If You Could Start Again
We are about to close on a new house. I have the opportunity to put ANYTHING in it that I want. So here’s the question: based on your experience and dreams- what would you do? Central Vac? Gas fireplace? Central air and heating? Soundproofing under carpets? We already have new closets ( including a cedar)and…
We are about to close on a new house. I have the opportunity to put ANYTHING in it that I want. So here’s the question: based on your experience and dreams- what would you do? Central Vac? Gas fireplace? Central air and heating? Soundproofing under carpets? We already have new closets ( including a cedar)and windows on our list.
House is a 3 story detached and has not been touched since the 70s but has great bones.
Off the grid secondary power generator for next black out
Skylights for me would be a must. Yes, there is a failure rate but man it makes the place SO much more inviting and warm. The house next door is our exact twin save for a skylight and it makes such a huge difference. Their place looks dark and depressing whereas it always looks bright and sunny in our place. Just make sure you have it installed by someone with experience. The french doors off the parlor kitchen also warms everything up and is great for entertaining on the deck and garden. As for Spacpak and Unico for a 4 story I would say at least $40,000. Not cheap but so much less intrusive than traditional central A/C
We just did a renovation and chose tile floors for our kitchen. They look great, but boy are they cold! I wish we had done wood floors instead, or added radiant heat below the tile.
RE: SpacePak system. They are pricey. Priced out a system for my 3 story freestanding woodframe in Ditmas Park. 25-30K not including Plaster Repair work. Someday maybe…
I agree with solar powered anything…yeah, hot tub or sauna (although you should ask around to see if people actually use these once the novelty wears off), tons of storage….
I agree with solar powered anything…yeah, hot tub or sauna (although you should ask around to see if people actually use these once the novelty wears off), tons of storage….
fireplace…dumb waiter…hot swedish au pair…
Things I am most happy we did when renovating: central air, large and beautiful kitchen, large deck off the parlor floor kitchen w/stairs to the garden, security system, double sinks in master bath, refinished basement for extra storage/home office/playroom/laundry. I don’t at all regret having the laundry in the basement.
Things I wish we could have done: wood-burning fireplace (at least one) but definitely not a gas one.
wow, so many of these are not on my list.
NOT
a/c. it’s just a value/money consideration
skylights. have high failure rate
wiring. update elec, yes, but all the rest if very 1995. we’re wireless now
decks/saunas/hot tubs. not my style
laundry upstairs. I think laundry in the basement is easy and excellent use of space. I like big machines with a line to dry.
Real kitchen cabinets are important. I do like great new windows and refinished floors, but save some money for a George Smith sofa that you’ll leave in your will and some good rugs. I see so many people spend so much money and then have their kids sleeping in beds from PB kids. Budget for nice furniture.