Make your list detailed, go beyond noting the number of rooms. Add specifics like split bedrooms, highly energy efficient, and no steps or slate entry! Consider these issues:
- The lifestyle of your family: Casual or formal / defined living spaces or flowing floor plan.
- Living Areas: What purposes they will be used for / special built-ins or counter materials.
- Special needs such as handicap accessibility
- Use of Space: Home office / in-law wing / master connect to sitting room / closets/ traffic flow.
- Future Transitions (swing rooms): Nursery to office or dining area / playroom to in-law suite / attic space for future living area
- Bedroom Arrangement: Kids up / master down / guest down / connecting baths.
- A downstairs bathroom with an outside door for pool use.
- Design Features: arched doorways / rounded corners / display alcoves.
- Specific size needs or special requirements such as accommodating a king bed or oversized dinning room set. Amenities: Kitchen appliances / flooring / trim finishing / door type.
- Exterior Design: Brick / stucco / stone / second entry / sloping walk versus steps / side or rear entry garage / glass block or specialty windows.
- Electrical: Wiring for computer, cable & satellite, security systems / extra outlets / specific lighting fixtures / exterior lights & outlets / intercom or camera surveillance.
- Landscaping: Treed lot / sprinkler systems / hydromulch or sod / additional landscaping.
- Garage Space: Extra storage / built-ins / exterior door.
- Construction Issues: Energy efficiency importance / slab construction.
- Swimming pool / hot tub / play areas / decking or patios.
- Neighborhood and Lot Requirements: Park & recreation facilities / homeowners Association / minimum lot and house size / corner lot.
