Many homeowners beginning the house building process have vague ideas about the home they want designed. This chapter is devoted to helping you solidify your thoughts. You will find a list of 32 possible rooms plus the driveway, exterior front entry, and garage. With each is a list of common mistakes related to that room or area of the home, and at the end of the chapter you’ll find checklists for each of these areas.
Begin filling in the checklists as soon as you have made the decision to build or remodel. In fact, you can begin filling in these checklists years before you even make such a decision. Once you are ready to discuss the home you want to build with your architect, revisit these checklists and update them.
By filling in the checklist for each room, you will gain more clarity in what you want designed. Some of the information on the checklist may evoke an immediate answer, while other information may require more thought and time. Filling in these checklists is an ongoing process. Circle unanswered questions in pencil to remind yourself that they still need to be answered. The checklists will be most helpful when you meet with your architect.
As you decide which rooms you want in your home, begin filling in the checklist for that room. Also make a copy of the Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81) for each room and fill in the room name. File the room checklists and the Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet in Binder 4.
An apartment area in a home has many uses: rental income, caretaker quarters, elderly relatives’ housing, boomerang kid housing, or guest quarters. With so many potential uses, an architect can take many approaches when designing this room or rooms.
FORMS TO USE
Apartment Area Checklist (page 128)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
APARTMENT AREA MISTAKES
1. If the apartment is connected to your home, tell your architect if you want to be able to lock the apartment off from the main house.
2. Tell your architect and security consultant if you want a security system in the apartment and if you want it to operate separately from your house.
3. Discuss caretaker or tenant parking options with your architect.
4. Tell your architect if you want the apartment to be metered separately for utilities.
5. Discuss with your architect and lighting expert your concern that the exterior lighting on the apartment might affect the occupants of your home.
6. Make sure the driveway to the apartment is not near bedrooms of the main house.
7. Read your HOA bylaws and covenants and ask your city or county code department about property rental restrictions.
It is important for you to discuss your vision for your attic space with your architect early in the design process. The amount of space available for an attic is determined by the size of your home, the shape of your home, the shape of the ceiling, and the shape of the roof. In some designs, you will have one large attic, in others, several small attic spaces. If you have many heirlooms to store in your attic and need a substantial amount of attic space, tell your architect this before beginning to design your home.
FORMS TO USE
Attic Checklist (page 129)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet
(page 81)—if you need an area in your attic
high enough to stand in, note that on this
sheet.
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
ATTIC MISTAKES
1. The joists in your attic should run parallel to any hallway or area where you plan to install a fold-down stairway.
2. Identify on the floor plans where your attic stairway will be located. If located in a hallway, make sure the hallway is wide enough to handle the fold-down stairway. Also make sure the fold-down stairway is centered in that hallway. This can be affected by the location of the joists. A fold-down stairway that is off to one side of the hallway will look odd and when carrying items up the stairs, you will likely bump your walls, causing marks.
3. If you will be placing large or heavy boxes, tubs, or other items in your attic, or the person who will be climbing the fold-down stairway is heavy, consider a wide and heavy-duty fold-down stairway. Ask your architect for options.
4. If your fold-down stairway will be in your garage, ask your architect and builder if it can be placed so that you can use it without moving a vehicle.
5. Use a three-way light switch with your fold-down stairway. Place one switch at floor level and the other in the attic. With only one light switch in the attic at the top of the stairway, invariably you will climb down and realize you forgot to turn off the light.
6. Have adequate lighting to illuminate all areas.
7. If you will use your attic often and will need a large area for storage, have the entire attic floor covered with flooring. Do not leave uncovered areas where a person can accidentally step through the ceiling of the floor below.
8. Tell your architect and your builder that you expect all wiring and duct work located in the attic to be neat and orderly. You do not want it installed haphazardly, creating an obstacle course.
9. If the HVAC system will be located in your attic, provide adequate space around the HVAC for servicing.
10. Have your architect specify rolled insulation. It is more expensive than blown insulation, but does a better job, and over time you will recoup the expense by savings in heating and air conditioning bills.
11. If in the future the attic could be finished out for living space, discuss with your architect and builder what preliminary work should be done during construction.
12. If you have plastic storage bins, plastic tubs, or boxes to place in your attic, make sure any shelves you have built in the attic will accommodate those storage components.
13. Once your home is built, make sure all vents are clear of insulation, especially if you are using blown insulation.
14. If you live in a hot or humid climate, consider a motorized vent system or discuss other options with your architect. There should also be vents in the soffits and at the ridge of the roof to create air flow. You will want screens on all vents to prevent squirrels and other animals from entering your attic.
Some people want a bar hidden behind louvered or closet doors; others want it to resemble a commercial bar. Some want their bar in the main living area of the home; others want it in the game room on the basement level. Share your vision for your bar with your architect.
FORMS TO USE
Bar Checklist (page 130)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON BAR MISTAKES
1. Have a trash can built into the cabinets. It should be generous in size, especially if you and your friends are beer drinkers. Under-Cabinet Trash Storage (page 90) shows two styles. Design A provides a taller trash can by incorporating a false drawer into the pull-out cabinet front. Design B provides a true working drawer with a shorter trash can that is located only behind the false cabinet door.
2. Give your architect and builder the length and diameter of your liquor and wine bottles for the cabinetmaker. Not all bottles are equal in size.
3. Make sure your electrical plan has outlets near the bar counter, located to accommodate using a blender, coffeemaker, and other small appliances.
4. When selecting your bar sink, if you want to be able to stand glasses upright in the bottom of the sink, avoid vessel-type sinks, which do not have a flat bottom.
5. If the back of the bar wall is an outside wall, instead of giving up a window for upper storage cabinets, store your bar glasses in a drawer, as shown in the illustration on page 90.
6. If your bar and wine room are on different levels or at opposite ends of the house, plan for wine storage in your bar area. You can see several wine storage options on page 91. Design A has an open area in the upper half of the cabinet in which to store numerous wine bottles. Design B has the same configuration as design A, but with cabinet doors. Design C offers a horizontal shelf for wine bottle storage in the above-counter cabinet. In design D, wine bottles are stored vertically in the above-counter cabinet. And design E offers both above- and below-counter wine storage, including pull-out drawers. (In place of the drawers, you could install a wine chiller.)
7. If you are a cigar aficionado, plan for a custom location for a humidor in your bar area. Give your architect the dimensions of your humidor.
8. Choose a layout that does not allow sunlight to shine on liquor or wine bottles, because it can damage the contents.
9. If needed, allow additional interior height in the bar drawers so the drawer will not jam due to bar utensils.
10. Identify any wine openers, wine decanters, or other items that will require a special location or installation. Discuss these with your architect, builder, and cabinetmaker before the cabinets are designed and made.
UNDER-CABINET TRASH STORAGE
11. Make sure the HVAC vents will not blow directly on any person sitting at the bar.
12. Use stone, tile, or other material instead of glass for exposed bar shelves to cut down on visible dust collection and maintenance.
13. Use self-closing drawer runners on bar drawers.
14. The direction any appliance door opens should be the most convenient for ease of use.
15. Make sure light switches are aesthetically placed and are not an eyesore.
Through the years, the word “basement” has taken on many different meanings. It is important that you and your architect discuss the meaning of the word and agree on how you will use your basement. If the basement is another level of the house with bedrooms, playroom/game room, and so forth, skip filling out the Basement Checklist and fill out the checklist for the actual rooms in your basement level. If you will use your basement for storage or to finish out in the future, fill out the Basement Checklist.
BAR GLASSES STORED IN DRAWER
WINE STORAGE OPTIONS
FORMS TO FILL OUT
Basement Checklist (page 133), if your basement
is unfinished or is a storage area
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
BASEMENT MISTAKES
1. Be diligent in understanding the drainage design around your basement. A poor design may result in water leaking into your basement, which may not show up for several years. This can create a host of issues, structural as well as mold.
2. Discuss with your architect and builder what measures can be taken to ensure proper waterproofing around the basement walls.
3. Discuss with your architect and your builder the height measurements for the stairway header leading to the basement. Often these are too low.
4. Discuss with your architect any plans to finish out your basement in the future and what preliminary electrical, plumbing, or other work should be done during construction.
5. Know your city and county fire inspection codes for basements. Often a use and occupancy certificate is denied due to basements not meeting code requirements regarding fire escapes.
The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a home. Most homeowners have a definite idea about what they want in their bathroom. Because of the enormous range of options, mistakes can be made when designing your bathroom.
At the beginning of the design process, give a name to each bathroom in your home. This name can be the name of the person who will use the bathroom, such as Bill’s bathroom, or a generic name such as guest bedroom bathroom. Be consistent in whatever name you choose, and use that name when referring to that bathroom throughout the design and building of your home.
FORMS TO USE
Bathroom Checklist (page 134)
Bathroom Storage Item Checklist (page 140)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON BATHROOM
MISTAKES
1. Identify which vanity drawer will hold which items. Measure the tallest and widest items to make sure your inside drawer dimensions will accommodate them.
2. Have drawers built into your vanity. It is much easier to reach into a drawer than to stoop down to look for items on shelves behind lower cabinet doors.
3. Make sure the knee-hole dimensions for your seated makeup counter are tall enough for you to sit in your chair or stool without scraping your knees.
4. Study your floor plans to see where you can place a scale or decorative trash can—some bathroom floor plans have no open wall for these items. Trash cans may also be built into a vanity. See Under-Cabinet Trash Storage on page 90.
