Originally Posted by
you&me
We've got an eye out for a development lot now and this is a constant discussion I have with my wife ("put it on the list!")... A few items off the top of my head -
Large, oversized garage... Ideally each bay needs to be extra wide and extra deep.
Storage area in the garage... Bikes, skis, etc
Large mudroom with lots of storage, lockers, etc. A friend had a vent built in to each locker to act as a boot dryer...
Exterior man door in the garage or mudroom, etc... Convenient exit for letting dogs out and containing them when they come back in with muddy paws, etc
Large butlers pantry (one builder we've talked to called it a "scullery")... Extra sink, extra fridge, extra dishwasher; basically an area to hide all the mess after a big meal if you don't want to deal with it right away.
Lots of storage - broom closets, linen closets, etc.
Higher ceilings - probably 10'.
Sound proofing between floors
Solid core doors
Dual wall overs with an additional warming drawer
Built in coffee station with water line
Pot filler over the stove
Heavy duty hood fan
Steam oven (I have a feeling we'll go over-the-top in the appliance area)
At least one dual and an additional single sink in the kitchen
Space for a small TV in the kitchen
Separate, dedicated playroom, to (try and) contain all the kids' toys and crap
Dual sinks and make up vanity in the master bathroom
Built in bench and shelf for shampoo etc in the shower
Heated floors in all ensuites (I like the idea of complete radiant heating, but haven't looked into it enough yet)
Proper wine storage room... Doesn't have to be a extravagant cellar, but at least dark and cool. A friend is a wine distributor and his ~2,000 bottle "cellar" is a spare room in the basement with the carpet taken up to expose the concrete floor and black out shades over the window.
Large laundry room w/ dual washers / dryers and sink
Dedicated kids playroom with tons of storage
Things I think we would skip / do without -
Multiple wine fridges... Like, we have one in our bedroom now... Why?
Multiple shower jets... I have yet to find a body jet system / set up that I like.
Honestly, we could probably do without a tub in the master bathroom... Unless we pile the kids into "the big tub" for fun, it gets used maybe once a year. I know, I know... resale...
Fireplace in the master / ensuite... Never used