OT: New Construction Build... Advice?
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on the build, I would have it 'wired' (if they still do that) for all the new gizmo's that are available, from LED lighting to home entertainment. I would also try to see where things are going tech wise and include 'infrastructure' for that as well. I'd probably have the garage wired for an electric car, even if I have no desire to have one. I would also include a whole house emergency generator.
Just a general tip for planning your budget. When you're figuring out where to spend money, prioritize spending on things that will be hard to address down the line and save $ on things that are relatively easy to change later on. For example, if you have any thought that you might want a three car garage, spend the money on that now rather than putting money toward higher end kitchen or bathroom fixtures. Prioritize structural "wants" over cosmetic "wants".
A couple of other suggestions- review all of your plans and specs carefully- and don't make any changes later- change orders are budget killers. And no "allowances" for things like cabinets, lighting, and fixtures- pick all of that out in advance and have them specified in the contract- otherwise expect to get hosed when you DO pick them out. Allowances are another way that many contractors will get you to pay more.
Keep in mind that basement space is the cheapest $ per sq foot in the whole house. I went with a poured concrete basement with 10' ceilings. Not sure if that is an option for you.
Put in more electric outlets than you think you will need. Plan your room layout as best you can ahead of time. Invariably they will locate a heating/cooling floor vent right where you want to put your couch or other furniture, blocking the vents.
We used to do a lot of 9' walls- where I was building 10' walls required soil testing and a PE seal for the foundation plan and rebar placement.
Yeah live in a place where the government gives you a good leavin' alone.
That's what my uncle told me while we were building his camp. Count the outlets you think you need and add a few more.
This. Plus allow some budget for some unforseen circumstances. Extra digging, more stone needed than estimated, fluctuations in asphalt and concrete prices, and any number of other reasons.
When I finished my basement myself, I looked into the electrical code and the code itself seemed to require more outlets than you think you will need. I forget the details. I did add many outlets to where I planned on having the entertainment center.
Nothing better than in the floor hot water heat. Put it in the basement and any other levels. Plan electrics to include whole house generator outside if you can't do it immediately. Quality windows mean a lot when your heating bill comes in. Add wiring for whole house security system including cameras.
Hire a retired builder who has no connection with your builder to inspect the jobsite weekly or biweekly
Excellent idea...but have it in the agreement that a 3rd party inspector is allowed on site at any time.
I work for an electrical manufacturer for residential products. There's some pretty cool stuff out there now, there are people in my division that have their houses wired as 'smart homes'.
They can control a ton of things in their house from their smart phones.
-can open/close garage door from an app
-sprinkler system for their yard - control via an app
-lights can be turned off/on from an app
-security system (alarm.com)
-thermostat controlled via app
Get some plugs that have the USB port's built right into them
They can control a ton of things in their house from their smart phones.
-can open/close garage door from an app
-sprinkler system for their yard - control via an app
-lights can be turned off/on from an app
-security system (alarm.com)
-thermostat controlled via app
Get some plugs that have the USB port's built right into them
I see plenty of good advice in this thread. Outlets, by code, have to be no more than 12 feet apart. But think about what you'll want to do in a room and plan exactly where you want outlets. Where will you put the bed? Make sure there is an outlet on each side. Do you want to put lights in the windows (Christmas lights, or year round)? Make sure there is an outlet under each window, and maybe even have one of the receptacles wired to a light switch.
Definitely do this. You'll pay less for hardwood later than if you have the contractor do it. Just get cheap flooring and upgrade later. Same with kitchen countertops. Add granite later. I'd have every bedroom wired for a ceiling fan. Those are simple to install. Have the wiring set up so the fan stays on all the time and the light switch only operates the light.
Make sure the garage is big enough and make sure you have enough storage space.
Why? Any decent security provider will have a wireless solution that meets or exceeds most hard wired systems.
Put a washtub sink in the garage. For all the stuff your wife doesn't want you doing in the kitchen sink.
Cleaning fish, washing grease off your hands after working on the car...
Trust me you'll thank me...
Cleaning fish, washing grease off your hands after working on the car...
Trust me you'll thank me...
Agree 100%. But if you have known your builder for 15 years, and used him as an expert in a bad house case, you can rest a little easier.
Good Call! The ceiling fan wiring with dual switches is a must! One switch for the light, one for the fan.
Agree on the outlets.
The upgrades - while I agree do what can't be changed later now - that I definitely agree with. However - if you can afford it - do the upgrades now. If you aren't buying stuff through the builder (i would recommend against this if you can) - and pay for it at cost - the contractors will install it at no cost difference. A kitchen counter Slab of granite is only a few thousand vs a few hundred for laminate/etc - the labor cost is the same. Why pay the labor cost twice if he can do it now.
Which doesn’t really represent a lot of incremental expense relative to increased benefit of having 10’ (vs 8’) ceilings.
Set your DVR for every This Old House, Ask This Old House, and Holmes and Holmes shows and watch those. They do some amazing things with the newest material, high tech add ons, and construction fundamentals. There aren't a lot of contractors that do the quality of work or have the knowledge that these guys do, but you'll learn enough of right from wrong that you'll be able to keep your contractor in check if the try to cut a corner.
Why would you recommend this? I mean my house was wired this way but most fans that I looked at - and eventually purchased - operate on 1 switch and then use a remote to control the fan and light individually, which is very handy when not wanting to get out of bed to outen the lights. I could've gone with those that wire to a smart phone but decided against that - also no need for a 3rd switch. So now I've got 4 3-gang switch plates in my place where 1 switch doesn't do squat.
No question about this one. At least have the plumbing roughed in for this. We got lucky in our current home. The builder accidentally roughed in the plumbing for a garage sink and when we pointed out to the supervisor, he said they would cap it off and hide in the wall. We told him to leave. Then had a licensed plumber put in an oversized sink after we took possession. Great for washing the dogs and other large items.
Ha, I've literally seen every episode of Holmes on homes, Holmes and Holmes and holmes next generation. My dream is to have a home built by Mike. Holmes on homes is probably my favorite show ever.
You left out the new Yankee Workshop!!
If this will be your retirement house, no hallways narrower than 42" or passage doors less than 36"
How far is your lot fron the nearest area zoned for commercial use?
Make sure your house is shaped or built in the direction based upon the sun's heat if that is a factor.
Don't overspend on the master bath. After evertone says their oohhs and aahhs at the open house, the only one that will see that room is you.
Do not allow your contractor to construct foundations and pour concrete in the winter. Hire a third party inspector for all soils and concrete related work.
Contrary to some earlier posts, do NOT go cheap on cabinets and "upgrade later"- you would be paying twice for installation plus once for tearing them out- and a good kitchen is cheap when you are building anyway
start with quality- it's a small added expense relative to the project total anyway, and well worth it
start with quality- it's a small added expense relative to the project total anyway, and well worth it
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