House building [Archive] - SVTOA-Twin Cities Forums

sininja

05-04-2005, 09:11 AM

Your HVAC is extremely important. I did it for over 5 years and unfortunatly there is not many good companys, lots of hacks. Also if you know anything about construction your way better off being the soup and contracting everything out. You will save 30% at least. Also if I built another new house, I would finance as much in to it as possible. It's way easier to pay an extra $50 a month for a deck and sprinkler/landscape than it is to come up with the thousands out of pocket later. You also save big $$ purchasing fixtures like lights, sinks, etc. when you go out and get it yourself at the local home improvement store. Sucks paying $200 for a $70 toilet throught the contractor! Also be PICKY!!! Never settle for something that your not happy with.

DirtyM

05-04-2005, 09:28 AM

Keep the suggestions coming!

Don't worry Rick. The garage will have a lift. And lots of other stuff.

Maybe some SVTOA-TC home tours will be needed. :)

FASTANG

05-04-2005, 09:44 AM

Don't skimp on the heating and A/C...

Very true!
I know someone who did not get central air becasue they wanted to get into the house for the least amount of money; and never did add it. They hated having to have the windows open and the dirt blowing inside, they eventually moved anyway.

Make the entry way bigger than you would expect it to be, sounds wierd, but doesn't make it seem cramped.

Video_Master

05-04-2005, 09:49 AM

Wiring is a big thing with me. 2 network jacks, 2 coax, 2 phone lines need to be run to at least 2 spots in every room, except bathrooms. Please whatever you decide do not skimp on the wiring. I will even off my services to help get it done if you buy the parts. For the Coax, I know you had Dish Network so that would be one and the other one would be to an antenna in the Attic of the house. Yes you should install an antenna cause just in case you do not want to spend money on HD receivers disk receivers this way you can plus the antenna into the HD TV's and get the local HD Channels. Also if the Disk goes out this way you can still get the normal channels to watch weather and stuff like that. I have good ideas for patch panels in the basement and know where to get some patch blocks of good quality (not the ones from Home Depot). I'm not gonna say anything for the garage cause I think Dan already has that mostly figured out.

Dustin

05-04-2005, 10:26 AM

Have a nice big, walk in area from the front door. When there were party's at your old place, it seemed that would get cluttered w/ shoes and such. Maybe a little bit bigger then what your orig had.

~Dustin

Video_Master

05-04-2005, 10:42 AM

WHIRLPOOL BATH TUB!!!

Those things are sweet.

cobraboy325

05-04-2005, 11:05 AM

Mud rooms are clutch, but with a big garage I am sure you would want to keep it out there. Heat that Garage. But the MOST important is heated floors in the bathrooms. WOW are they amazing. get out of the shower and the whole place is warm and your feet are extra warm. fireplace in the living room. I know my house is on a dirt road but you are more than welcome to come tour that, I will give you a ride from town in my dusty piece. We went through tons of phases of this exact thing and still left stuff out, and are now slowly working them back in.
Cobraboy

DirtyM

05-04-2005, 11:58 AM

Don't skimp on the heating and A/C...
You know Dan...the A/C will not be skimped on.

You know me...the heat will not be skimped on. :)

Kafn8td

05-04-2005, 12:29 PM

You know Dan...the A/C will not be skimped on.
You know me...the heat will not be skimped on. :)

:) Pre wiring the house is a great idea, but you can do that in a couple of hours before the drywall goes up...Kitchen is the heart of the house, keep it open so there is access to other rooms for conversations ect.

kulbrich

05-04-2005, 02:24 PM

:) Pre wiring the house is a great idea, but you can do that in a couple of hours before the drywall goes up...Kitchen is the heart of the house, keep it open so there is access to other rooms for conversations ect.

EXACTLY!!! Did I mention how much I HATE our kitchen? It really does make a bigger difference than you think it will. I loved the rest of the house and thought the kitchen was ok. Now after being there 3 years I dream of tearing out walls. If you have people over a lot, or even once in awhile, it is so important to have that open space. I will stop ranting, I promise! Seriously, come and look at our house sometime. Only because, you can see what I mean about what does NOT work. :)

DNeinstadt

05-04-2005, 03:32 PM

Kris, do you hate the kitchen??

Dan

kulbrich

05-04-2005, 03:39 PM

Kris, do you hate the kitchen??

Dan

I know I should have been more clear...sorry about that!!!!

Have you 2 chosen a builder yet? How's that going? I know the builder we were working with at one time was more than happy to go through many homes and FAR too many plans with us. A lot of that was helpful, but it was nice to know what I did and did not like going in...for example, Dave hates the garage and I hate the kitchen.

