FEATURES OF A WELL PLANED HOUSE
1. Single Level
The single-level house is resurging in popularity from its heyday as post-war, low-income housing (and the design darling of California’s iconic 1950s architects). The reason is simple: Single-level homes are easy to care for — no hauling out a big extension ladder to reach the second-story.
Everything is within reach for cleaning, painting, and repairs.
Maintenance chores can be done quickly and safely — saving you time, and keeping you out of the ER.
Plus, temperatures inside a single-level house are easier to regulate. Without an upstairs and downstairs, temperature differences are minimized, reducing stress on your HVAC, and ensuring your comfort no matter what room you’re in.
2. Nine-Foot Ceilings
Traditional Kitchen by Decatur Architects & Building Designers Terracotta Design Build
Nine-foot tall ceilings have magic, opening up interiors without actually increasing square-footage, and generating a sense of well-being and comfort that standard 8-foot ceilings lack.
A survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows a preference for tall ceilings among home buyers — about 65% of respondents say they prefer a house with 9-foot ceilings over a similar house with the standard 8-foot ceiling
Although you’re probably stuck with your 8-foot ceilings if you have them, you can go with taller ceilings if you add on. A contractor will charge an additional money per square foot of living area for the upgrade. However, 9-foot ceilings are a marketable feature, and you can probably recoup much of the investment when you sell your house.
If you’re really craving that open feeling, you can vault your ceiling into the attic. You’ll end up with a ceiling higher than 9 feet, but it’s a pricey remodel, costing $18,000 to $25,000. Again you’ll recoup some of that at resale, but not as much as you would with an addition.
3. Southern Exposure
A southern exposure has many benefits:
In winter, south-facing windows let in sunlight that converts to free heat, known as solar gain.
In the summertime, if you plant trees against those windows, your house will stay cooler.
Sunlight is a mood-enhancer that will chase away the winter blues.
Southern exposure is ideal for solar panels, an increasingly popular alternative.
Houseplants, which improve air quality, and garden plants thrive in southern exposure.
If you’re lucky enough to have southern exposure, here are some tips to take full advantage of the solar gain:
Remove or transplant evergreen plants that block winter sun from reaching your south-facing windows.
Open up shades and drapes on south-facing windows during the day. This is a simple chore that often gets overlooked in unused rooms, such as spare bedrooms. Cover up at night.
Add awnings to south-facing windows — they help block summer sun but let in winter sunlight when the sun is low on the horizon.
4. Outdoor Living Spaces
Contemporary Patio by Seattle Architects & Designers Goforth Gill Architects
Being outdoors isn’t just enjoyable, it’s healthy. A study of “life at home” by UCLA concluded that spending time outside lowers stress and reduces levels of cortisol — a hormone that contributes to feeling tired and foggy.
In terms of home value, outdoor living areas, such as patios and decks, have a high desirability factor with homebuyers, and cost a fraction to install compared to enclosed, year-round spaces.
Related: Decks Have One of the Highest Returns on Investment
5. Maximized Insulation
You can’t see this vital feature, but you’ll really feel it. Maximizing your insulation helps lower energy requirements and keeps indoor temps stable — a big plus when it comes to feeling comfortable.
You’ll get the best ROI if you max out your attic insulation. If you boost the insulation of an 800-square-foot attic from R-11 to R-49, you’ll save $600 annually, and pay back the cost in about three years.
Related: Attic Insulation Savings
6. Separate Master Bedroom
Traditional Exterior by Sausalito Architects & Designers Urrutia Design
Sure, we like the one-big-happy-family theory. But we like sanity even more. Although your needs will probably evolve through the years (nurseries close to mom and dad; teenagers not so much), ultimately some separation is a great way to give everybody peace and quiet.
For a single-level house, the ideal configuration has three “wings” — a master suite on one end, kids’ and guest rooms (plus bath) on the other, and a common living/kitchen area in the middle.
Related: Adding a Master Suite Addition
7. Low-Maintenance Exterior
You choose: Weekends spent scraping, caulking, and repainting siding; or weekends spent relaxing and enjoying yourself.
We thought so.
Your ally in your dreams of pleasurable days off is a low-maintenance exterior that maintains its good looks even in harsh climates. Two of the best options are low-cost vinyl siding and durable fiber-cement.
