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| things to consider. Invest in what can't be changed or upgraded in the future. Check out T-studs. They are an engineered stud in 2x6 that have an R20 value instead of no value. They will be worth the extra investment. consider using Zip system for the exterior sheeting. Very good product.
Advantech subflooring, all the way. If you will have a laundry room, I would suggest putting a drain in the middle an sloping the floor to it with tile. If the washer leaks no big deal. plus if big enough you can have a wash sink or a place to easily clean muddy boots with an easy cleanup.
go the extra cost of closed cell expanding foam insulation in the walls.
Check into a geo-thermal heating and cooling system. for the size house you are talking about it will likely require three to four 300 foot deep wells to run the pipe through for gathering and dissipating heat. They can be coupled together with domestic water.
As much as LP and Natural gas are great, I would run cold water only to my bathroom sinks with a small one gallon electric on demand for the hot side in the cabinet. You only need high demand high flow hot water for shower/tub, clothes washer, dish washer and kitchen sink.
Hardi siding or smart siding are the way to go. Again up front cost will be more, but durability and maintenance are nil.
Make your choices so that your monthly cost of ownership is as low as possible for as long as possible. Increasing the mortgage a few k is cheaper than a big monthly electric bill because you skimped on the HVAC system.
Oh yeah hallways should be a minimum of 40" finished. most planners think 36 is ok, but wait till you move in. 48" hallways and stairways are a Godsend when moving into and out of a house. The aforementioned laundry room should be a minimum of 60" FINISHED dimension. Makes it a lot easier to install the washer and dryer. nothing worse than having to cut out trim on a brand new house because the GC was an idiot.
Good luck and God Bless | |
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new house
