This is the last in a series of three articles designed to get you thinking. As mentioned before, there are few things more frustrating than realizing you've left out an important item in your custom home. In most every case it costs a lot more to add something after the fact. Or, even worse, it cannot be done! This is so important to remember! It truly pays dividends to do some homework in this area. Really think about what you want in your Custom Dream Home.

Remember to keep detailed notes regarding your decisions, new ideas, etc. Keep a notebook. Include pages you've torn out of design magazines, home improvement magazines, etc. These will help you in finalizing your decisions.

Here is a reminder of the articles in this series:

1. The Exterior of the home.
2. The Interior of the home.
3. The Framework of the home.

By now you should now have lots of ideas, and decisions, about the Exterior and Interior portions of your soon-to-be Custom Dream Home. Our next area is where all of the previous ideas are incorporated into the structure or framework of the home.

Now, let's get started on the last area for ideas and decision-making

The Framework of the Home

• Pre-wire for security (including heat &/or smoke detector in garage), video monitoring at front door and elsewhere, intercom system, surround sound, multiple CATV locations (including satellite dish location), phone outlets, CAT-5 (for data & phone), accent lights, niche lights, ceiling fans
• Home runs on phone, CAT-5 & CATV to Smart Box. Dual drops of CAT-5 and CATV to multiple locations. (Cat-5 is used here generically. Currently there is CAT-5e, CAT-6, CAT-6e, and CAT-7 (ISO class F). These categories have increasing bandwidth capabilities. Very few homes actually require higher than CAT-5.
• 6' frame on exterior walls (vs. 4') if using a frame exterior
• Insulation. Upgraded and/or additional for exterior walls, attic, soundproofing, etc.
• Foundation. Will it be a concrete slab (post-tension?), stem walls, floor joists, crawl space, basement (remember waterproofing, fire egress, bathroom (if needed), additional space planning, build-out / finish or leave for later.
• Termite treatment under slab, elsewhere.
• Porch / outdoor entertainment area. Space, patio (covered?), concrete or pavers, or? 110 volt A/C available, BBQ area, room for larger built-in BBQ (remember power, water, natural gas or propane, accessibility, etc.)
• Stub out Natural Gas and 220 volt A/C to Water Heater, Dryer, Oven/Stove
• Natural Gas (or Propane) and 110 volt A/C to Fireplaces. Even if wood fireplace, have accessible 110 volt A/C for heat recirculating capability.
• Double-pane with Low-E glass for exterior windows
• Exterior man door from Garage to yard
• Wire garage for opener plus controller
• Blue Dow foam for stucco base (better insulation properties. How about house-wrap? (like Tyvek?)
• Soft-water loop. Include 110 volt A/C outlet and drain
• Plumb for recirculating hot water. Include 110 volt A/C outlet at water heater.
• Run water line from kitchen sink to refrigerator (some say should be nylon pipe)
• Pre-wire 110 volt A/C for ceiling fans, niches, night lights, EVERYWHERE
• Stub for pool electrical and water source
• Heat: natural gas, electric, propane, wood, location
• Air conditioning: high seer, location of components.
• Ductwork for heating & A/C: in attic or within living area? Type of ducts?
• Solar: power, water heating, space heating, ambient light
• Central Vac. These can be very useful. Some love them, others don't. Try them out first. Plan ahead if installing for location for equipment, plus location of vacuum outlets & 110 outlets.
• Ventilation
• Sheet Metal Machinery
  New and used sheet metal machinery products from Bulldog

Now, you should be well on your way to making the key decisions regarding your new Custom Dream Home. Keep thinking of new ideas and tweaking your existing decisions.

Please contact us for an appointment. We'd be happy to help you!

19840 E. Via Del Palo
Queen Creek, AZ 85242
E -mail: Bill@CustomDreamHomesAZ.com
Phone: (480)987-5099

This site is listed under Residential Housing Directory