5. If you need additional storage space and have a generous amount of counter space, counter cabinets above the vanity can provide more storage space, as shown in the illustration on page 93 (left). If your counter is extra long, you can also add counter cabinets between the two sinks.
6. For additional storage space, add drawers underneath the cabinet doors located below the sink. (See illustration, page 93, right.) The taller the counter height, the taller the drawers can be.
7. Think outside the box and have a custom-made medicine cabinet built, which can be taller and deeper in size.
8. Discuss with your architect and cabinetmaker options to put locks on medicine cabinets. This is a safety factor for children, grandchildren, and visitors you may not want looking through your medicine cabinets.
9. If you prefer an uncluttered bathroom counter, consider storing your toothbrush, electric razor, and products in a medicine cabinet with an outlet inside, and your hair dryer in a drawer with an outlet located inside the drawer.
10. The standard depth of a bathroom counter is 24 inches. When selecting your sink and faucet, make sure the depth of the sink, front to back, will allow ample room for cleaning between the faucet and the backsplash, as shown in Faucet/Backsplash Relationship (page 94). If using a self-rimming sink, you will want ample space between the back outside edge of the rim and the backsplash to be able to clean.
CABINETS ABOVE VANITY COUNTER
11. If the distance between the faucet handles and the faucet is too narrow, cleaning between them will be more difficult.
12. When purchasing a bathroom faucet, make sure you can comfortably reach your hand under the flow of water to rinse off shaving cream or rinse off your face.
13. Avoid black and stainless steel sinks, which show water and soap spots and require constant wiping to look clean.
14. Though attractive, pedestal sinks in a bathroom may not be practical unless you have shelves or a counter nearby to hold the products you use.
15. A one-piece faucet with attached controls requires only one cut into the countertop, which creates less clutter and fewer knobs to clean around.
16. Measure your shampoo and conditioner bottles and any other items used in the shower and make sure the finished height and width of the shower shelf is ample.
DRAWERS UNDERNEATH CABINET DOORS
FAUCET/BACKSPLASH RELATIONSHIP
17. Avoid glass walls in the shower, unless you have daily housekeeping help. Otherwise, cleaning water spots from shower glass will become your daily chore!
18. Specify the location and height for a handheld shower to be mounted and the location of the on/off controls. Consider if you want to use it as a showerhead or when you bathe or shave your legs while sitting on the bench.
19. Be sure the floors, bench, wall shelves, door curb in the shower are sloped properly to avoid creating a constant puddle of water.
20. Your soap dish in the shower should be mounted away from the spray of the shower water so your soap will not get mushy.
NICHE FOR CANDLES
21. If your shower is large enough, discuss with your architect whether you need two steam heads.
22. The walls and ceiling of your steam shower should be covered in a waterproof material such as stone or a waterproof paint to prevent mildewing.
23. If you use a washcloth when taking a shower, plan for a hook to hang the washcloth to dry.
24. Municipal codes restrict the size of plumbing pipes. Before purchasing elaborate shower systems, make sure you will have enough water pressure to operate them.
25. Locate the towel warmer within reaching distance of the shower and tub.
26. The controls to your bathtub should be easy to reach when standing outside the bathtub as well as when sitting in the bathtub. The faucet and faucet handles should be positioned at one of the ends or corners of the tub. The faucet, if separate from the handles, can also be positioned on the inside side of the tub. Avoid having these on of the outside side of the bathtub as they will interfere with entering or exiting the tub.
27. If your bathtub adjoins a closet wall, water closet wall, a storage room, or closet below, access to the jetted motor may be obtained through this wall or ceiling. If not, you will need access along the side apron of the tub.
28. If you want the ambiance of a fireplace, but it will not fit your budget or the size of the room, consider adding a niche in the wall around the bathtub deck to place multiple candles. See Niche for Candles (page 94).
29. Tell your architect what type of bathtub mount you want, and have it specified in the plans. When the bathtub deck is made of stone or tile, the most common styles are self-rimming or drop-in mounts and under-mounts. See Bathtub Mount Options (this page).
30. If you have a cabinet above the back of the toilet, make sure the cabinet is not so deep that it hits your back when you sit on the toilet.
31. Consider a built-in ledge behind the toilet tank, which supplies a place to put candles, flowers, or potpourri. It also allows for added depth for cabinets mounted on the wall above the toilet, as shown on page 96.
32. Taller toilet seats are more comfortable, as are padded seats.
33. Self-closing toilet seats are a nice option to prevent the toilet seat from slamming shut.
34. A shower with a dry area, an enclosure outside the shower, gives you more privacy as well as a place to stay warm when drying off. See the illustration on page 97.
35. Show the framer the location of a recessed magazine rack or recessed toilet paper holder so he can avoid putting a stud in that location.
36. A wall-mounted phone near a toilet should be mounted in line with the back of the toilet seat. If mounted too far forward, it will be knocked off the hook when the person turns to flush the toilet.
BATHTUB MOUNT OPTIONS
37. If you plan to use a lighted wall-mounted magnifying mirror, this needs to be called out on the architectural plans so that there is electrical power and wall space to mount the mirror.
38. Think about how many bathroom outlets you use. Hair dryers sometimes have a bulky plug and will cover two receptacles when plugged in. Other items that require outlets may include an electric toothbrush, night-light, electric razor, curling iron, hair straightening iron, electric rollers, clock radio, CD player, MP3 player, foot bath, paraffin wax heater, and cell phone charger.
39. A towel bar mounted on a side wall might interfere with an outlet mounted nearby. Once your home is framed in, and before the electrical system is roughed in, check out this relationship in all bathrooms.
LEDGE BEHIND TOILET
40. Avoid using too many round bulb lights around the vanity mirror, as they will emit excessive heat.
41. If possible, always have an outlet on each side of the sink. This accommodates both a right-handed and left-handed person.
42. Be aware that shell stone or a porous material in the bathroom will be stained forever if a bottle of makeup, lotion, or nail polish spills.
43. Work with the stone installer to determine where the cuts in stone will be made. The illustration on page 239 (top) shows options for centering shower and tub fixtures on tiles, and what to avoid. Bathtub Stone Cut Options (page 239) shows three ways you can choose to have stone cut around a tub.
44. Using polished stone or tile pieces on your bathroom floor that are larger than six inches creates a dangerous surface for slipping. In a shower, pieces no larger than four-inches square are safest. A tumbled finish or a honed finish is less slippery, and wider grout will give added traction.
45. Discuss with your architect, builder, and designer the kind of windows and window treatments that will be used in the bathroom. You may want a motorized opener, which will create special requirements, including a power source.
46. Consider if others can see in the bathroom window from outside: you don’t want to plan window treatments to cover half of your bathroom window only to discover that the neighbors can see inside from their second level.
47. Make sure the opening mechanism for the curtains, blinds, or shutters on the windows around your tub is easy to reach and you don’t have to climb into the tub to operate it.
48. If you are considering a skylight in your bathroom, think about privacy. Can someone climb onto the roof and look in?
49. Calculate the direction the sun will shine through your bathroom skylight. You do not want the sun on your perfume tray or other products on your counter.
50. Make sure any appliance, mini-refrigerator, ice maker, or wine cooler that may be stored behind a cabinet door has proper ventilation according to the appliance specifications. You don’t want to have to leave the door open to let heat from the motor escape.
51. Review the master bath floor plan and note the proximity of any appliance with a running motor to the bedrooms. Do not let someone tell you the motor will not be heard when the cabinet door is closed—the vents in the cabinet door that are necessary for heat to escape will also allow noise to escape. This means that closing the cabinet door will not stop the noise.
SHOWER WITH A DRY AREA
52. If you are using forced air for heat and floor vents, consider locating a floor vent directly under the towel bar or hook where you will be hanging your wet towel to help dry the towel more quickly.
53. If you are considering an L-shaped counter, make sure the hardware does not extend out so far that it prevents the corner drawers from fully opening. See Lower Corner Cabinet Pitfall (page 115).
54. Check that the cabinet hardware and rosette (the decorative piece behind the knob, pull, or handle) are not too large for the cabinet stile (vertical outer edge of the cabinet). See Cabinet Door Rails and Stiles (page 232). Take the actual door front or a specification sheet for the door front with you when you select your hardware.
55. With bathroom wall space being taken up by showers, medicine cabinets, windows, doors, and so on, it is not uncommon to find there is no place to hang a bar or ring for hand towels or bath towels. Alternative options are a freestanding towel holder on your bathroom counter and storing bath towels rolled up in baskets.
56. Self-closing drawer runners will keep vanity drawers tightly closed.
57. When choosing wall coverings, faux paint, and paint, select ones that will not be adversely affected by humidity from showers. Some very expensive wallpaper is made of delicate material that does not stand up well to humidity.
58. Take photos before the drywall goes in, and provide them to the trim carpenter to show where towel bars, art, and so on can be hung—this can prevent puncturing a pipe. During construction the plumber, electrician, or others may deviate from the plan, so a photo is best to record what is actually behind the wall. You don’t want to puncture a water pipe when hanging a towel bar.
TIP: When specifying the height
of your showerhead, realize there
are two different heights: the actual
height of the showerhead fixture
where water is released, and the height
of the plumbing where the shower arm
is attached. Specify either the actual
height of the showerhead extending
from the shower arm or the height
of the plumbing pipe that the
shower arm will be affixed to.
59. As you review floor plans during the architectural process, check what will be seen out of each window and door, and in each window and door. For instance, you don’t want to look into a bedroom and see the toilet if the bathroom door is open.
