https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:02:25 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2672613 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 09:24:39 +0000 Alba4 2672613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents built a house when I was in high school and they put the laundry room on the second floor. It was amazing! I highly recommend (this is coming from someone who has laundry in the basement! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2672551 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 20:29:56 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2672551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents have a ceiling fan in their master bathroom and it's super nice when getting ready with hot hair dryers and stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2672550 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 20:29:45 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 2672550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ah, re: the bathroom. My shower is across from the tub. So nice to be able to take a shower while the kids bathe. Also, make sure your shower is adequately ventilated. We had a fan right outside the shower stall and it still wasn't enough -- we were getting mold inside on the ceiling and had to put in another fan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2672549 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 20:27:44 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2672549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shellio: @Kemma: we have our cooktop and oven in our island. Surprisingly it hasn't caused any issues even with the kids on the other side occasionally. But it can also pose an issue with ventilation. I really want to upgrade to induction cooktop to make it safer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2672547 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 20:25:47 +0000 Kemma 2672547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shellio: I don't like the idea of having the hob on an island either, my kids lean all over our bench / breakfast bar and it would be a total hazard! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2672474 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 14:43:30 +0000 GardenFloral 2672474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just did renovations in our current house, the biggest being a gut job of our master bath. We went with a smaller tub (since I'm short, the old 6 foot tub was WAY too long for me), which allowed us more space for our custom tiled shower. We also had outlets put inside the counter, so that my hairdryer and stuff could stay plugged in but hidden. My most favorite part is the TV in my bathroom above my tub.</p> <p>We actually just went under contract on a new lot to build our dream home. DH and I have been pouring over house plans and talking about our wants/needs so we can go to the architect with a detailed list.</p> <p>We already know we want 4 bedrooms + office &amp; bonus room. We're still on the fence about each bedroom having it's own bathroom or having 2 bedrooms w/ a jack-and-jill bath.</p> <p>Most of my must-have's and things we'd do different pertain to the main living areas - especially the kitchen.</p> <p>- 3 car garage<br /> - mud/laundry room off the garage<br /> - walk in pantry<br /> - formal dining room &amp; office off the entry<br /> - giant kitchen island open to family room<br /> - gas cooktop but electric double wall oven<br /> - pot-filler over the stove<br /> -electrical outlets in baseboards not on wall<br /> - knockdown vs smooth drywall<br /> - central vac system<br /> - phone jacks in most rooms (we found that there is literally only a phone jack in the master and in my office in our current house. I get that most people use cell's these days but we live in a terrible service area)</p> <p>The biggest thing is really thinking about the placement of your furniture so you can appropriately place outlets. We also renovated our FROG into a media room, and part of that was having outlets put into the floor based on where the furniture would go as it's all electric recliners. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2670402 Tue, 27 Dec 2016 00:32:37 +0000 shellio 2670402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Master bathroom: I've seen a couple of pics of bathrooms with a tub literally in the master shower, and I think it would be an awesome space to bathe my kids while I shower. Specific to toddlers. </p> <p>Outlets everywhere. We have them on our kitchen island and I'm so glad we do.</p> <p>Kitchen island range - might be just me but the idea of having my stove range on my island terrifies me. People just lounge at the island and chat, and kids leave their artwork/homework/mail sitting on the island. Fire hazard.</p> <p>Think about the way sound carries. Our kids are young and sleep in their own room - we use white noise but really appreciate having a place we can sit and chat after the kids are in bed without worrying about loud laughter or turning down the music. You can use stairs and insulation to control the way sound will project in your home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2670194 Sun, 25 Dec 2016 13:38:22 +0000 oskarsmommy 2670194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@thepicklemonster: we did this too with our water heater! And we in Cali with constant drought issues! :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2670193 Sun, 25 Dec 2016 13:37:31 +0000 oskarsmommy 2670193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh - and a big one! We have a center cabinet like this in our master bath - inside I have my hair dryer, straightener and instyler (the three things I use often) on a rack that is mounted inside - with an outlet. I never have to see my blow dryer out on the counter again and I love it!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2670163 Sun, 25 Dec 2016 08:57:11 +0000 pachamama 2670163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pinkarmadillo: I buily 6 years ago. Here's a list<br /> Stuff I'm glad I did<br /> - tons of closet space<br /> - very open<br /> - lots of windows<br /> - maximized space upstairs by having a very small "hallway" to make the bedrooms as big as possible instead of having wasted hall space<br /> - a formal dining space is a complete waste of space and i'm glad we don't have one</p> <p>I would have done differently:<br /> - powder room is in the middle of our house which is convenient but awkward for guests!<br /> - a bigger garage. Ours is 1 car and not only that, too narrow. I had city ordinance easements that cause that though<br /> - like people say... washer and dryer should be as close to the bedrooms as possible!Mine are on the main floor, but I like that the spin cycle don't rattle the whole house </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2670127 Sat, 24 Dec 2016 21:26:05 +0000 oskarsmommy 2670127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, and add a few outlets in bedrooms close to the entrance door. It will never get blocked by furniture, and makes great access for a vaccuum or random needed outlet. We have that in my sons room by accident and love it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2670126 Sat, 24 Dec 2016 21:23:48 +0000 oskarsmommy 2670126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Outlets closer to the mantle, and I would have saved about 10k in my budget for at least some furniture - out pristine home sat empty (and still is in some pockets) because we didn't have money to spend on the inside. </p> <p>I also spent way too much on a special marble inlay in my shower which was a total waste. </p> <p>And SO stupidly we opted out of bar seating at the island in our kitchen. Major regret!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2670010 Sat, 24 Dec 2016 08:02:23 +0000 matador84 2670010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a coat closet and it's so nice to grab quick jackets or hang up for guests. This is in addition to the mud room we have in the butlers pantry.<br /> Lots of built in shelving wherever you can squeeze it in<br /> We have plenty of electrical outlets so I can move furniture but I wish we had floor outlets so when I plug in a lamp the cord isn't as visible. I also wish I could center furniture in the room more and not have to be limited to perimeter in room.