Replacing old siding with new vinyl siding yields an 83% return on your investment, according to the “2015 Remodeling Impact Report” from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Pricier fiber-cement siding returns slightly less — 79% — but scores big when it comes to satisfaction. Homeowners polled for the “Report” gave their fiber-cement siding project a perfect Joy Score of 10 — a rating based on those who said they were happy or satisfied with their remodeling, with 10 being the highest rating and 1 the lowest.
Related: Home Projects with the Highest Return on Investment
8. Great Storage
Mediterranean Living Room by Santa Cruz Media & Bloggers Shannon Malone
You don’t need us to tell you that storage is big priority, but did you know you’ve got tons of hidden storage space right at your fingertips? Max out your storage capacity, and you’re one big step closer to having the perfect house. Check it out:
7 Clever Ways to Maximize Storage Space
7 Storage Solutions You Didn’t Know You Had
9 Ideas to Squeeze in More Kitchen Storage
Between-the-Studs Shelving and Storage
9. Ergonomic Touches
More architects and contractors are adding the common-sense features of universal design, and you should, too. Although UD is often associated with mobility issues and wheelchair accessibility, it’s really smart, sensible design that functions well for everybody. For example:
Wide doorways (36- to 42-inches wide) make everyday life just that much easier. Ever try to move a piece of furniture from room to room through a narrow doorway? You get the picture.
Levers instead of doorknobs don’t require awkward twisting.
A curbless shower eliminates potential trips and falls.
Rocker switches have a big on/off button that you can flip with a knuckle or even your elbow when you’re struggling with bags of groceries.
The Intangible Feature
Industrial Dining Room by Eugene General Contractors Jordan Iverson Signature Homes
No house is without imperfections. But that’s a good thing — quirks give us individuality and personality, and they keep our houses from being cookie-cutter.
The perfect house takes all that into consideration, and let’s you be you. Want red kitchen walls? Go for it. Love salvaged building materials? That 1930s pedestal sink in the bathroom is a charmer.
If you’re able to have your home express the true you,you’re gonna love it. And that’s the true definition of the perfect house.
The single-level house is resurging in popularity from its heyday as post-war, low-income housing (and the design darling of California’s iconic 1950s architects). The reason is simple: Single-level homes are easy to care for — no hauling out a big extension ladder to reach the second-story.
Everything is within reach for cleaning, painting, and repairs.
Maintenance chores can be done quickly and safely — saving you time, and keeping you out of the ER.
Plus, temperatures inside a single-level house are easier to regulate. Without an upstairs and downstairs, temperature differences are minimized, reducing stress on your HVAC, and ensuring your comfort no matter what room you’re in.
2. Nine-Foot Ceilings
Traditional Kitchen by Decatur Architects & Building Designers Terracotta Design Build
Nine-foot tall ceilings have magic, opening up interiors without actually increasing square-footage, and generating a sense of well-being and comfort that standard 8-foot ceilings lack.
A survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows a preference for tall ceilings among home buyers — about 65% of respondents say they prefer a house with 9-foot ceilings over a similar house with the standard 8-foot ceiling
Although you’re probably stuck with your 8-foot ceilings if you have them, you can go with taller ceilings if you add on. A contractor will charge an additional money per square foot of living area for the upgrade. However, 9-foot ceilings are a marketable feature, and you can probably recoup much of the investment when you sell your house.
If you’re really craving that open feeling, you can vault your ceiling into the attic. You’ll end up with a ceiling higher than 9 feet, but it’s a pricey remodel, costing $18,000 to $25,000. Again you’ll recoup some of that at resale, but not as much as you would with an addition.
3. Southern Exposure
A southern exposure has many benefits:
In winter, south-facing windows let in sunlight that converts to free heat, known as solar gain.
In the summertime, if you plant trees against those windows, your house will stay cooler.
Sunlight is a mood-enhancer that will chase away the winter blues.
Southern exposure is ideal for solar panels, an increasingly popular alternative.
Houseplants, which improve air quality, and garden plants thrive in southern exposure.
If you’re lucky enough to have southern exposure, here are some tips to take full advantage of the solar gain:
Remove or transplant evergreen plants that block winter sun from reaching your south-facing windows.
