor
Drawers for all lower cabinets
Two soap pumps on sink – one for hand soap and one for dish soap
More can lights and under cabinet lighting
Switches to turn off all lights in kitchen as you exit
Knife drawer

Baths

Outlet in master toilet closet for night light
Outlets inside vanity cabinets upper and lower
Make sure master bath tub is easy to access as you age – isn’t too deep 

High ceilings in bath and extra-large walk in showers are COLD
Design shower with aging in mind –  with no lip to step over, grab rails and deep shower seat
Pull out step stool under vanity

Laundry Room / Mud Room

You can’t make the laundry room big enough
Built in cubbies in mud room with outlet in each for all family members
Pull out laundry baskets and bins
Built in ironing board
Elevate washer and dryer and add storage underneath
Built in drying rack and folding table
Sink

In my next post I’ll share ideas for the Bedroom, Closets and Outdoor Areas.