GolfHos

We had the thread of the dream home, but my wife and I are starting to talk about a new home, probably build one. We have 3 boys and this 1600 sq ft home we are in is getting smaller every day.

The question is if you were to build a home what are the extra features you would want? Obviously the bedrooms, kitchen, family room, and bathrooms are standard. Would you forgo a gameroom, formal living room, formal dining room, study? Are you a minimalist or do you need everything? This is a question we are facing because what we want in the area we want is going to be $180,000 to $220,000.

well, there's nothing remotely possible for us right now with our budget and area needed to live in
 :-X

Ideally I'd look for a practical design. Our house was built in the 1980's so it has all the useless, traditional features. A big living room (never use), and smaller family room (always use). A big formal dining room (never use), and a smaller kitchen dining area (always use). We used to use the dining room as a play room for the kids, but they're older now and they can play in their rooms or in the highway.

I'd just like a house where the size of the rooms is somewhat related to the amount of time you spend in them. I'd love to get rid of all the compartmentalized areas and have a large open space that can serve multiple roles.

I'd 'pay up' for location.

Except for all the homo****uals living nearby, Casa Blader is in a perfect location. 

Then I'd see how far I could stretch my dollar in that neighborhood. 

If I didn't have a comfortable, modern and functional kitchen, I'd make sure I had enough cash to put one in.

I'm thinking about starting up a home building business that, on principle, will never build a formal living or dining room in a home. 

I'm with you on the rooms. Our current house has a large family room that is open to the Dining room. It is the entire middle of the house. It is great when we have company because it is basically one large room. Problem is there is no where for the kids to play either in the family room or their rooms.

Definitely location first. I'd like a great room, an entertainment room with a wet bar, and a master suite. Attached garage is also important to me because Utah winters are teh sukk. I'd like either the garage to be big enough to be more than just a car hole, or some unfinished basement space that I could use for a shop. Bedrooms also in the basement for the kid/s, so I don't have to hear their awkward adolescent mating when they're old enough for such things (14 or so, I'd guess).

I am guessing you don't have girls. :o

If your wife likes to be in the kitchen, I would think it would be a good idea to take a good look at the lay out.  Think where you would put things and also if that will work well.  This stems from the way our kitchen is laid out: there is absolutely no good way to to do anything. :( (But at least we have a kitchen. :) )

What if HE likes to cook?  ;)

I suppose that is a possibility; most men I know don't like to, though.

It was a joke, I don't have kids. Not yet anyway.  ;)

I got it, thought it was funny. I tease my brother in laws all the time as they have girls.

Obviously, you don't know many men. ;D

When I do have kids, I hope to remain realistic and pragmatic about it (not likely, but at least I'll try). To paraphrase a line on Studio 60 (why the hell is no one watching this show?!?  [sm_dontknow]) I'm all in favor of teenage abstinence, but as a former teenager, it ain't gonna happen.

I enjoy cooking. In fact, I'm a much better cook than my wife. She agrees and tells me all the time.

Well, that's really kewl. 8)  However, you're not the one in question; az is. :D

When we built 7 years ago we met Sarah Susanka (web site below) and worked with one of the architects at her firm. The Not So Big concept really worked for us in that you design the house to be used. Not to have extra rooms that never see people. It's not about building a small house either - ours is 2300 sq. ft finished. I'd recommend checking out the website plus she's written 3 or 4 books on the subject.

http://www.notsobighouse.com

Actually I do cook. My wife is learning, and doing a good job. Most of the time our diners are quick things but we always have family get togethers once or twice a month. We tend not to do it at our house due to the size. I have always been a fan of a good size functional kitchen and is one of the first places we look at.

Wow, kewl.  Never know what you might find on a golf forum.  Lots of guys here cook.  8)

Same here. I cook more often than she does. 

Sunday afternoon will be a drinking while cooking fest.  ;)

here's an affordable one...
http://howardhanna.com/apps/propertysearch/homes/index.cfm?search_LN=642994&action=detail&lnsrc=n&MLSTYPE=WPML&search_Quick=15232



oh, not really?
http://howardhanna.com/apps/propertysearch/homes/index.cfm?search_LN=621053&action=detail&lnsrc=n&MLSTYPE=WPML&search_Quick=15232



oh, not really ?
http://howardhanna.com/apps/propertysearch/homes/index.cfm?search_LN=656313&action=detail&lnsrc=n&MLSTYPE=WPML&search_Quick=15232

Mid-town or Cabbagetown?  Either way, nice locations.  My life would be considerably easier if I did not live as far up I-75 as I do.

Good luck on the business venture.

Ha!! They're everywhere but the 'burbs!!!

If you think about it, even if you don't cook, you still probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  Plus, a larger, modern kitchen can really help resale values, if you ever decide to move.

I'd also agree with the idea of a dining room plus family room combined.  It's nice for larger parties, plus you can do things like work at the dining room table and still watch tv, etc.  It's definitely not for formal entertaining, but we're casual people.

By chance does she use the same tenor as when she says "It's alright.  It happens.  I needed to get to sleep early anyway"?

My neighbors would disagree - they think the 'burbs are fabulous

I'm in Druid Hills.

Going out to the 'burbs scares the heck out of me....too damn homogeneous.

I have to tell the kids to lock the car doors and not to look at any people directly in their eyes. 

They all look like they could go postal any second.

-Jack and Jill bathrooms between the kids room.
-Attic storage space
- big bedrooms for the kids.  They'll definitely grow into them

Bonus room over the geerage is a beautiful thing.