60. Review your bathroom doors on your floor plans, making sure the water closet, linen closet, closet, bathroom, or other doors will not collide if opened simultaneously.
61. Study your floor plans and consider how much light from the bathroom will be cast on a person in bed. You may need to relocate the bed or change the direction the bathroom door swings.
62. If you want fixed shelves in your linen closet, think about what you will store on each shelf so the heights will accommodate your needs.
63. If you live in a humid climate or if the bathroom will be used for several baths or showers per day, avoid carpet on the bathroom floor. It will continually be damp, which leads to odors and mold. An option is to add a ceiling fan.
64. If the bathroom will be used by several people, supply plenty of towel storage space and a place to hang towels to dry.
65. Avoid white tile flooring with white grout, which shows shoe marks and hair, and requires constant maintenance. White or light-colored grout will become dingy-looking.
66. Avoid oddly shaped floors that won’t let you use standard-size bath mats and rugs. Also allow room so that any door can be opened without moving your bath mat or rug out of the way.
67. To avoid towels spread all over, look for less visible areas to hang damp bath towels.
TIP: Handheld sprayers are
convenient for bathing children and
grandchildren, allow you to wash
your hair in the bathtub, and are
a great tool for cleaning the tub.
They are also handy for seniors.
The bedroom is the area of the home where you can retreat and recharge for the next day. It should be quiet and comfortable—and convenient. Does the location of the television work? Do you have adequate light to read in bed? Do you have to get up out of bed to turn on and off lights and fans? Do you have an easily accessible outlet to plug in your laptop? Is your telephone handy?
FORM TO USE
Bedroom Checklist (page 144)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
BEDROOM MISTAKES
1. Create a furniture plan when designing your bedrooms. Include the location of the television, making sure it can be seen from the bed. Provide your architect with photos and dimensions of furniture you plan to use in your bedrooms.
2. Plan window treatments so the curtain return has a place to hang when the curtains are open. (Potential mistakes include a window being too close to a side wall to fit a curtain rod or the fireplace hearth extending to the area where the curtain return hangs.)
TIP: For optimal health, the bedroom
should be totally dark when you
are sleeping, according to Dr. Mark
Houston, a specialist in antiaging,
hypertension, and internal medicine.
Darkness promotes increased
melatonin production, which can
lower blood pressure, reduce cancer
risk, improve cardiovascular function,
and slow aging. So plan ahead
for installation of window treatments
that will provide total darkness
while you sleep.
3. If there will be windows on the headboard wall, locate the windows on each side of the headboard so they won’t throw off the symmetry of the bedside tables, lamps, and headboard.
4. Be sure the headboard wall is long enough to fit the headboard and two bedside tables.
5. Check that outlets are placed in the right locations and there are enough outlets. Be sure the light switch on the wall above the bedside table is not randomly placed and does not interfere with the aesthetics. See Designing the Headboard Wall (page 100).
6. Make sure when the bedroom door to the bathroom is open, you like what you will see.
7. Count the number of individual window treatments you will open and close on a daily basis, and consider if there are too many individual windows.
8. When working with your audio/security person, pay close attention to where the security pad will be mounted on the wall. Compare it to your furniture plan. Also consider whether the lights on the pad will bother those sleeping. If it’s located on a narrow wall, make sure it is centered.
9. Make sure the path from the bedroom door to the bathroom is not an obstacle course, with benches, coffee tables, or other furniture.
10. If someone makes urgent runs to the bathroom at night, consider the location of the bed relative to the toilet and the distance he or she will travel.
11. If you will have grown children or guests visiting who stay out late, locate your master bedroom away from the driveway so that headlights and vehicle noise do not disturb you.
12. Chose a quiet room for the area located directly above your bedroom.
13. If you want a fireplace in your bedroom, consider a raised fireplace so that you can view it from the bed. If placing it on a side wall, consider placing it on the side where the person who likes more warmth sleeps.
14. If you have a four-poster bed and television in a bedroom, make sure the bedposts do not interfere with watching the television.
15. Consider if you want your bedroom ceiling fan centered in the room or centered over the bed. A four-poster bed accentuates the fact that a ceiling fan is not centered over the bed.
16. If you have a favorite side of the bed, tell your architect early in the design process. One couple always had the man on the left side of the bed, closest to the bathroom. In their new home, he has to walk around the bed to reach the bathroom.
Designing the Headboard Wall
The wall area between the side of your headboard, the side of the bedside table, and below the top of your bedside table is a perfect place to locate some outlets and switches. Not only does it take away the unsightly light switches commonly placed on the wall above the bedside table, it also is a user friendly solution for the person in bed. Headboard Wall (below) shows how these outlets can be gracefully placed behind and beside a bedside table.
HEADBOARD WALL
The outlet and light switches will need to be located in a vertical line with the top of the outlet faceplate or the top of a light switch plate three inches lower than the table top. A duplex outlet in this area will be handy for plugging in your laptop or heating pad. A fan control switch can be reached by someone lying down in bed. A light switch for the reading lights over your headboard and a light switch for the bedside table lamps are easily in reach. Bed linens protruding from the sides of the bed easily hide the outlets and switches.
A normal bedside table has three items that need to be plugged in: a lamp, a clock or clock radio, and a cordless phone base. However, a duplex outlet is usually installed, and you end up plugging in a plug extension. This may cause the bedside table to sit further out from the wall and items on your bedside table may end up falling between the table and the wall. Consider using a four-plex outlet behind the bedside table. If you have an oversized bedside table, specify that the wall outlet is placed closer to the edge of the bedside table near the headboard. This will allow you to reach the outlet more easily.
The light switch to the reading lights above the bed, to the lamps on each side of the bed, and to the ceiling fan located between the headboard and bedside table should each be a four-way switch. The switch on each side of the bed and the switch on the wall as you walk into the bedroom should all operate as a four-way switch.
Headboard and bedside table measurements will be needed when the electrician wires the bedrooms for the outlets and light switches.
If you use a landline for your telephone, have a telephone jack installed near each bedside table in the master bedroom. This will allow the telephone to be placed on either side of the bed or you can have two telephones, one on each bedside table.
If you will have windows on each side of the headboard, give special attention to the placement of those windows. Note the size of the headboard that will be placed between the windows, the placement of bedside tables in relation to the windows, and how window treatments will interact with bedside tables. You can see common pitfalls in window placement in the illustrations on page 101. In the left illustration, a window is placed behind the right bedside table only, so when the bedside tables are aligned horizontally, a large space is left behind the left bedside table—this can become a magnet for dropped objects such as eyeglasses and magazines. In the right illustration, windows are behind both bedside tables, but the headboard cannot fit between them, so it cannot fit flat against the wall.
The room behind or above the headboard wall should not be a kitchen, media room, laundry, staircase, or other room with a lot of noise.
BEDROOM WINDOW
PLACEMENT PITFALL
HEADBOARD OVERLAPPING
WINDOWS PITFALL
The bedroom closet should accommodate all your shoes, clothing, accessories, and other closet items. The more organized the space is for your belongings, the less time you will spend hunting for that perfect accessory or pair of shoes. Taking an inventory of your wardrobe and accessories is the only way to ensure you will have a place for everything—so the checklist is very extensive, covering every item you might want to store in this closet.
FORMS TO USE
Bedroom Closet Checklist (page 144)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON BEDROOM
CLOSET MISTAKES
1. If one of you wears a size 46 or larger suit coat or jacket, install the hanging bar an inch further from the wall to ensure an oversized hanger will fit.
2. If one of you wears a tall shirt, suit, or jacket, measure the length of these and mount any double tier hanging bars far enough apart to accommodate.
3. If one of you wears shoes larger than a size 12, plan for extra length to accommodate the shoes.
4. If one of you is petite, discuss what standard measurements need to be adjusted, such as height of hanging bars, height of built-in drawers, and so on.
5. Create a list of all items that will need an outlet in the closet, such as a pants press, shoe buffer, and a clothes steamer. Discuss with your architect the location of these items.
6. Discuss with your architect how many hooks you will need for jackets or gently worn clothing.
7. Consider a motion sensor light that turns the closet light on and off as you enter and exit.
8. Tell your architect if you want a chair or other seating area in your closet.
9. A full-length mirror is a must either in the closet or bathroom. If you have space, consider a three-panel mirror that allows you to view yourself from behind.
10. Avoid fluorescent lighting in your closet, which distorts the true color of clothing.
11. Plan placement of a trash can so that you are not tripping on it.
12. Plan for dirty clothes storage whether in the closet or in the bathroom.
13. Telescoping rods are great for hanging clothing from the dry cleaner or for hanging clothing for packing.
14. If you are a frequent traveler, a packing area is a useful addition to a custom closet.
15. Placing the HVAC floor vent directly under an area in your closet to hang sweaty workout clothes or a wet swimsuit allows the forced air to help dry the items.
16. Whether your obsession is shoes, baseball caps, or ties, take an inventory and plan adequate storage space.
17. Skylights may fade clothes or other closet items. Discuss options to prevent direct sunlight.
As you design your breakfast room, first decide where you want your family to eat: at a table or a counter? Today’s world has fewer and fewer traditional breakfast rooms and more breakfast areas. The breakfast area might be a nook near the kitchen with a breakfast table and chairs, an area with built-in upholstered benches (banquette seating), or a kitchen counter where the family gathers to enjoy meals. Other lifestyle questions to consider: Do you need a breakfast table for informal dinner parties? Will you use your laptop computer at the table? Will your children sit there to study?
