Research for building your own home? (mortgage, mortgage, kitchens, bedroom)

[TheHurricaneKid]

I may be some time away from finishing saving for my down payment, but I'd like to start doing research on building your own house. I have a bit of a wish list for mainly the kitchen, bathrooms, windows, insulation, and patio deck but other than that, I wish to have a normal two or three bedroom home on a decent size lot.

What are some things I should be looking into?

[davebarnes]

1. Watch the movie: Mr Blandings Builds His Dream Home
2. Subscribe to Fine Homebuilding magazine.
3. Watch HGTV and DIY
4. Subscribe to a house magazine that reflects your preferred style. For example, Dwell for modern look.

[Poster0221]

I would suggest visiting the GardenWeb forums. There are forums for home building, lighting, kitchens, baths (and lots of other specifics). I've learned more there about features, gadgets, and things to consider when remodeling or building than 10 years' worth of watching HGTV. That Home Site! Forums - GardenWeb

[TheHurricaneKid]

Originally Posted by Poster0221

I would suggest visiting the GardenWeb forums. There are forums for home building, lighting, kitchens, baths (and lots of other specifics). I've learned more there about features, gadgets, and things to consider when remodeling or building than 10 years' worth of watching HGTV. That Home Site! Forums - GardenWeb

Back when I had the tv, HGTV was my favorite channel next to local news and the weather channel. I only want really a few things:

An island kitchen/bar (built to accommodate a unique appliance) that opens up to an open concept living room with windows...


...And two bathrooms with his and hers sinks and a walk-in tiled shower.

...Other than that, that's about it, since I just want a regular home, about 1600 sq feet large.

[TrapperL]

When building your own home, most folks get lost in what they want versus what they can afford. Remember that anything you roll into the mortgage you'll be paying on for the next 30 years PLUS interest. Items like appliances should never be put in a mortgage as the mortgage will last longer than the appliance. Same with carpet. You can upgrade the pad to like an 8lb rebond which will make builder grade carpet look and feel like high dollar carpet and it will make the carpet last longer. When recarpeting in about 10 years, you use the same pad. When designing the home, the east/west orientation is everything. Put the garage on the cold weather side of the home to block off the wind. Think about window placement in home versus the cold weather. Never put a glass siding door to any weather as they leak tremendously and if at all possible, never use a glass sliding door. Make sure all exterior doors have a roof over them and are not exposed to any direct weather. Use windows with at minimum Low E glass. Low E Squared glass is much better. Do not attempt to save money on windows. Any initial savings will soon evaporate in lost energy. Consider the heating and cooling options that will fit the long term needs the most efficient. Talk with the A/C installer about using a fresh air intake. It can eliminate moisture and mold in a stuffy house. Use any radiant barrier materials you can. Avoid figerglas tubs and enclosures. They get grungy quick and there's only one fix- replacement. Use enameled iron tubs and tile enclosures if possible. Avoid any house design with a cut up roof line. It's the popular thing these days to have many gables all over the roof. This requires more lumber, more flashing, and the chances of roof leaks abound. Keep it simple. Consider long term maintenance. Use brick where ever possible including in the eaves.
Also read a lot. Here's the absolute best website for learning what is right for your area. What works for us in the South may not work where you are wanting to build.
Building Science Information

[Arkansas Mac]

After only having to do only minor modifications to make the inside of our house handicap accessible, I would make the inside of your house handicap accessible. ( you already mentioned the walk in shower)

You certainly don't need a ramp, but if you ever need it ( or sell) your house is accessible.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by Arkansas Mac

After only having to do only minor modifications to make the inside of our house handicap accessible, I would make the inside of your house handicap accessible. ( you already mentioned the walk in shower)

Curbless shower is the best.
Doing universal design from the beginning is a great idea.

[Arkansas Mac]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Curbless shower is the best.
Doing universal design from the beginning is a great idea.

Yes, curbless is what I was thinking.

( one where a wheelchair can be pushed right in and tiled floor is sloped towards drain.

[DitsyD]

We are now in the process of designing our home.

For years, we have walked through model homes, been on lots of home tours, and gone through open houses. Take a photo of what features you like and put them into a "Dream Home" folder. Actually think about living in those homes as you tour and note what works for you and what doesn't work. (We've made several out of town trips to take home tours because they sounded like homes with features that interested us)

Look at house plans online. There are thousands out there, but you can limit by size and cost, to winnow them down somewhat. Again, make note of features that you like and add to your "Dream Home" folder.

Read through those home decorating magazines. Lots of good ideas and info on things like how to make small spaces work and flooring and the latest green technology.

After viewing hundreds of homes and looking at thousands of floor plans, we now have a pretty good idea of what we want and don't want in our new home.

Don't rush it.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by DitsyD

We are now in the process of designing our home...After viewing hundreds of homes and looking at thousands of floor plans, we now have a pretty good idea of what we want and don't want in our new home. Don't rush it.

True.