Open up shades and drapes on south-facing windows during the day. This is a simple chore that often gets overlooked in unused rooms, such as spare bedrooms. Cover up at night.
Add awnings to south-facing windows — they help block summer sun but let in winter sunlight when the sun is low on the horizon.
4. Outdoor Living Spaces
Contemporary Patio by Seattle Architects & Designers Goforth Gill Architects
Being outdoors isn’t just enjoyable, it’s healthy. A study of “life at home” by UCLA concluded that spending time outside lowers stress and reduces levels of cortisol — a hormone that contributes to feeling tired and foggy.
In terms of home value, outdoor living areas, such as patios and decks, have a high desirability factor with homebuyers, and cost a fraction to install compared to enclosed, year-round spaces.
Related: Decks Have One of the Highest Returns on Investment
5. Maximized Insulation
You can’t see this vital feature, but you’ll really feel it. Maximizing your insulation helps lower energy requirements and keeps indoor temps stable — a big plus when it comes to feeling comfortable.
You’ll get the best ROI if you max out your attic insulation. If you boost the insulation of an 800-square-foot attic from R-11 to R-49, you’ll save $600 annually, and pay back the cost in about three years.
Related: Attic Insulation Savings
6. Separate Master Bedroom
Traditional Exterior by Sausalito Architects & Designers Urrutia Design
Sure, we like the one-big-happy-family theory. But we like sanity even more. Although your needs will probably evolve through the years (nurseries close to mom and dad; teenagers not so much), ultimately some separation is a great way to give everybody peace and quiet.
For a single-level house, the ideal configuration has three “wings” — a master suite on one end, kids’ and guest rooms (plus bath) on the other, and a common living/kitchen area in the middle.
Related: Adding a Master Suite Addition
7. Low-Maintenance Exterior
You choose: Weekends spent scraping, caulking, and repainting siding; or weekends spent relaxing and enjoying yourself.
We thought so.
Your ally in your dreams of pleasurable days off is a low-maintenance exterior that maintains its good looks even in harsh climates. Two of the best options are low-cost vinyl siding and durable fiber-cement.
Replacing old siding with new vinyl siding yields an 83% return on your investment, according to the “2015 Remodeling Impact Report” from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Pricier fiber-cement siding returns slightly less — 79% — but scores big when it comes to satisfaction. Homeowners polled for the “Report” gave their fiber-cement siding project a perfect Joy Score of 10 — a rating based on those who said they were happy or satisfied with their remodeling, with 10 being the highest rating and 1 the lowest.
Related: Home Projects with the Highest Return on Investment
8. Great Storage
Mediterranean Living Room by Santa Cruz Media & Bloggers Shannon Malone
You don’t need us to tell you that storage is big priority, but did you know you’ve got tons of hidden storage space right at your fingertips? Max out your storage capacity, and you’re one big step closer to having the perfect house. Check it out:
7 Clever Ways to Maximize Storage Space
7 Storage Solutions You Didn’t Know You Had
9 Ideas to Squeeze in More Kitchen Storage
Between-the-Studs Shelving and Storage
9. Ergonomic Touches
More architects and contractors are adding the common-sense features of universal design, and you should, too. Although UD is often associated with mobility issues and wheelchair accessibility, it’s really smart, sensible design that functions well for everybody. For example:
Wide doorways (36- to 42-inches wide) make everyday life just that much easier. Ever try to move a piece of furniture from room to room through a narrow doorway? You get the picture.
Levers instead of doorknobs don’t require awkward twisting.
A curbless shower eliminates potential trips and falls.
Rocker switches have a big on/off button that you can flip with a knuckle or even your elbow when you’re struggling with bags of groceries.
The Intangible Feature
Industrial Dining Room by Eugene General Contractors Jordan Iverson Signature Homes
No house is without imperfections. But that’s a good thing — quirks give us individuality and personality, and they keep our houses from being cookie-cutter.
The perfect house takes all that into consideration, and let’s you be you. Want red kitchen walls? Go for it. Love salvaged building materials? That 1930s pedestal sink in the bathroom is a charmer.
If you’re able to have your home express the true you,you’re gonna love it. And that’s the true definition of the perfect house.
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