FORMS TO USE
Breakfast Room Checklist (page 152)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON BREAKFAST
ROOM MISTAKES
1. Create an exact furniture plan before chandeliers and sconces are hung. A buffet on the wall at the head of the table will shift the table inward, causing a chandelier hung in the center of the room to be off centered in relationship to the breakfast table. See Chandelier Placement Pitfall (page 105).
2. Work closely with your architect, builder, designer, and the HVAC subcontractor when placing HVAC vents. Consider furniture placement, curtains, rugs, and where people will be sitting.
3. Include the fringe of the rug when measuring the rug size for the room.
4. Discuss the direction of the sun during the meal hours when planning the location of the breakfast room windows and skylights. You don’t want to have to wear sunglasses to eat breakfast.
5. Discuss the window treatment you plan to install with your architect and interior designer. If you have a banquette seating area, a motorized window shade might be the best option.
A butler’s pantry can serve three main purposes: an area between the kitchen and dining room used to serve meals and remove the dirty dishes; an area to store dishes, crystal, flatware, table linens, and so forth; and a bar. Your vision for the use of the butler’s pantry is a lifestyle decision. Factors determining the size and shape of your butler’s pantry include how many dishes, crystal pieces, and so on you have; how much entertaining you plan to do; and if the butler’s pantry will be a bar.
FORMS TO USE
Butler’s Pantry Checklist (page 153)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON BUTLER’S
PANTRY MISTAKES
1. Determine what you will be plugging into an outlet when entertaining. Have an adequate number of outlets, located where you need them.
2. Make the top drawer an inch deeper inside than standard to prevent serving utensils from jamming when opening the drawer.
3. Plan serving tray storage by counting your trays and measuring the size, including handles and feet. Vertical storage is a popular choice. If you are storing silver trays, consider lining the storage area with silver cloth.
4. Plan stemware storage: measure the heights and the diameter of each piece so that you can determine how many will fit on a shelf and how many shelves you will need.
5. Measure the diameter of your dinner plates and let your architect and builder know the size. Make sure these measures are called out on your architectural plans.
6. If you own chargers (large decorative plates used under regular dinner plates), decide where you want them stored. Measure the diameter and tell your architect and builder so the shelf depth will be adequate.
7. Measure and inventory your serving pieces, making sure you have a place to store each piece.
8. Specify if you want a custom-designed drawer for your silver flatware and silver serving pieces. You can specify dividers within the drawers, and the drawers can be lined with silver cloth.
9. Measure the height of the coffeemaker you would use at a party, a large plate or tray you might store on a plate stand, or any other items that would be placed on your butler’s pantry counter. Make sure your architect indicates on the plans the measurement you will need between the counter and the bottom of the upper cabinets so these items will properly fit.
10. If you will use a built-in trash can in the butler’s pantry, make sure this is called out on the architectural plans. If you are using a freestanding can, make sure it has an open space to stand.
11. If you want locks on any of the china, silver, or crystal drawers or cabinets, have your architect note these on the architectural plans.
TIP: If the butler’s pantry counter is
deeper than the standard 24 inches, it
will create a domino effect on any appliances
under that counter. For appliances
to be flush with the cabinet doors, your
cabinetmaker will have to take into
account the added depth.
Control rooms are usually found in homes with sophisticated electronic control systems, which are used to operate everything from curtains, gas fireplaces, and lighting to HVAC and radiant heat systems. The components are mostly computer run, with one system that sets lighting, another that operates window curtains or shades, and another to turn on gas fireplaces. This sophisticated equipment needs to be kept at a certain temperature and humidity, and cannot be kept in the same room as the furnace.
Meet with the representative of each system you are buying, your architect, and your builder to design and decide the location for the systems in your control room. Each system has specific requirements that the architect and builder need to fully understand and plan for during the design process. Some of these specifications may be temperature, humidity, ventilation, fireproofing, and electrical power sources.
FORMS TO USE
Control Room Checklist (page 155)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON CONTROL
ROOM MISTAKES
1. Provide your architect and builder with a specifications fact sheet for all control systems so they will know the temperature, humidity, ventilation, and electrical power requirements.
Will your dining room have more than one table, will the table be round or rectangular, and what other furniture will you use in your dining room? The table dimension illustrations (right, and page 105, left) show table size choices, and how many people each table size will seat. These and other questions in the checklist will help your architect know how to design this room.
FORMS TO USE
Dining Room Checklist (page 156)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
DINING ROOM MISTAKES
1. Before architectural plans are drawn, tell your architect the size and shape of your dining room table. This will guide your architect in designing the size and shape of the dining room.
2. Know the dimensions of your dining room rug before the initial floor plans are drawn so the room can be sized to fit your rug. (If you are having a custom rug made, this is not an issue.) Be sure to include the fringe.
SQUARE AND ROUND TABLE DIMENSIONS
3. Before the initial floor plans are drawn, give your architect photographs of any mirror, portrait, tapestry, and piece of art you will want hung in your dining room, with dimensions written on the back.
TIP: A fireplace in a dining room is
lovely, but anyone seated near it
may be ncomfortably warm during
a dinner party. Even if you have
gas logs that you turn off before
you sit for dinner, the heat continues
for a while. Try to locate a fireplace
within your dining room so that it
does not affect those seated for dinner.
4. Have a furniture plan before locating the chandelier or other lighting in the dining room. The center of the room is not always the center of the dining room table, as you can see in the illustration, Chandelier Placement Pitfall (above, right). If a pair of doors will lead into the dining room, you may not be able to center the chandelier between the doors as well as on the table. A furniture plan will help you make these decisions.
RECTANGULAR TABLE DIMENSIONS
5. Using the furniture plan as a guide, allow a minimum of 42 inches behind each dining chair to allow adequate space for a person to pass when someone is seated.
6. Discuss your furniture plan with your architect so that HVAC vents will not be placed where furniture will block air flow.
7. Make sure floor vents are not in the way of a rug.
CHANDELIER PLACEMENT PITFALL
8. Review your HVAC plans to make sure no floor vents are designated to go near windows that will cause your curtains to blow.
TIP: Having more than one entrance to
a dining room will enhance the flow of
guests at a party. If there is only one
way in and out of the dining room,
human traffic jams tend to occur.
The shape and topography (the physical and natural features) of your property will greatly affect your driveway options. You’ll also want to decide if you want a gate and call box, if you need a single or wider driveway, and where people will park.
FORMS TO USE
Driveway Checklist (page 157)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
DRIVEWAY MISTAKES
1. The gate to a driveway should be far enough off the street to allow a vehicle pulling a trailer to clear the street when stopping at the call box.
2. The call box for visitors should be easily accessible to the vehicle driver while sitting in the vehicle.
3. Make sure the electronic gate you choose can withstand the number of openings and closings it will receive day after day. If not, you will continually have maintenance issues.
4. Plan for household occupant parking, household employee parking, and visitor parking.
5. A porte cochere should be wide enough for two vehicles or the driveway should go around the porte cochere so cars don’t get blocked in.
6. If you will have many vehicles in and out of your driveway on a given day, a single car driveway may not be adequate.
7. Plan where you will place trash cans for garbage pickup. Contact your Homeowner Association and municipality to find out what options you have.
8. Read your covenants and bylaws of the HOA to learn any mailbox requirements. Visit your local post office and find out rules for mail delivery in your area.
9. Avoid having your view obstructed by a driveway with cars parked in front of your home. Sometimes it makes sense to have parking along the side of the house.
10. Depending on the length of your driveway and sidewalks, place PVC pipe sleeves before the concrete is poured. This will allow you to run wires or pipes under the driveway for things such as sprinkler systems and invisible dog fences if you want them later.
11. Locate your driveway so that routine delivery trucks or fire trucks will not strike limbs when passing under trees.
12. Curbs need to be low enough so that cars can pass over them without striking the bottom of the car.
13. Plan for the location of electric meters, water meters, and natural gas meters if you plan to have a gate on your driveway and a secured yard. Be sure they are aesthetically placed.
14. Not all driveways give access to your back yard. Identify any large items for your backyard that need to be placed before building your home, such as hot tub, large boulders used in landscaping, and large transplanted trees.
TIP: Visit your local post office to
find out what options you have for
mail delivery. Some delivery routes
require mailboxes on the street.
Other routes allow mail to be delivered
through a mail drop on the door.
The entry foyer gives your guests the second impression of your home, after they have viewed the front of your home as they are approaching the front door. The entry foyer should be warm and inviting. A chair in the entry foyer is nice in case a guest needs to sit down. It is convenient to have a chest or table near the front door to set down deliveries while signing for them.
The size and shape of your entry foyer is a personal decision. Some are large and formal while others are small and informal. Some run toward the back of the home, others run side-to-side. Some are located at one end of the home; others are located in the center of the home. The location of the entry foyer will evolve as the design of your home is determined. If you have a particular vision for your entry foyer, share that with your architect.
If you entertain large groups, a spacious entry foyer will accommodate many guests arriving or departing at once. Also a spacious entry foyer with many rooms flowing from it allows guests to flow from one room to another without a human traffic jam.
The coat closet is an important element. Having an ample-size closet to hold guests’ coats sets a nice tone for your home. A good rule of thumb is that your coat closet should hold as many coats as you can seat guests at your dining room table. Obviously, the climate where you live will influence how often you use your coat closet.
