The Wish I Wouldas List

After speaking with several friends that have built homes I have compiled a list of the recommendations they made. Some are no-brainers and some are more like wish list items. Right now I am simply in the “gathering data” stage. We have decided on a house plan which we found online. My friend Brett Henke who is a Civil Engineer was kind enough to help us tweak the plans to our liking using his CAD skills.

– 2X6 Exterior walls
– 10′ Ceilings on main floor
– 8′ Interior Doors on main floor
– Plumb for gas and electric appliances
– RV hookups by the shop (Sewer dump & 220v)
– Double Fridge/Freezer in kitchen
– 6 Burner cooktop with Griddle
– Drinking Fountain for the kids (Garage? Outside?)
– Patio Speakers for music
– Outdoor shower by mudroom (hose down area)
– 2nd Laundry room in Master or Upstairs
– Snack Bar in Theater Room
– Outdoor hot/cold sink in BBQ area
– Crown Molding in select areas
– Can lights and Dimmer switches
– Photocell automatic stair lights
– Central Vacuum with Wet/dry system
– Multi head shower in master bath (2nd valve)
– Track lighting in entry and gallery areas
– R50 Insulation in Attic Spaces
– Stub electric for future outbuildings/landscape lighting
– Wire sprinkler timer into Garage area
– Floor outlets in office, library and theater
– Surround Sound wiring in theater/playroom
– Plumb for full bath in upstairs shop/future apartment?
– Closet organizers with drawers to eliminate dressers
– 10′ minimum garage door width, 8′ height
– Metal Roofs on all buildings
– Fish Aquarium in wall (Plumbing & Vent Fan)
– Pre-wire for security system
– Surveilance Cameras to keep an eye on the kids
– Intercom System, 13 stations (1 wired to shop)
– Cat5, Cable and Fiber to every room
– Solar powered backup pump for well water
– Wood Stove for emergency heating
– Dry Goods storage room in basement for year supply
– Backup Generator for power outages with fuel storage
– Seperate outlets for Solar/generator power – emergency lighting
– RO filter and water softener roughed in
– Utility Room in basement for furnace, water heaters, etc.
– 2X4 Blocking for towel racks and TP holders