It Helps To Determine What You Want Versus What You Need.

When building a new home, it helps to determine what you want versus what you need to maintain your personal lifestyle. Here are some sample questions you should ask yourself before designing or building a new home:

Site Design

What views are important? What don't you want to see? How close (or far away) do you want to be from neighbors? What outdoor features such as hot tub, garden, playscapes, will you want?

Kitchen/Dining Room

How much cooking is done at home? What kind of entertaining do you do (small or large groups)? Focus on where you're going to eat and whether the use of the dining area is formal or casual.

Living/Family Room

What will happen in these rooms? What furniture do you have that you want to accommodate?

Master Bedroom

How private would you like it to be? How large should the closets be (compared to your current situation)? Consider the functionality as you get older (stairs, etc.)

Master Bath

Separate shower, tub or special features like bidet or Jacuzzi? Separate sinks for his-and-her use?

Other Bedrooms/Bathrooms

How many extra bedrooms and who are they for?

Storage

Will everyone's belongings fit in the proposed closets?

Laundry Room

Where should it be? Near the garage, kitchen bedrooms?

Heating/Cooling

Do you need air conditioning? What type of heat source is available? Do you prefer forced air, wall radiators, or radiant floor systems?

Plumbing

Sewer or septic system? Well or city water? How much hot water do you use every day?