<br /> Have at least one plug be on a switch. For example our Christmas tree lights I don't have to plug/unplug there is a switch that controls the light for the rest plug I'm using.<br /> Stay consistent thoughout. We have white subway tile as all tile--bathrooms and kitchen. All rooms are painted using the same color. I like that it is consistent. All countertops are granite. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2669981 Sat, 24 Dec 2016 00:32:14 +0000 LemonJack 2669981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, and if there are any rooms that won't get a lot of natural light, I would consider putting in a solar tube. My parents have one and it makes a big difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2669980 Sat, 24 Dec 2016 00:28:23 +0000 LemonJack 2669980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My MIL built her house and some of the things I like are that she had them include outlets above the cabinets so she could put lights up there, and she had them wire her pantry so the light automatically comes on when she opens the door. No switch needed. She also has an outlet on the outer edge of her L-shaped counter (nowhere near a wall, if that makes sense) because she keeps her kitchenaid nearby. She doesn't need to move it to plug it in each time. Minor, but nice ideas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2669428 Thu, 22 Dec 2016 15:01:16 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2669428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought of one more thing. The old house had switches in every room that tied to an overhead light and a lamp light. My new house had the extra switch for the fan part of the overhead lighted fans. While I like having the light and fan blades on separate switches I miss a switch for accent lighting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2669158 Thu, 22 Dec 2016 09:28:43 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2669158@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Best thread ever!</p> <p>We have builder optional built in shelves/ cabinetry and the adjacent walls windows are just a few inches away from the lower cabinetry. Once I add curtains the fabric will hit the built ins. Tip: plan out your windows/ builtins/ large furniture layout so you still see enough wall in rooms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently/page/2#post-2669125 Thu, 22 Dec 2016 08:28:53 +0000 Shantuck 2669125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: I know our washer door can change direction but I don't think our dryer has that option (which is the one going the wrong direction). Maybe it's worth looking into again though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2669091 Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:29:05 +0000 birdofafeather 2669091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>something we did was extra insulation, sound deadening dry wall in our girls rooms between bathroom walls and other noisy walls (like the washer/dryer) right on the other side of the wall of our daughter's bed. safe n sound i think it's called! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2669087 Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:58:32 +0000 thepicklemonster 2669087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We remodeled our house before moving in and I think the biggest mistake was the placement of the tankless water heater. It's on the other side of the house from the kitchen, so hot water from<br /> the kitchen faucet takes FOREVER. It was always annoying but became unbearable when I had (bottle-fed) DS. it adds an extra 3ish mins to prepping his bath and washing all the bottles... which doesn't sound bad but drives me crazy lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2669026 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 20:55:06 +0000 Boogs 2669026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Love this thread and saving for a possible remodel fowl the road. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2669003 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 20:19:25 +0000 MenagerieMama 2669003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Shantuck: @brownepiano: @NorthStar: Our washer and dryer are "backwards" with the washer on the right and we just swapped the dryer door so it swings to the left. So there's no difference. I think they're all made to do that! Took DH barely any time... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2668986 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 19:52:26 +0000 Greentea 2668986@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Radiant floor heating and solar!!!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2668979 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 19:32:02 +0000 danda 2668979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm surprised by all of the washer/dryer comments! We bought an existing house with washer hookup on right and dryer hookup on left. We had to buy new appliances. We got a top loading washer and we either specified when purchasing that door goes on left of dryer or it was something that was to be selected during the installation process. Not an issue as long as you have the appliances that are compatible with the space. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2668960 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 18:14:05 +0000 sunny 2668960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Make sure you have sufficient air vents. Our upstairs doesn't have good air return so it is noticeably hotter upstairs than downstairs in the summer because the air isn't cycling properly. We have A/C but it feels like it doesn't even make it upstairs at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2668946 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 17:51:40 +0000 codeitall 2668946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My family added on to our house when I was in high school and here are some things I loved:</p> <p>Kids bathroom: has a timer heat lamp with a regular light so we knew when to hop out of the shower and stop wasting hot water ;)</p> <p>Ventilation in the closets not blowing on the clothes.</p> <p>Outlets on either side of where a bed will be in the bedroom.</p> <p>Pocket doors for the separate sink area of the bathroom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2668927 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 17:23:38 +0000 pinkarmadillo 2668927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JenGirl: I can see how the sink being in the corner would be a pain! I think we plan on having on against the wall under the window but if not then in the island. We have to decide!</p> <p>@lioneyes: Thanks! Putting it on the list for sure </p> <p>@Mrs. Yoyo: Oh my gosh. Big deal there. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2668886 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 16:27:11 +0000 lioneyes 2668886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>floor outlets or outlets near the couch so you can plug in devices and charge while using them from the couch! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2668884 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 16:26:08 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 2668884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't obsess over paint color so much that you forget about finish. Our builder used flat paint everywhere and it is a royal pain with kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-plansbuilding-wwyd-differently#post-2668878 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 16:17:24 +0000 JenGirl 2668878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At our house we have the kitchen sink located in a corner and I HATE it! Never again! The only benefit is that the sink is right next to the stove, so we can use the sprayer to fill pots on the stove. Though, you can also put in a pot filler faucet over the stove, which is super convenient. </p> <p>Also, if you'er doing any built in shelving, put electrical outlets inside the cabinets! </p>