I noticed that people in Connecticut were less likely to have a fireplace than folks in the South. It's apparently not a very efficient way to heat a house, so most of the houses don't have them. My mother talked about having to look really hard just to find an apartment with a fireplace in Connecticut (she thinks they're romantic), whereas I don't think I've ever had an apartment without a fireplace here in Texas (and every house I've lived in down here has had a fireplace). But I'd forgo a fireplace, too, if given the choice. Mostly because I wouldn't want to pay for something I'd never, ever use. And I certainly wouldn't add anything to my value of a home when shopping for one based on the fact that it had a fireplace. But some people like them.
The thing I hate about our fireplace, which we've never used, is that is in the perfect place for my television/entertainment center.
This will be a downside to the floorplan I'm looking at as well. It's got a niche on either side that can support something like a 50" TV, though, so it's not all bad. I just won't be able to get a monster TV. Oh well, you have to make some sacrifices I suppose... kinda like I may have to go with a laminate counter now instead of granite.
Get a dlp projector and suspend it from the ceiling. Wire a switch to lower the projector, and lower a reflective screen some 5 feet away. Hook projector to computer with dvd and cable connections. Presto - High def supersize dvd capable home theatre, internet entertainment centre. You could watch the rox and post to clutchfans on a 60" screen, AND light a fire in the 2 months of winter.
This is why I was suggesting you might want to look into some other materials like synthetic or composite materials. Some of which look just like granite but are cheaper and more durable. I saw some stuff at a trade show made from soy byproducts that looked just like granite but was about the same weight as pine and very resilient.
Ok, I'm requesting you leave this thread... you are going to drive me to the poor house. That's a hell of an idea though : who needs granite countertops? I'd rather watch a Steve Francis turnover on a big screen (provided he's still here, of course). Are you married? Did your wife let you do all this stuff? Or are you trying to live vicariously through others' homes?
Ok, I am married, and so - I have granite countertops - but no big screen. That was my real estate technology teacher's idea. Good idea, though. He showed the movie Chicago from his laptop. It looked really good.
Go for granite. The prices on granite have fallen, while prices on synthetics have risen...so Corian and other synthetics cost as much or more than some granites. Get the cheapest, but good looking granite. Don't worry about a bullnose or anything unless they throw it in for free. Will help you sell your house. And on the fireplace...people don't care about them to heat their homes...its all about aesthetics. When you sell a house, its not about what people need...its about what they expect, and most buyers expect to have a fireplace even if they don't use it, or only use it for looks. So in review: granite & fireplace. My father has built custom homes (not tract homes) for 29 years. He knows what sells and some of that knowledge has been passed down to me.
Is this a good idea?? (Please say 'yes' -- i just wired cat 5 though our house (all terminating in the master walk-in closet) and we're about ready to move back in...)
Its a great idea because you have access to all of your wiring in one place. Its the reason that businesses have wiring closets.
THANK YOU!!!! (and thank you R2K who suggested i run 2 wires to each terminal in case one goes bonkers --- i may be back looking for advise once i tackle the actual hook-ups!). Dr: Congrats on the house. Sounds great. My advise -- go for the upgrades YOU like. Don't worry so much about resale unless you expect to sell in a few years. You don't worry about resale when you buy a 50" TV, afterall. Set your budget, and then pick the items you like best within that budget. As long as you don't go for anything too goofy, your resale should be ok.
The model home has that, but I think it's an option. I will be looking into that. There is a junction box called an OnQ box that some builders use. I'm not sure if these guys use the same thing, but I've seen it in their model home. My real estate agent who also may be my neighbor says he has the box in his home and didn't recall asking for it.
Good advice. I think I will put that pool in the master bedroom... that way I can go swimming when it's raining or sunny! WOO! I understand what you're saying and you're right. It's just that I really am more a practical person and a home to me is an extravagance. Granite countertops, fireplaces, etc. blah blah. All unnecessary in my mind. Which left me wondering what others would like in the event I decide to sell in the next 5-7 years. But like I said good advice, so thanks.
Thats really not an upgrade anymore. Pretty standard. Most new construction has that. Mine is a Home Network Center. IT junkies just love it.
If there are any optional rooms, get them because you will regret not getting the additional space later. To be honest the carpet pad is not that important. I would spend the extra $500 on upgraded carpet. Here is a list of things that will cost more later to upgrade your house. Upgraded brick or stone Extra rooms Covered patio Third car garage Cabinets Rounded corners upgraded spindles and bullisters if you have stairs upgraded carpet wiring upgraded counters depending on how much the builder charges upgraded carpet if you want it upgraded bath tub Seldomly do you get everything you want so just make a list of the things you have to have, and the things you would like to have. When we built our house my wife and I had to have limestone, rounded corners, maple cabinets (we hate oak), and wrought iron bullisters.
How many of you think a living room (not family room) is wasted space in smaller floorplans? I'm considering canning it. I can see more use out of turning it into a study or bedroom instead.
Wireless is hardly unreliable these days, and it's not as if you'll you'd have a home connection that would exceed wireslless G speeds anyway. Going wired would be a waste of money.