A luxurious option for your entry foyer is a fireplace welcoming your guests into your home on a frigid night.
FORMS TO USE
Entry Foyer Checklist (page 158)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
ENTRY FOYER MISTAKES
1. Create a furniture plan for the entry foyer and share this with your architect. Make sure a fully opened door does not bump furniture.
2. If you plan to have double doors, pay close attention to the width of the doors. Generally with double doors, you open only one of the doors on a daily basis.
3. It is lovely to walk into a home and instantly hear music. Consider having stereo speakers in your entry foyer.
4. Once framing is in place and you have a furniture plan, decide the exact locations of the security pads, light switches, outlets, HVAC vents, chandeliers, and sconces. Take into account the addition of crown molding, cornices on windows and other decorating or construction parts that may affect centering items.
5. Depending on the location of the coat closet, consider putting your security pad and speaker volume control inside the closet. Generally, the front door is not the door you use to enter and exit your home. On the occasions when you do, you can turn the alarm on or off from inside the coat closet. It’s also nice to adjust the individual volume control for the entry foyer speakers from inside the coat closet. This keeps unattractive items from cluttering the walls.
The Hallways of Your Home
Plan for ample-sized hallways in your home. Standard hallways measure 3 feet 6 inches to 4 feet 3 inches in width. A hallway less than 4 feet wide creates the feeling of being in a maze. A wider hallway evokes a feeling of expansiveness and allows for the placement of a narrow chest or table. When visiting friends’ homes, measure the width of their hallways to get an idea of the width that feels best for you.
6. Any glass panels near exterior doors need to be countered by security measures such as a glass-break sensor with an alarm or decorative iron over the glass, so that a burglar cannot break the glass, reach in, and unlock the door.
7. When in doubt, go larger with your coat closet.
8. For convenience, install a three-way light switch in a convenient location so you can easily turn off foyer or outside lights without having to walk to the front door every evening before bed.
9. The stairstep depth and the riser height ratio should be standard and consistent on all steps. If they are not, people going up and down your stairs will have an awkward gait. Also, if the depth of each step is too shallow, the toes of shoes will leave marks on the risers.
10. If the landing before the first step down a staircase does not extend out from the railing, when you walk by the area, your peripheral vision gives you a feeling that you are about to fall down the steps.
Your approach to the design of your exercise room revolves around the amount of equipment and the weight and size of the equipment you will use. Another factor is whether this room may be converted into a bedroom at a later date. An exercise room can be simple with a single cardio machine or an elaborate one that resembles the local fitness center. You’ll want to consider your needs carefully to create the exercise room that fits your lifestyle.
FORMS TO USE
Exercise Room Checklist (page 159)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON EXERCISE
ROOM MISTAKES
1. Meet with experts and your trainer, if you have one, to design a floor plan for your exercise/ fitness room. Give this to your architect at the beginning of your design process.
2. For all equipment, request specification sheets indicating the dimensions, weight, electrical specifications, and placement requirements. Record this information on, or attach it to, the Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet for the exercise room.
TIP: Be aware of the noise and
vibration generated by exercise
equipment. Ask your architect to specify
additional sound and vibration
insulation. Also, when reviewing your
floor plans, identify any rooms that might
be affected by the noise or vibrations
and discuss this with your architect.
3. Specify on the floor plans and the framing plans where reinforcement is needed for hanging exercise equipment from the ceiling or wall (such as a punching bag, chin-up bar, or ballet bar) and for placing heavy equipment on the floor. Sometimes the floor needs to be reinforced to handle the weight load.
4. Determine the size of your stretching area by the number of people who will be using the area to stretch at the same time.
5. Determine the size and height of a jump rope area. Will more than one person jump rope at the same time?
6. Once there is an equipment floor plan showing equipment in place, identify which pieces need an outlet.
TIP: Natural light increases your
training drive, according to Charles
Poliquin, a strength coach to Olympic
and professional athletes. He suggests
you allow as much natural light as
possible in your exercise room,
whether from windows or skylights.
7. Let your architect know if you want a closet, built-in cabinets, open shelves, or a piece of furniture to store all small exercise equipment.
8. If the exercise room gets western sun and you tend to work out in the late afternoon, extra AC ventilation may be needed to keep it cool.
9. Carefully position wall sconces or can lights so that light will not shine directly into your eyes when you are on your back using equipment or stretching.
10. If you will have massages in this room, plan where the table will be set up and, if you own the table, where you will store it.
11. Discuss with your architect proper ventilation or an air purifier system for the room, especially in a humid climate.
12. If a treadmill is positioned with the back of the treadmill close to the wall, if the user missteps, he or she could be thrown into the wall and injured.
13. If you plan to watch television while using exercise equipment, make sure that the noise from the equipment will not overpower the sound from the television. Consider purchasing equipment that comes with an attached television monitor and headphone jack. If you choose this option, determine where the machine will be placed in your exercise room so that the cable or DirecTV connector and electrical outlets will be properly located.
14. Too much glare and direct sunlight from windows and skylights can be an annoyance when working out. Discuss types of window treatments that will maximize sunlight but cut the glare. And if you use a television or DVD player, position it so that sunlight won’t obscure the screen.
15. Allow for an extra room for the addition of new equipment.
Some front doors are located on the front of the house; others are on the side; still others require you to walk through a courtyard. Some have steps leading up or down. Perhaps you have to cross a bridge to reach the entrance, or maybe a screened-in front porch, an open porch, or a covered walkway area. Often the style of the home you want dictates or influences the exterior front entry to your home.
FORMS TO USE
Exterior Front Entry Checklist (page 160)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON EXTERIOR
FRONT ENTRY MISTAKES
1. Every front door should have some sort of covering to protect guests from rain, even if it is a deep doorjamb area. This will also protect the front door and reduce door maintenance.
2. If your home has a circular driveway and a porte cochere in the front of a home, the driveway should be wide enough for two vehicles or you should have an alternative driveway around the porte cochere so vehicles will not get blocked in.
3. If your family has many vehicles or you expect many visitors to your home, consider making the entire driveway wide enough for two cars to prevent cars from being blocked in.
4. Give your architect photos of tables, benches, chairs, or other furniture you want to use at your front door, with dimensions written on the photo.
5. If you will use planters at your front door, measure and photograph them and share this information with your architect. If you are shopping for planters, take the floor plans with you so that you can make sure they will fit the desired area.
6. Plan a faucet near every porch or entry way, aesthetically placed, so the area can be hosed off and plants can be watered.
7. If you plan to use a drip system for planters, discuss this with the architect so that it can be part of the plumbing and architectural plans.
8. An outlet or outlets should be aesthetically placed near the front door for lighted Christmas decorations. You will also need an outlet for your blower, electric hedge trimmers, electric edger, and other equipment.
9. Consider the age of most of your guests and home occupants. If they will not be able to maneuver steps or if they use a wheelchair, have an alternative way to enter your home.
10. If you plan to use gas lanterns, inform your architect. Once you receive your plans, make sure that is noted on the plumbing plans.
The family room may also be called the den, the keeping room, or the gathering room. The size and location in your home are two of the most important decisions to make.
FORMS TO USE
Family Room Checklist (page 161)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON FAMILY
ROOM MISTAKES
1. If the ceiling joists are installed perpendicular instead of parallel to the drop-down screen of your television, the screen will not retract. Meet with your communications expert and architect to identify any specific framing needs.
2. If you plan to have a television in your family room that will be seen by those in the kitchen and breakfast room, discuss the location of the television with your communications expert and architect.
3. Make sure when reviewing electrical plans that the outlet and the television cable, DirecTV connector, or satellite connector are in the correct location.
4. Spend time designing your built-in bookcase, noting any outlets or television connections. You may need additional outlets for a lamp or clock.
5. Confirm that the dimensions shown on the elevation plans for a television in the bookcase are correct.
6. Make sure the floor outlets are correctly located on the electrical plans and the outlet is connected to a conveniently located light switch.
7. Review the electrical plan and make sure outlets that connect to light switches are shown.
8. Review the furniture plan with your architect and look for any furniture that may be bumped by a door.
9. Make sure the rug you plan to use will fit the room. Provide the dimensions, including the fringe. Do not forget about the baseboard and shoe mold measurement.
10. Review the furniture plan and check that outlets, chandeliers, sconces, light switches, vents, and speakers are shown in the correct location.
11. When reviewing the furniture plans, make sure floor or baseboard vents will not interfere with furniture placement or your rug, and that when the air is flowing, the curtains will not blow or balloon out.
SIZING ART FOR SPACE ABOVE MANTEL
12. Discuss window treatment designs with your architect and interior designer to find out if what you want will work. Pay particular attention to the curtain return when curtains are open.
13. Provide measurements of items you plan to display on your bookcases to ensure they will fit. Include an inventory of books and book measurements.
14. If you plan to mount a flat-screen television over the mantel, find out the suggested maximum height for viewing.
15. If you have a family portrait or piece of art you want to hang above the mantel, measure it carefully so that enough space is allowed between the top of the mantel and the crown molding. (See illustration above.)
The number one question to ask yourself about your garage is what you will store there. Although garages are predominantly used for vehicles, without careful planning, hobbies, collectibles, and plain old junk may end up in the garage, with the vehicles parked outside.
FORMS TO USE
Garage Checklist (page 162)
Garage Vehicle Checklist (page 164)
Garage Item Storage Checklist (page 165)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
GARAGE MISTAKES
1. Based on the sizes of the vehicles you drive, plan a garage door opening wide enough to avoid knocking off side mirrors.
