Hello everyone!
I’ve often heard the saying, “Your first house is built for an enemy” — I wouldn’t put it quite that harshly, but after a year in a new build, I understand what they meant. 😀 Since we might move again, I’d like to collect some ideas here and benefit from your experiences: What would you do differently if you were to build again?
Here’s what I’ve noted so far:
What about you?
I’ve often heard the saying, “Your first house is built for an enemy” — I wouldn’t put it quite that harshly, but after a year in a new build, I understand what they meant. 😀 Since we might move again, I’d like to collect some ideas here and benefit from your experiences: What would you do differently if you were to build again?
Here’s what I’ve noted so far:
- electric roller shutters
- thermostats with displays
- larger storage room
- less awkwardly shaped rooms
- dedicated cloakroom area
- wooden window sills (?)
- more outdoor power outlets
- power outlets in window frames
What about you?
motorradsilke schrieb:
We don’t have solar panels. If we did, I would consider it. But the topic is still under consideration.
But how do you implement that? Do you really think about turning on the appliances when the sun is shining? You would have to be at home for that anyway.My wife is a teacher, so she’s home by 2 p.m. (14:00) at the latest. Usually earlier 😎 Otherwise, you can set the appliances to turn on at specific times. Everything is possible :-)
K
k-man202130 Dec 2021 10:18Yaso2.0 schrieb:
What I would do differently based on my experience so far:
2. Have my floor plan designed by a "real" architect (not just a draftsman working for a general contractor) and, most importantly, spend more time finding the right one!
3. Share my own ideas but avoid giving strict “requirements.” In the end, everything was drawn exactly according to my preferences without much, if any, feedback on whether something would work well or not.
4. I would definitely use the full-scale floor plan service and, as often recommended by (either @haydee or @hampshire), place or sketch the furniture directly in the plan with true-to-scale dimensions. We’ve currently made two changes to the rough floor plan during construction because our planning errors were not noticeable on the original layout, which of course added extra costs.
Regarding the walk-in closet: we are also including a walk-in closet (with a window…), partly for the reasons mentioned here previously, but also because I find a wardrobe too bulky. It takes up too much space in the bedroom—both height and width. I prefer an airy feeling. That’s why we designed the walk-in closet, to get the large wardrobe out of the room. Completely agree!! The architect for our new build has now asked us to provide the dimensions and, ideally, photos of furniture items that are important to us and that should be incorporated into the preliminary design.
We have already built our second house and are living in it.
Most of our thoughts were focused on our needs and habits.
The shape of the house, the roof, the views in and out, and very importantly, the number and arrangement of the rooms. It was supposed to be our home.
The decision regarding the technical features was made quickly.
Most of our thoughts were focused on our needs and habits.
The shape of the house, the roof, the views in and out, and very importantly, the number and arrangement of the rooms. It was supposed to be our home.
The decision regarding the technical features was made quickly.
Hmm, we have now been living here for a year and I can’t say I would do much differently.
When planning the technical installations, it might be better to rely on an MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) planner. Some things could have been handled more cleverly. We built with an architect, but technical planning is not usually their favorite task. Also, the contractors often don’t see the overall concept.
In execution, I would pay more attention to certain details. For example, soundproofing should be considered carefully with open construction methods. A solid 17.5cm (7 inches) wall doesn’t help much if the room door is installed with a 1cm (0.4 inch) gap at the bottom and the frame is only foamed in at a few points, while there is a 2cm (0.8 inch) gap all around the door opening.
Just recently, I stuffed insulating wool into the cavity of a door. I can already notice a difference.
So far, I wouldn’t change the floor plan. Maybe add two more windows. But that’s hypothetical—as if I were to build again, it would be on a different plot and a different floor plan would result.
When planning the technical installations, it might be better to rely on an MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) planner. Some things could have been handled more cleverly. We built with an architect, but technical planning is not usually their favorite task. Also, the contractors often don’t see the overall concept.
In execution, I would pay more attention to certain details. For example, soundproofing should be considered carefully with open construction methods. A solid 17.5cm (7 inches) wall doesn’t help much if the room door is installed with a 1cm (0.4 inch) gap at the bottom and the frame is only foamed in at a few points, while there is a 2cm (0.8 inch) gap all around the door opening.
Just recently, I stuffed insulating wool into the cavity of a door. I can already notice a difference.
So far, I wouldn’t change the floor plan. Maybe add two more windows. But that’s hypothetical—as if I were to build again, it would be on a different plot and a different floor plan would result.
P
Pinkiponk30 Dec 2021 10:34ypg schrieb:
... No recessed ceiling lights, ... I would like to ask why. Background: We are currently planning quite a few recessed ceiling lights, which will of course be supported by table lamps, floor lamps, etc.
M
motorradsilke30 Dec 2021 10:49Tom1978 schrieb:
Otherwise, you can set the devices to turn on at specific times. Everything is possible 🙂 Sure, but you never know in advance when the sun will shine 😉
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