If you were building a new home...

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

My SIL is looking to move to TN from MN and is considering building an new home. If you were building a new home, what would you include in it?

[Elan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Elan]

My SIL is looking to move to TN from MN and is considering building an new home. If you were building a new home, what would you include in it?

Are you asking about amenities, construction methods and systems, or anything/everything?

[1950bing Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 1950bing]

You will need to put more money into nails. They went up 31% in Feb. and expect them to go up again in May.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Any and all. Just want to give her a good list of things to think about before she starts talking to contractors.

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

I would agree with the nails, some form of them, or something to take their place.

As for the rest, I need to know the setting. City. Rural. Lake. Mountain.

One thing we would like to have in any, but which we won't, is a solar (photovoltaic) backup electrical system, or a solar electrical system capable of replacing grid electric.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

Well, for Mn. we can eliminate the mountains . We have hills, but no mountains, no matter what the ski lodges call them.

But since it is cold here, or hot and humid here, seldom in the mid range, I would strongly suggest good insulation. I think the type I would use is called ICE, which I can’t remember the name, but it is the sprayed in foam. I would probably do radiant heat using the geothermal system. Good cost effective heating and cooling makes life a little sweeter when the bills come around. Of course, it is more eco friendly too.

If she can get on a lake, that is the big plus for this area. Lots of nice big windows facing the lake. Need a hot tub somewhere.

[hliw Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close hliw]

Wish list for a new house

Radiant heat throughout and heated towel racks! The ultimate luxury

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Washer/Dryer/laundry room on main floor

steam/shower combo

separate space for kids of all ages and their toys, electronic or otherwise

plenty of zones for heat and A/C

lots of storage space

guestroom

Two sinks in the master bath!

extra large "coat closet" at entry way

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

They have lived on a lake for many years in MN and would like to live on a lake in TN that is not to far from a sizable city - good shopping, medical, etc.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Master bedroom and bath on the first floor with TWO sinks and his and her closets

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Southern exposure for areas that will be most used.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Southern exposure for areas that will be most used.

That is something I REALLY don't like about my house... I have ONE south facing window and it is in my bedroom

[Gary1998 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Gary1998]

In Minnesota? A screened porch to enjoy the outdoors without having to share it with Minnesota's State Bird - the mosquito!

[camachinist Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close camachinist]

My SIL is looking to move to TN from MN and is considering building an new home. If you were building a new home, what would you include in it?

An architect, right now, at inception.... even if a modest custom, we're still talking big dollars, and having a professional managing the project is well worth the fee, not to mention their expertise with regional design and codes.

Hope they're ready for a great adventure

Pat

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Radiant heat throughout and heated towel racks! The ultimate luxury

Ahhhhhhhh ..... heated towel racks - you really know how to live.