2. For aesthetic purposes, even if you have different size vehicles, keep all garage doors the same size.
3. If you keep a storage or other rack on top of your car, select a taller garage door to avoid damaging the item you’re carrying or damaging the garage if you forget about the rack.
TIP: Many security companies advise
limiting the number of doors entering
your home. If you can enter your home
from the garage, they often advise against
having an exterior door in the garage.
However, if any of your family members
frequently leaves the house through the
garage, it will be inconvenient to open
and close the garage door each time. An
exterior door would be a better solution.
4. If you add columns outside your garage door, allow adequate space to back out before the driver turns the steering wheel to avoid the front corners of the vehicle striking the column.
5. If you do not want someone to be able to look through a window and see if your vehicle is parked in the garage, avoid windows on your garage door or garage walls. Make sure any windows are high enough to prevent someone from seeing through them, or install a window covering.
6. If you live in a cold climate, having a hot/cold faucet in the garage is an inexpensive luxury; be sure faucets are installed away from vehicle doors and do not block the area you use to walk around your vehicles.
TIP: For a basketball goal in the
garage area, make sure the glass
windows on your garage door or
any window on your garage will
not be in harm’s way.
7. The drains in the garage floor must be lower than the garage floor. If you have grooves cut to the drain, make sure the drain is lower than the grooves.
8. If you plan on storing your trash and recycle bins in your garage, give your architect the dimensions and number of trash and recycle cans.
9. If you will have more than one door from the garage into your home, you will want buttons to operate the garage door at each location.
10. Decide the order of the garage door opening buttons that are placed on the wall by the door leading into your home, and tell your architect and builder. When the garage doors are being installed, discuss the order with the installer.
11. If you have large parties, consider adding a couple of 220V outlets in the garage for the caterers to use for their ovens.
Your lifestyle will dictate many of the choices you make involving your kitchen. Are you a gourmet cook or do you rarely cook? Do you entertain often or do you rarely have visitors in your home?
Designing Your Kitchen and Pantry
When designing the layout of your kitchen, kitchen pantry, and butler’s pantry, use the Kitchen Item Storage Checklist (page 177) to help you identify the items you will need to store. Once you have checked the items, decide if you want them stored in the kitchen, the pantry, or the butler’s pantry. On the checklist, fill in the preferred storage location (kitchen, kitchen pantry, butler’s pantry, or other). Next fill in the precise storage location.
Possibilities for precise storage are cabinets above the counter, cabinets below the counter, drawers below the counter, on top of the counter, on top of the island, cabinets below the island, drawers below the island, on a pot rack, drawers under the counter, and open shelves above the upper cabinets. With this information in hand, you can sketch where you want drawers and cabinets and note what you want stored in each. Measure the height of the largest item you plan to store in the drawer so you can specify the interior height of drawers.
The Kitchen Cabinet Layout Checklist (page 171) is a great tool for determining the design of your kitchen cabinets. This checklist will help clarify where you want drawers and where you want cabinet doors. Additionally, it will help you determine what goes where in your kitchen and plan the layout of your kitchen cabinets.
The Kitchen Island Checklist (page 174) focuses on how you plan to use your island, the components that will be part of the island, and the many shapes for kitchen islands. The Kitchen Appliance Checklist (page 175) lists potential appliances found in a kitchen, and the Kitchen Plumbing Checklist (page 176) lists potential plumbing fixtures found in a kitchen. Check any that apply.
FORMS TO USE
Kitchen Checklist (page 169)
Kitchen Cabinet Layout Checklist (page 171)
Kitchen Island Checklist (page 174)
Kitchen Appliance Checklist (page 175)
Kitchen Plumbing Checklist (page 176)
Kitchen Item Storage Checklist (page 177)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
KITCHEN MISTAKES
1. Create a work triangle in the kitchen between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. This does not have to be a perfectly shaped triangle, but avoid having one of these appliances on opposite sides of the island. The triangular relationship between these three areas will create a functioning kitchen.
2. Do not place an ice maker or an under-counter beverage refrigerator within the kitchen triangle, because someone getting ice or a beverage will interfere with meal preparation.
3. Avoid having a wall or short wall next to the refrigerator or freezer that will prevent the door from opening a full 180 degrees to allow removal of shelves or drawers for cleaning.
4. Choose a refrigerator or ice maker that makes the type or shape of ice you desire.
5. If you have a large family or often have house guests, consider two microwaves.
6. Pay attention to the height specified for a microwave on your elevation plan. It is difficult to read the controls on microwaves located below the counter and bending over may be difficult for seniors or those with back issues. Microwaves installed too high can be dangerous when removing hot items.
7. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications regarding the height of wall ovens. If a wall oven is too high, you may burn your arm when removing hot dishes. If it is installed too low, you will find yourself stooping to check the item in the oven and to remove it. Heights vary depending on the size oven you select.
8. Early in the design process, tell your architect what size wall oven you want. Consider the size of your cookie sheet, pizza stone, and other baking items when deciding the size. Realizing you want a larger oven later in the design process may involve redesign of your kitchen, which will be expensive and could delay your job.
9. Early in the design process, determine the number of burners you want on your range or stove top. Again, adding a larger range or stove top later in the process can get complicated.
10. If you have a preference as to which side of the sink the dishwasher should be placed on, tell your architect early in the design process.
11. If you want two sinks, one larger than the other, when ordering you can specify whether the larger sink is on the right or left side, and whether the disposal is on the smaller sink or the larger sink.
12. A too shallow sink and a faucet spout placed too high will cause water to splash out of the sink.
13. If you will have a vegetable sink in your kitchen, it makes sense to have a vegetable refrigerator drawer next to it.
14. Some farmhouse sinks are designed with the front edge of the sink lower than the kitchen counter. When washing dishes, you are more likely to get splashed.
15. With a self-rimming sink or an under-mounted sink, allow adequate space in front of the backsplash for cleaning. (Refer back to Faucet/ Backsplash Relationship, page 94.)
16. When specifying the location of a pot filler faucet, consider the height of the pot you will be filling. The faucet should clear the top of the pot so you don’t have to tilt the pot to fit it under the faucet.
POT FILLER PLACEMENT OVER COOKTOP
17. For aesthetic purposes, the faucet should be centered at the grout line and/or centered on the tile. See Pot Filler Faucet Placement over Cooktop (page 113).
TIP: In a double sink, place the
disposal in the sink closest to the dishwasher
so you can load the dishwasher
without getting both sinks dirty.
18. Select a disposal with enough horsepower to handle the amount of waste your family generates.
19. Specify on the architectural plans how to turn on your disposal: a switch on the wall or in the cabinet below, a push button on the counter or rim of the sink, or manually for a batch feed disposal. Make sure your preference is specified on the architectural plans.
20. A large kitchen should have two areas for garbage. Locate a trash compactor, trash bin, or compost container next to or near the sink for convenience when scraping plates or preparing food. A large kitchen should have two areas for garbage.
21. If possible, a warming drawer should be located in the vicinity of the breakfast area or dining table.
22. Do not position appliances where the doors will collide if both are open at the same time, as illustrated in Appliance Door Collision Pitfall (right).
23. Discuss the height of family members with your architect when positioning exhaust fan hoods. It is extremely painful to hit your head on the corner of an exhaust fan hood.
24. It is more convenient if everyday dishes, glasses, and flatware are stored near your dishwasher.
25. If you raise the height of the kitchen counters, you will need to raise the height of the upper cabinets so that standard size items such as a blender or canister set will fit between the bottom of the upper cabinet and the counter. You also want to be able to comfortably reach items in the higher upper cabinets.
26. The top of your upper cabinets can go to the ceiling, stop short of the ceiling to create an open area between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, or go to a furdown, a finished structure above kitchen cabinets. If you have decorative accessories you want displayed above the cabinets, measure those items and specify the amount of open space needed.
27. Take a cookbook inventory so you will have enough shelf space to accommodate your cookbooks. Also measure the various sizes.
28. To prevent kitchen utensil drawers from jamming, request that the inside depth of the top drawers throughout the kitchen be one-fourth to half an inch deeper than standard measurements.
29. The minimum distance between a kitchen counter and an island, when two appliances are opposite each other, is 48 inches.
30. Vertical tray storage is a great way to store trays, large cutting boards, a pizza stone, a pizza paddle, and barbecue boards. Measure the size and count the number of items you plan to store in a vertical tray storage cabinet. Be generous with space as they fill up quickly.
APPLIANCE DOOR COLLISION PITFALL
TIP: In many cases, the standard
measurements for kitchen cabinets have
not caught up with the trend toward
oversized dinner plates. To avoid having
cabinet doors that will not fully close,
take the time to measure your plates
and give those measurements to
your architect or
cabinetmaker.
31. Avoid storing heavy items such as pots, pans, and dishes in a very wide, very deep drawer. The weight can put too much strain the drawer glides, eventually causing a malfunction. It is better to have two medium-sized drawers than one extremely large one.
32. To operate a pull-out shelf in a lower cabinet, both cabinet doors need to be fully open. The inside of the cabinet doors will end up with scratches and grooves in the door from trying to pull the shelf out without fully opening the cabinet door. Drawers are a better solution.
33. If you have two counters meeting in a corner, a drawer or dishwasher will not open fully if it is blocked by large hardware on another drawer or an oven door handle. It also may not open fully if the stiles, the vertical part of the cabinet, are not wide enough or if an appliance sticks out. Lower Corner Cabinet Pitfall (above, right) shows a drawer that will not open because a dishwasher extends too far.
