Item

Explanation

Hot air ducts vented through cabinet toe spaces.

Hot air ducts vented in the floors of bath rooms and kitchens are unattractive and can be a nuisance when mopping the floors. Whenever possible, a duct should penetrate the floor under a cabinet, make a 90 degree turn and vent into the room through the cabinet toe space. This must require a little extra work for the subcontractor because there are at least a few that will vent through the toe space only when instructed to do so. Yes, there will be situations where floor vents will be necessary; however, always go for the toe space first.

An electrical outlet in a walk-in closet?

I never heard of such a thing until it was suggested by a friend when our model home (and personal residence) was under construction. He was right. It is a great place to charge camcorder and cell phone batteries. Plus, that is where we keep a rechargeable flash light plugged in at all times.

Plan for Future Wiring

No matter how much we plan for the future, we know that sooner or later we will be adding additional computer cables, TV cables, phone lines and/or electric service. In anticipation of this expansion, consider installing at least one 1" PVC pipe that connects the crawl space or basement with attic spaces. This pipe could be installed in a stud wall or in the corner of a closet. This pipe will greatly simplify the process of passing wires from the crawl space or basement to the attic spaces. It will probably be wise to devise a plug for one end of the pipe, especially when  connecting a crawl space with the attic spaces.

Outside Flood Lights

It is quite common to have flood lights mounted in the soffits of homes for both routine illumination and security. Why not have flood light switches installed in the master bedroom?

Window Treatments

When selecting your window dressings, ask about "top down, bottom up" shades. The really neat feature here is that they open from both the bottom (which we all understand) and/or the top. Opening from the top puts light into the room but maintains privacy.

Skylights

Pick your skylights carefully. You do not want to spend that money & then have to deal with leaks. Remote operation of the skylight & shade, automatic closing if it rains. When deciding whether to install skylights or not, remember, they significantly increase the air conditioning loads. 

Fixed Glass

Fixed glass is available in virtually any shape and size. You have the option of purchasing the fixed glass from any of the many window manufacturers or you may purchase from a local glass shop.  Compare prices and you should find that your local glass shop is cheaper.  And, yes, the local shop can fabricate double pane and tinted fixed glass.

Custom Shower Enclosures

When you talk to your local glass shop about fixed glass, be sure to ask them about custom shower enclosures.  A wide variety of custom enclosures is available.  After the shower tile is set, call the local glass shop and they will come to the job, take their measurements, fabricate the enclosure in their shop, then return to the job and install the enclosure.

Chimneys

A full masonry fireplace and chimney can cost $14,000 and more.  Consider the option of "sticking" stone to plywood & stud construction.  No one can see through the stone and pass judgment on your short cut, and you will save really big bucks.  Any stone mason can advise you on this decision.

Masonry Fireplace, Stove, or Insert?

Wood burning fireplaces and log homes go together like a horse and cart.  However, we now have many options in addition to the wood burning, masonry fireplaces.  Visit your local stove shops and you may be amazed at the beautiful designs available today.  Ask about fireplace inserts.  Ask about gas logs in both inserts and stoves.  Stoves and inserts will save money but if your heart is set on the masonry fireplace, by all means, go for it. 

Hair Dryers & Dim Lights

If your bathrooms are a good distance from your breaker box, tell your builder or electrician that you do not want the bathroom lights to dim when a hair dryer is turned on.  It may be necessary to run a larger wire between the breaker box and bathrooms.

Double vanities & electrical outlets.

With electric tooth brushes, shavers, hair dryers, curling irons, etc. a duplex outlet is not enough.  Go for a duplex outlet at each end of the vanity or a quad outlet in the center.

Ceiling heights greater than 8 feet.

Contemporary designed log homes are as popular as the traditional log "cabins."  More & more log home shoppers are asking for lots of glass, open floor plans and ceiling heights of 8 1/2 to 10'.  With B&H's post and beam construction the higher ceilings are no problem.  In fact, only one sale in 10 is for an 8 foot ceiling.

Stone - Man-made or the real thing

It takes a really good eye to tell the difference.  Investigate and price the choices before making a final decision.