DNeinstadt

05-04-2005, 03:45 PM

What's their names? Michelle is working on setting up meetings and such with them..

Video_Master

05-04-2005, 03:47 PM

Dan, how about you remodel our kitchen and bump it out.

Cobrizo

05-04-2005, 05:15 PM

I wonder if Kris likes her kitchen?? My thoughts are similar to what has been said, big entry way or mud room. and access from the garage into the kitchen so you don't have to track through the rest of the house to get to the kitchen. You know, groceries and grubby shoes, etc. And what about a heat exchanger? We don't have one but I know people who do and they swear by tlhem. And I'm with Brian on the heated floors, especially if you don't finish the lower level or basement (depending on style of home being built) right away. Heated floors are awesome and keep you toasty warm! :)

Grenade

05-04-2005, 05:59 PM

I hate my small entryway, Bigger is better.

Blackcoog

05-05-2005, 11:35 AM

Dan I already told you but you need to have a rope going up to the cubbies above the closets and a rock climbing wall like in my parents house. The more cubbies the cooler your house will be. :)

A heated garage floor would be nice but I know those things are spendy and if you are drilling into the floor for the lift I'm not sure if you want to run it over on that side. Sprinkler system for the yard would be really nice. They aren't that expensive and you can put it on a schedule and forget about it until before winter and early spring when you need to blow it out or start it up again.

Kafn8td

05-05-2005, 11:45 AM

Good call on the heat exchanger Pam. I believe they are code now.

kulbrich

05-05-2005, 11:47 AM

Good call on the heat exchanger Pam. I believe they are code now.

We were told they are code now when we were looking.

As for the builder, it was Bakken homes. Very professional, wanted to please us more than anything and had tons of floor plans that they created as well as custom floor plans they had done for people and things the previous clients did and did not like after all was done and said.

I thought they were very helpful...

SSHFTY1

05-05-2005, 11:51 AM

Toilet's just came up with it you have to have good plumbing or your in trouble...

NaughtyMama

05-05-2005, 01:47 PM

what does Dan really want? I say ditch the house plans and go for wedding plans! ;)

Kafn8td

05-05-2005, 01:55 PM

what does Dan really want? I say ditch the house plans and go for wedding plans! ;)

:splat2:

DirtyM

05-05-2005, 01:58 PM

what does Dan really want? I say ditch the house plans and go for wedding plans! ;) :haha: :hilarious :funnyabov

kulbrich

05-05-2005, 03:27 PM

:hooray: :hilarious what does Dan really want? I say ditch the house plans and go for wedding plans! ;)

F8LBITE

05-05-2005, 05:32 PM

[QUOTE=Blackcoog]Dan I already told you but you need to have a rope going up to the cubbies above the closets and a rock climbing wall like in my parents house. The more cubbies the cooler your house will be. :)

WTF?

F8LBITE

05-05-2005, 05:39 PM

A heated garage floor would be nice but I know those things are spendy and if you are drilling into the floor for the lift I'm not sure if you want to run it over on that side. Sprinkler system for the yard would be really nice. They aren't that expensive and you can put it on a schedule and forget about it until before winter and early spring when you need to blow it out or start it up again.[/QUOTE]

Or you could get a four post lift that you don't have to bolt to the floor.

How about a sprinkler system for the garage? tee hee :hehe:

Video_Master

05-05-2005, 10:40 PM

has to be a 2 post lift. Much easier to do tires and suspension with a 2 post.

Dan I will block the ladies for you so you can make a run for it.

Mark SVT

05-08-2005, 05:20 PM

Your Garage can never ever be to big, go as big as the city will let you.

DNeinstadt

05-08-2005, 09:58 PM

I'm already doing that. :)

Blackcoog

05-12-2005, 09:48 AM

Dan turn your garage into a 5 story parking garage.

kulbrich

05-12-2005, 10:03 AM

Dan turn your garage into a 5 story parking garage.

That would be PERFECT! I was wondering where we are all going to put our cars in the winter! :)

DNeinstadt

05-12-2005, 10:32 AM

Dang... now you're gonna make more work for me. I gotta go find an "a-hole" smiley..

DNeinstadt

05-12-2005, 10:34 AM

Ahh.. here it is. :ahole:

FASTANG

05-12-2005, 10:39 AM

Ahh.. here it is. :ahole:

That's my new fav smiley. :)

Chryse

05-12-2005, 11:03 AM

:)Kitchen is the heart of the house, keep it open so there is access to other rooms for conversations ect.

Ricks right. You guys have been to our house and it is the heart of our home. It's the place where everyone ends up hanging out. The only thing I would change about our kitchen is that I would like the pantry to be bigger.

The one thing I HATE about our house ... POCKET DOORS SUCK!!!