34. The direction of the door swing on cabinets needs special attention. A cabinet door that opens in the wrong direction will cause great frustration.
35. Having a toe kick on the island will make standing at the island more comfortable.
36. For practical purposes, it is best not to run the counter between two sinks. Although having the counter run between double or triple sinks looks great, it is normal to move a running faucet between the two sinks, which would cause the water to run off the counter and onto the person at the sink. The sink divider should be lower than the counter. See Kitchen Sink Divider Pitfall (page 116).
LOWER CORNER CABINET PITFALL
37. Dark granite counters look beautiful when perfectly clean. However, keeping a darker counter streakless will involve additional maintenance. Lighter-colored granite requires less maintenance.
38. If cooking with natural gas is important, make sure that natural gas is available where you will build your home.
39. If you have a window over your kitchen sink and will use shutters for window treatments, make sure the space between the windowsill and the height of the kitchen faucet will allow the shutter to open.
40. Select a floor color that does not show every crumb or every scuff mark.
41. Avoid light-colored grout on the floors, which will look dingy over time.
42. Instead of cluttering your backsplash and island with exposed outlets, consider a strip of outlets under the bottom of the upper cabinets and under the overhang of the top of the island. Make sure this will pass code inspection for your area.
KITCHEN SINK DIVIDER PITFALL
43. A halogen strip or puck lights gives a more pleasing light than fluorescent lights for under-cabinet lighting.
44. Specify that all under-cabinet lights be connected and turned on by a light switch. Having to reach under each cabinet to turn on lights individually is frustrating.
45. If you are having an open shelf above the upper cabinets, adding halogen strips adds a wonderful lighting touch.
46. Indicate on the architectural plans if you have a recessed can light you want centered over the sink or over the island, so you will avoid ending up with a joist, sprinkler pipe, sprinkler head, or HVAC vent or equipment that will prevent it from being centered.
TIP: If kitchen counters are too high,
the appliances may end up lower than
the counter height, as the height
range for appliances is limited.
47. Make sure the kitchen light switches will be aesthetically placed. Identify the lights you want attached to the same gang plate, those switches that need to be three- or four-way, the order of a gang of switches, and the ones that need dimmers.
48. Avoid having light switches in too many locations.
49. You may want a light over the kitchen sink on a separate switch if you like to leave it on at night.
50. Have a broom closet near the kitchen.
TIP: I recommend a toe kick of 4 to 4 
inches. If you will have drawers as part of
your toe kick, that will dictate the height.
A vent in the toe kick area will also affect
the height. Some cabinets are designed
to look like furniture, and the toe kick
area will be determined by that design.
The kitchen pantry can be a large room, a walk-in closet, or a part of the kitchen cabinets. Which use is best for you? Will it be used solely for food and dry goods? Will it double as your broom closet? Will you store your small appliances on the shelves? Will you store serving pieces on the shelves? Will you store large bags of dog food?
FORMS TO USE
Kitchen Pantry Checklist (page 182)
Kitchen Item Storage Checklist (page 177)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON KITCHEN
PANTRY MISTAKES
1. Request adjustable shelves to give storage flexibility.
2. Have some shelves deep enough for a case of water or soda, or other case item.
3. Request that your pantry shelves have a center support every three feet to prevent sagging in the middle.
4. For a window or skylight in your pantry, plan a window treatment to prevent sunlight from shining directly on food items.
5. Decide where you want to store your mop, broom, and so on. If it’s in the pantry, make sure the specific location is spelled out on your floor plans.
6. Have a designated place for all items you plan to store in your pantry. Refer to the Kitchen Item Storage Checklist (page 177).
7. Request a couple of outlets in the wall behind the shelves to plug in items that need charging such as a handheld vacuum, screwdriver, and flashlight.
8. If you use a water dispenser, designate an area on the floor and an outlet for the power source.
9. For aesthetic reasons, try to avoid fluorescent lights in walk-in pantries.
10. If larger cabinet doors in your kitchen will serve as your pantry, plan a recessed can light near the cabinet doors to illuminate the items inside.
The main decisions to make regarding the design of your laundry room include the size, location in your home, whether you want a crafts or sewing section in the room, and how many laundry rooms and washing machines and dryers you will have.
FORMS TO USE
Laundry Room Checklist (page 184)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON LAUNDRY
ROOM MISTAKES
1. Plan the location of washer and dryer outlets so the plug will reach the outlet.
2. Dryers have either three-prong or four-prong plugs; make sure the planned outlets are compatible with the one on your dryer. You may need to change the plug on your washer or dryer.
3. Take your floor plans with you if you are buying a new washer and dryer to ensure that the direction of the door swing is correct.
4. Mounting the washer and dryer outlets on the wall just under the top of the unit makes it easier to unplug them than reaching down to the standard location.
5. Check the architectural plans for the width and height of the laundry room doorway to make sure the opening will accommodate the units. In particular, clearing the doorway when stacking a washer and dryer in a small laundry closet can be problematic.
6. The dryer vent should be located on the wall directly behind the dryer, not on a side wall, where the vent hose would prevent the dryer from being pushed back against the wall.
7. If you use a dryer vent box in the wall behind the dryer so the dryer will fit snugly against the back wall, it must line up exactly with the vent on the dryer.
8. For side-by-side washer and dryers, add a shelf 8 to 12 inches deep just above the back of the washer and dryer to hold oversized laundry detergents with spouts. The shelf surface can be made of the same material as your laundry room counters.
9. Allow an adequate area to work when folding clothes or doing projects.
10. Make sure any cabinets over the washer and dryer do not extend out so far that you could hit your head on them.
11. Specify that the cabinet shelves are adjustable. With so many different sizes of laundry products on the market, having the flexibility of adjusting the shelf height is invaluable.
12. Plan an oversized drawer, to store cleaning rags and towels.
TIP: If you will use your laundry room
for caterers when entertaining,
consider a disposal on your sink.
However, if you will pour dirty mop
bucket water down that sink, or use it
for flower arranging or cleaning muddy
boots, a disposal isn’t a good idea.
13. If storing your mop inside a broom closet, consider having the closet lined with a waterproof surface so a damp mop does not damage the interior of the closet.
14. If you have a dog or participate in activities that require hosing off, a tiled area with a drain and faucet with sprayer in the laundry room will be a lifesaver.
15. The ease of filling a mop bucket in the laundry room sink is determined by the depth of the sink and the shape of the faucet. A large, deep, single sink with a swivel faucet and sprayer are great choices.
16. A spray nozzle comes in handy. For a tiled shower area for bathing the dog and rinsing items, consider locating it near the sink so that a wall-mounted handheld shower can serve both areas. Another option is a commercial high-pressure sprayer.
TIP: If you will have front-load washers
and dryers on a pedestal base or a
stackable washer and dryer, tell your
architect, builder, and cabinetmaker—
the height of those appliances will
affect the height of the upper cabinets.
17. In a tiled area, install a hanging bar so you can air dry items. Additionally, you can hang ironed items on the bar.
18. A drain in the floor under the washing machine will prevent flooding should the washer malfunction or hoses break.
19. Specify 220 volt plugs if you plan to have a refrigerator and freezer in the laundry room.
20. For a refrigerator or freezer, make sure no wall or counter will prevent you from opening the doors at least 180 degrees so that you clear the door shelves when storing larger items and can easily remove shelves and drawers for cleaning.
21. Check the location of a fold-down ironing board on the architectural plans. Can both a left-handed and right-handed person use it? Make sure an outlet for the iron is specified.
22. Specify an outlet in the electrical plans if you will have an electric five-gallon water dispenser or a sewing machine.
23. If you have a large family and a multilevel home, install a laundry chute to save time and steps.
24. If you air dry many of your clothes, a ceiling fan in the laundry room will hasten the process.
The function of your library will greatly influence the design process. Your library may be a room in your home for the family to gather, with walls full of bookcases, and perhaps a desk. Your library may be a part of the master suite or on another level entirely. If it will be used as an office, you will need to take many more details into account, and will need the Office Checklist (page 194).
FORMS TO USE
Library Checklist (page 186)
Office Checklist (page 194) if it will be used as
an office
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
LIBRARY MISTAKES
1. Tell your architect your rug size, including fringe, so the library will accommodate it.
2. Once you receive the floor plans from your architect, create a furniture plan that includes the location of all equipment such as printers, fax machines, hard drives, routers, and televisions; this helps determine the location of built-ins, floor outlets, wall outlets, computer wiring, cable connections, and telephone jacks.
3. Use the furniture plan to identify the location of ceiling fans, fireplaces, televisions, stereo equipment, computers, telephones, electrical outlets, and phone jacks as they relate to your furniture and rug.
4. To give your library a more aesthetically pleasing look, store office equipment inside a credenza or in a closet—but allow proper ventilation.
5. Designate a few outlets used by lamps to be connected to the light switch, so you can turn on lights from a light switch as you walk into the room.
6. If your desk telephone is not wireless, you will need a telephone jack. If you will place your cordless phone base in your library, you will need both an outlet and a telephone jack to operate it.
7. Plan both a phone jack and an electrical outlet for the fax machine location.
8. Have adequate outlets, phone jacks, and computer wiring for all office equipment.
9. Give your architect all computer wiring needs and computer outlet needs.
10. Have an easily accessible outlet to plug in a laptop computer while sitting at your desk or in your favorite chair.
11. Have ample light on books on the bookcase so you can read the book titles. You can use either specific bookcase lighting fixtures or wall wash–type lighting, a fixture such as a recessed can light, or track lighting.
