1. Insulate interior walls to reduce or eliminate plumbing noises from pipes, showers, or toilets.
2. Where do you plan to hang wet coats and muddy boots?
3. Install quad-plugs behind both sides of a headboard for clock-radio, lights, and telephones.
4. Try to eliminate plumbing in north walls in cold climates to reduce any chance of frozen pipes.
5. Install at least one electric outlet on every wall.
6. Where will you put the garbage can in the kitchen? In the bathrooms?
7. Think about window treatments before specifying your windows. Odd shapes and sizes cost far more to cover than regular window shapes. Plan window height to accommodate standard drapery lengths.
8. Request double banisters (one on each side) on stairways for extra safety.
9. If you love the feel of a breeze through your home be sure windows are located to allow for cross-ventilation.
10. Toilets do not make great focal points. Try to arrange your plan so your entry or public areas don’t have a perfect view of the inside of a bathroom.
11. Use well-place accent lighting to set moods and to reduce your energy bill. Use over cabinet or under counter lights in the kitchen and strategically placed sconces to provide efficient illumination. Plan task lighting where a task occurs; don’t light up a whole room just to find the bathroom or the remote control.
12. Spend decorating dollars where you will get the greatest return. Put crown molding in living and dining areas but not in utility rooms, kids bedrooms, bathrooms, or back hallways.
13. If you hire a painter have everything done in one neutral color. Using more than one wall color will really drive up the bill. Add accent paint once you’ve moved in and decorated to really know where it is most needed.
14. Select light fixtures that take standard base bulbs to maximize your options to “go green.”
15. Install electrical outlets in bathroom drawers or counter-top cabinets to hide all your electronics like toothbrushes, razors, charging bases, or water piks.
16. Don’t decide on any floor covering or counter top without knowing exactly how you are going to clean it.
17. Where do you plan to put televisions? Be sure there is room to put seating so you can watch without having to crank your neck around. Windows opposite a TV will create reflections on the screen.
18. Plan what will go into kitchen and bath drawers. Measure the depth required and make sure your new cabinetry will accommodate silverware trays, shampoo bottles, hair dryers, and jewelry boxes.
19. Where will you keep your razor and hair products bottles in your new tile shower? Is there a place for a bar of soap?
20. Before buying lighting or plumbing fixtures surf the Internet. You can save a lot of money buying online or by having the knowledge to know the right price to pay locally.
Lynn Baber - Lynn Baber, Christian writer specializing in leadership, relationships, and all things equine.
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