One thing I'd like to change ... turn the fireplace into a gas fireplace.

Next additions to our house ... wider driveway (for more parking) and a deck in the backyard.

DirtyM

05-12-2005, 11:14 AM

I'm not to fond of pocket doors either, unless its a space saver. A fireplace is a must, if possible, and we're making the driveway the same because it can only be so many feet wide when it meets the street. A deck is also in the plans.

We're creating a "must have" list and a "wish" list for what we want in the house. Dan's list is pretty long...:)

kulbrich

05-12-2005, 12:49 PM

Are you planning for an attached or detached garage? I am not trying to be funny, seriously, I know in Coon Rapids that affects how close the garage can be to the property lines.

DNeinstadt

05-12-2005, 12:55 PM

Attached garage. :)

theduckylittle

05-12-2005, 02:27 PM

Somethings I would love to have in my house.

* A BIG OPEN BASEMENT. The laundry/heat/water-heater etc. are all in the middle of the basement. Which sorta sucks because that makes the laundry room a huge chunk of the middle of the basement. If I could lose a bed room and have a gigantic basement for a pool-table or for hosting parties, I'd love it. I'd really like to have that.

* I second the Mudroom. Even a small bathroom attached to the foyer (Split-levels ownz3r duX0r) with a cleanup sink (like in the laundry room) and a toilet I could use without having to go threw and cleaning ritual every single time I'd save tons of times on projects.

* FULLY insultated garage so that I could use the central heating and air-conditioning from the house if I wanted to. With some sort of control vent to "turn off' the garage if I wanted to...

-Duck

msmistyk

05-13-2005, 09:52 AM

The one thing I HATE about our house ... POCKET DOORS SUCK!!!

I have a pocket door on my walkin closet in the master bedroom. I LOVE it. Why do you want a door opening into the room. It IS a huge space saver! To each his/her own I guess! :rolleyes:

Blackcoog

05-13-2005, 10:01 AM

You could make it so there isn't even a door for the walk in closet. Ours was taken off when we moved in the house. Those pocket doors make the walls really flimsy because you can't have studs behind the wall for the length the door has to slide in. Not that it matters that much but it's a pain in the ass to tape or make it look right when you can't screw the sheetrock down to anything if its sitting a bit too heigh.

Hey we are in the middle of painting our kitchen/dining room/entry way/hallway. We went with some mocha color (light tan) which looks almost green (I'm not fond of it but it will look good when finished) for the kitchen/dining room/hallway. The left over walls will be some darker green/grayish color. Brandie has it all figured out :googleeye. We just picked up a new dining room set and coffee table set. We also need a new mattress and maybe one of those new sweet ass massage chairs slumberland has. You should come check it out when we are finished to get some ideas for paint/furnature in your house. Brandie might not work at slumberland too much longer so we are going to get as much with her discount that we can. The mattress we were looking at was $2300 before discount and $700 after. Some markup on those things huh :rolleyes:

Chryse

05-13-2005, 12:32 PM

I have a pocket door on my walkin closet in the master bedroom. I LOVE it. Why do you want a door opening into the room. It IS a huge space saver! To each his/her own I guess! :rolleyes:

I'll explain it to you later Erica. The kiddies on the board don't like it when we old ones start talking about "stuff".

Video_Master

05-13-2005, 01:13 PM

I'll explain it to you later Erica. The kiddies on the board don't like it when we old ones start talking about "stuff".

You not old, I would like to hear about the pocket door stuff cause I love them myself. Saves soo much space and then you never get the dents in the drywall.

kulbrich

05-13-2005, 01:52 PM

You not old, I would like to hear about the pocket door stuff cause I love them myself. Saves soo much space and then you never get the dents in the drywall.

Hate the pocket doors! (Not just to argue with Dave either!) They do save space, but they are a pain to operate.

Video_Master

05-13-2005, 02:27 PM

Hate the pocket doors! (Not just to argue with Dave either!) They do save space, but they are a pain to operate.

It depends. Look at the ones that my parents have at their house. They are great. I think they have a total of 4 pocket doors. Also you are prone to hurting yourself and just cause you smashed your fingers a few times is no reason to hate them. :haha:

I love watching Home and Garden TV and the DIY Network. I always see lots of great ideas on those networks. I watched a good show on lighting last night.

Whatever you do, do not go cheap on your lighting or you may regret it.

msmistyk

05-13-2005, 02:39 PM

It depends. Look at the ones that my parents have at their house. They are great. I think they have a total of 4 pocket doors. Also you are prone to hurting yourself and just cause you smashed your fingers a few times is no reason to hate them. :haha:

I have to agree with you Dave. My parents also have pocket doors which are good quality. That house is over 30 years old...

