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[AuntG]

With the cost of materials, this is a bad time to build (at least in my area) @sarahpanda . Too bad you couldn't have repaired what you had. I had lunch with a friend who said the EXACT same house they built two years ago costs $140,000 more now. They were checking with the builder to see about a smaller home, but now they'll stay put. I guess my advice is to build a small home and keep it simple.

[Mindy D]

Expect long delays for materials and delays due to sub contractor problems with staffing illnesses and hiring shortages. Expect to have to adjust materials if some become unavailable. Keep a list of your second choices, just in case.

Expect your costs to come in over budget.

Two story homes are difficult to live in for many older or disabled people. 

[Eileen in Virginia]

@sarahpanda Several posters have mentioned installing pull-out shelves. When we renovated our kitchen many years ago, we got them for the 2 largest base cabinets and loved them (still do). About 5 years ago, we had to re-do all of the drawer tracks on our other cabinets. The contractor suggested getting pull-out shelves for the cabinets above the wall oven & fridge, as well as below the sink. Great idea! I still need a step stool for the overhead ones, but at least I can get to the items at the back of those shelves now (DH is 6'5" and he couldn't reach them before we got the pull-outs). I love the fact that I don't have to get down on my knees to reach items under the sink. This one has a partial "double decker" shelf for smaller bottles, cans and sponges that tend to get lost among the bigger ones. Our pull-outs cost a little more money, but they're well worth it. 

[PMG055]

Another suggestion if I may. If you decide to have a stand alone shower, have a little niche put in about 15-18 inches from the base so you have a place to rest your foot to shave legs. Image from HJ Martin and son on Pinterest.

[DottieBlue]

Lots of electrical outlets in every room.

Lots of counter space in the bathrooms (for electric toothbrush, waterpik, etc.) and electrical outlets.

Good sized niches in the shower and near the bathtub to set your soap, shampoo, etc.

A dedicated utility room to store your vacuum cleaners, steam mops, clothing steamer, iron and ironing board, and other household maintenance equpment and supplies.

A comfort level toilet.

Avoid stairs/steps as much as possible.

Have a walk-in shower; minimal entry steps and back steps, etc.  If you age-in-place consider what using a walker, rollator, and/or wheelchair requires getting in and out and around the house.  These walking aids may even just be for short term use such as after surgery, but I think this is an important consideration.

Ensure your shower is large enough to accommodate a shower seat if the need arises.  Include a grab bar on each wall.

Laundry room that be closed off due to the noise the machines make.  Lots of storage for detergent, etc.  A place for folding laundry.  A way to hang drip-dry laundry, such as a retractable clothesline.  A large, deep sink to clean items you don't want in your kitchen or bathroom sinks (such as a dog!)  Room to store laundry baskets and hampers.

Best wishes on your new home project!

[sarahpanda]

@Mindy D ...Points 'well taken'....I've had some time to rethink the house building situation and with all the delays, I've decided to put it on hold for a while.  Things sure have changed since the pandemic 2 years ago...not sure what we plan to do now.

[Flopsy]

Great thread, we are also building so very interesting.  Our framing has just started but had to order windows 6 months ago and they have just arrived.  Appliances also ordered.  Our musts are two ovens, one range, one wall, undercounter lighting, trash compacter (great if used wisely), separate master closets, walk up storage space above garage, socket in middle of study for husbands desk wiring, sink in garage with spray faucet to wash my dogs but also useful for messy jobs.  My list is endless but I have a book with ideas, photos, fabric in and am working on individual rooms.  Latest project is picking faucets, shower plumbing, etc.  I want to be ahead so when the builder asks I can give him our list, for example, internal doors, hinges, handles.  

Good luck with your build.  We have moved a lot in our life but never built before so it's a real learning experience.  Im sure we will make mistakes but we feel so lucky and fortunate to have this great opportunity.  Last but not least, patience is needed and that's been hard for us, every stage takes time.  Still quite a few months to go but we know it will be worth.  You know all this though from your first time building so again, good luck.

[brandiwine]

My advice is patience and alcohol.  Seriously, best of luck.

[Twins Mom]

30 years ago DD planned dream home for he and DM.  One of the best features of home was a bathroom with shower off the kitchen and garage.  Most people put half bath in on main floor but this was a truly functional bath.  Dad worked construction and did not want to go through home with dirty clothes, etc.  Also handy when coming inside from garden.  Imagine how nice with little kids as they come in from games or play.  Next to this bathroom was a large laundry room with second refrigerator.  That section of home was so functional.

[maximillian]

Keep it simple, but convenient.  I like a lot of suggestions our QVC posters have made.  If you are getting "up in years," put safety features into place, especially in bathroom areas. Keep your laundry room on a convenient level, not in the basement.  Get kitchen cabinets with pull-out shelves.  Buy materials that are easy to keep clean.   Myself, I like a new house.  I hope you enjoy your new construction.  Like others said, get professional help if you feel overwhelmed.  Good luck.