In our house, we built 9 years ago, not one problem. I think it depends on the builder and the quality of the product... (and the operator!! hee! :haha: )

OK, now that pocket doors are covered, can we move on to another area of the house!!

Chryse

05-13-2005, 03:04 PM

You not old, I would like to hear about the pocket door stuff cause I love them myself. Saves soo much space and then you never get the dents in the drywall.

I'll just say this ... the pocket door is between the bedroom and the master bathroom. When the window is open, the door bangs back and forth. When you walk down the hallway, the door bangs back and forth. If you "sit" on the bed, the door bangs back and forth. Do you follow me?

We have teenagers, 3 of them, and they go to bed really late. They know exactly why the door is banging. I swear I am getting ready to rip the damn thing off the wall or duct tape it shut!!!

Oh yeah, pocket doors are great. :chainsaw:

Video_Master

05-13-2005, 03:18 PM

I'll just say this ... the pocket door is between the bedroom and the master bathroom. When the window is open, the door bangs back and forth. When you walk down the hallway, the door bangs back and forth. If you "sit" on the bed, the door bangs back and forth. Do you follow me?

We have teenagers, 3 of them, and they go to bed really late. They know exactly why the door is banging. I swear I am getting ready to rip the damn thing off the wall or duct tape it shut!!!

Oh yeah, pocket doors are great. :chainsaw:

ok, TMI.

sounds like the piece that the door end in when it is closed has too big of a gap. That can be easily fixed. You need to have non-banging pocket doors.

F8LBITE

05-13-2005, 09:12 PM

ok, TMI.

sounds like the piece that the door end in when it is closed has too big of a gap. That can be easily fixed. You need to have non-banging pocket doors.

I agree, there has to be some fix for that problem....

Sue866

05-24-2005, 08:19 PM

Cool topic. First off, I don't know how far the new home is coming for you guys, or if you found a builder, etc. But I will just say DO NOT build with Heart of the Lakes Construction. I hope no one here is affiliated with them or that I offend, but I have nothing but bad things to say about their work. The only thing good that came from them was the unique split-level floor plan.

I plan to sell this house and re-build it again with some changes. I love the plan and layout (it's a split entry), but after 7 years living in it here's what I plan to change:

*change 2-car garage to 3 or 4 car
*add door to backyard from garage (no doors exist currently, except to the house)
*cement driveway vs. blacktop
*add mud room/laundry room at entryway level
*I currently have a pretty big entryway, but I would make it bigger and have storage areas built in (like deeper closet, built-in bench w/storage for hats, mittens, etc, cubby holes for shoes in wall, and heater for drying wet clothing, etc.). I would still incorporate these even with a mud room.
*hardwood stairs instead of carpeting on stairs
*hardwood floor instead of linoleum in kitchen
*a walk-in pantry is a MUST from now on - at least lots of storage
*center island
*a built-in china hutch
*built-in shelving in living room
*gas fireplace
*filtered RO water
*increase the number of outlets in every room!! So many electronics!
*in master bedroom, deeper closet with closet organizer (I don't like walk-in closets when it takes away floor space)
*TWO dishwashers
*increase roof pitch
*indoor pool (if possible)
*sunroom off master bedroom

My goal is to get anything I can built into the walls as I can to open up floor space. I love open areas and hate to move a bunch of furniture to cover it up.

Things I love about my house:
*Lots of windows
*All rooms in upper floor are vaulted
*Bathroom upstairs has skylight - highly recommended!
*tile in entryway and bathroom
*Large bedrooms. I have a 2 bedroom house with potential for 2 more. Master bedroom is 14 x 18 and second room is 11 x 12. Created more floor space by jutting the closet out into the garage area. Doesn't interfere with cars and creates more floor space.
*curb appeal

Cobrizo

05-24-2005, 08:56 PM

I'm gonna go live with Sue! :)

DNeinstadt

05-25-2005, 08:06 AM

*change 2-car garage to 3 or 4 car
*add door to backyard from garage (no doors exist currently, except to the house)
*cement driveway vs. blacktop

Got the garage & driveway handled already! :)

*add mud room/laundry room at entryway level
*I currently have a pretty big entryway, but I would make it bigger and have storage areas built in (like deeper closet, built-in bench w/storage for hats, mittens, etc, cubby holes for shoes in wall, and heater for drying wet clothing, etc.). I would still incorporate these even with a mud room.

You and Michelle have the same ideas.

*hardwood floor instead of linoleum in kitchen
*a walk-in pantry is a MUST from now on - at least lots of storage
*center island
*gas fireplace

Got all of these too!

We're working with our homebuilder to do some really cool things. I think the suggestions people have given are great so far! Just a lot to throw into a new house!

We have to see what we can afford!!!

Dan