12. If you will have stereo equipment in the library, plan adequate lighting on the equipment so that you can read the control knobs.
13. Provide adequate lighting on the library desk, especially if you work at your desk.
14. Have enough outlets and surge protection for stereo equipment.
15. Bookcases often have lamps, clocks, and other items requiring an outlet. Specify the location for outlets to be installed within the bookcase shelves.
16. Plan outlets for a lighted globe or a lighted world map mounted on the wall.
17. Work out television location and wiring needs with your architect during the design process.
18. Identify to your architect anything that will be hung on the walls: family portrait, hunting trophies, fishing trophies, family crest, writing board, world map, or other.
19. Work with your designer regarding window treatments in the library; consider a pocket behind the bookcase for a return or sliding panels to cover windows.
20. Have adequate AC ventilation, particularly if this room will receive western sun.
21. Inventory your books, including the number of books of each size, so bookcase shelves will be the proper size.
22. If you want built-in file drawers, tell your architect how many letter- and legal-size hanging files you will need to store.
23. If you want to hang a family portrait or piece of art above the mantel, allow room between the top of the mantel and the crown molding. (See illustration, page 110.)
Historically, the living room has been a formal gathering room, reserved for Christmas or when guests visit. As our society has become less formal, this room is either left out of a home or combined with the great room. Today’s living room/great room is larger and has numerous rooms adjacent to it. The family will flow through the living room/ great room as they move about the home. Determine if you want the traditional room or a more informal one.
FORMS TO USE
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
Living Room/Great Room Checklist (page 188)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON LIVING ROOM/
GREAT ROOM MISTAKES
1. If you entertain, have at least two entrances to prevent a bottleneck created by people trying to enter and exit through one doorway.
2. Give your architect photos of portraits and art, including measurements, to ensure a proper fit.
3. When reviewing the furniture plans, make sure floor or baseboard vents will not interfere with furniture placement or rugs, and that the air flow won’t make the curtains blow or balloon out.
4. If any items on the mantel require electricity, have an outlet installed on the mantel.
5. If you have an heirloom clock or other decorative item to be displayed on the mantel, make sure the mantel shelf is deep enough to hold the item.
6. Measure any family portrait or piece of art to be hung above the mantel, so enough room is allowed between the top of the mantel and the crown molding. (Refer back to illustration, page 110.)
7. Use a furniture plan to carefully plan for a spotlight to hit the center of the coffee table and for a chandelier to be centered over the seating area.
The mechanical room is home to the “mechanics” that operate a home. Commonly these include the water heaters, furnaces, security system, and various cutoff valves. If your home is more sophisticated, you may have an integrated home automation system, radiant heating system, air purifier system, water purifier system, lighting system, and sound system. The number of systems and the amount of space dedicated to each system will determine the size of this room.
FORMS TO USE
Mechanical Room Checklist (page 189)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON MECHANICAL
ROOM MISTAKES
1. Allow space for servicing of equipment in a mechanical room.
2. Know the municipality codes in your area regarding sizes allowed for mechanical rooms.
3. Have a cost analysis done comparing a vent-less water heater and a tank water heater. Tell your architect if you will use a tankless water heater, so it can be specified on the architectural plans.
4. Determine the savings on your water bill if you add a recirculating hot water pump to your tank or tankless water heater, producing instant hot water at any faucet and reducing the amount of water the household wastes.
5. Install a drain in the floor of your mechanical room in case the water heater malfunctions.
6. Meet with your architect, builder, and the representative for each system you plan to purchase, to identify requirements and specifications needed to install each system in the mechanical room.
Some homes have rooms that are dedicated solely to being a media room; others have rooms that combine media equipment with the features of the family room or playroom. If you will be combining your “media” with another room, fill in the checklist for both rooms.
FORMS TO USE
Media Room Checklist (page 190)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON MEDIA
ROOM MISTAKES
1. Stadium seating is best in the media room when you have several rows of seating. Consider the size of the chair backs in the media room and the height of the second and third row, if applicable.
2. Plan some dim lighting so that guests can move about when the lights are turned out and the movie is playing. For stadium seating, have any steps illuminated.
3. Have a powder room or a bathroom on the same level as the media room.
4. Plan adequate floor outlets if you will have a popcorn wagon, portable sundae counter, or lighted candy counter.
5. Depending on the size of the media room and its proximity to the bar or kitchen, you may want a mini-kitchen.
6. If the media room is located above or below the kitchen area, consider a dumbwaiter to send food and beverages to and from the kitchen.
7. Have a designated area for storing your movie collection.
8. Avoid locating the media room next to a room with noisy equipment such as a laundry room, mechanical room, or exercise room.
A morning kitchen is often used in a larger home that has the master bedroom located away from the kitchen or on a different level than the kitchen, or in a home with a guest suite. This allows you to make morning coffee and prepare a simple breakfast within the master suite or allows a guest to do the same without waking anyone in the home. The morning kitchen can be as simple as a counter with a coffeemaker on top and a mini-refrigerator below, or it can be a mini-kitchen in a room.
FORMS TO USE
Morning Kitchen/Counter Checklist (page 191)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON MORNING
KITCHEN MISTAKES
1. An open morning kitchen counter in a bedroom is not aesthetically pleasing, so place it in the hallway or off the master bedroom or guest bedroom. A small room with a door would be the ideal location.
2. Place the mini-refrigerator or ice maker far away from the bed or in a room with a door that can be closed, so occupants do not hear the motor clicking on and off or the sound of ice falling and the water supply filling back up.
3. Appliances emit a lot of heat; if they are in an enclosed cabinet, plan proper ventilation.
4. Determine which small appliances will need outlets and specify an adequate number of outlets and their locations. Appliances may include a coffeemaker, coffee bean grinder, juicer, blender, toaster, and toaster oven.
5. Identify what dishes, beverage ware, flatware, utensils, linens, trays, serving pieces, food, and so on you will store in the morning kitchen and plan adequate storage.
6. A dishwasher drawer (a separate drawer that lets you run a small load) is a luxury for the morning kitchen if you can afford it.
A mudroom is usually the first room you encounter when you enter your home from the garage or side door. The materials used on the floor are selected to withstand wear and tear, and often the floor has a drain for easier cleaning. The mudroom also serves as an area for household members to organize what they need to take with them when they leave the house. If children live in the house, it is a great place to put backpacks to take to school the next day. You can have school-type lockers installed or cubbies made. If your home is located in an area with mud, snow, or sand, or you have young children who love to get dirty, a mudroom is perfect.
FORMS TO USE
Mudroom Checklist (page 192)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
MUDROOM MISTAKES
1. When designing the layout, plan pieces of furniture or a built-in counter on which to set down items you are carrying into your home, and a place to sit down to put on or take off shoes or boots.
2. If you live in a ski area and people will be coming in and out with ski equipment, plan a convenient way to store skis, ski boots, and other ski equipment. Include outlets for boot warmers.
3. If anyone in your home is a hunter, plan a temporary area, safely out of the reach of children, for guns to be placed after a hunt. This could be in a hunting closet or other area with a door that locks.
4. If anyone in your home fishes, plan a place for fishing poles, tackle box, waders, and other equipment to be put after a day of fishing.
5. Plan enough hooks for coats, jackets, hats, and scarves.
6. Avoid floor material that will show footprints and every speck of dirt.
7. If people will track in mud or snow, a drain in the floor will help keep the floors clean, and a faucet and hose can be used for hosing off the floor.
8. Make sure you have an area for a hanging mirror or fixed mirror to check your appearance before leaving.
9. Create an area in the mudroom to place clothes going to the dry cleaner.
TIP: Lockers or cubbies are a great tool
for a family to stay organized. Designate
one for each child as well as each parent.
One of the first decisions involving a nursery is whether this room will later become the baby’s bedroom or another room. You’ll want to consider the points on the Nursery Checklist when designing your nursery.
FORMS TO USE
Nursery Checklist (page 193)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
NURSERY MISTAKES
1. Create a furniture plan with ample wall space for all baby furniture and baby equipment. If you already own the baby furniture, photograph it, write the measurements on the back of the photo, and give this information to your architect at the beginning of the design process.
2. Tell your architect the types of equipment that will need an outlet and where they will be located.
3. Discuss future uses for the nursery with your architect, and identify any work that should be done during construction in preparation. For example, if the nursery will become a bedroom, you will want electric outlets on what will be the headboard wall and a light switch. If the nursery will become an office, you will want computer wiring and phone jacks.
4. Make sure a HVAC vent will not blow directly toward the baby’s bed.
In today’s world, it is not uncommon for all adults to need an individual home office. Do you want a small office off the kitchen or master bedroom? Do you want separate offices, or can you share one? Do you want a library in your home that will serve as an office for all? Do you want a library and multiple offices, or can the library double as an office for one of you?
FORMS TO USE
Office Checklist (page 194)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
OFFICE MISTAKES
1. If your desk will be in front of a window, consider what outsiders will see when looking in. Consider a longer desktop so that items such as computer monitors can be out of sight from outside. Another option is to raise the height of the windowsill.
2. Have an outlet easily accessible for your laptop computer power.
3. Identify where equipment requiring an outlet will be located, and confirm that the outlets are noted and in the proper location. In some cases, a surge protector strip can provide power to several pieces of equipment located in the same area.
4. Tell your architect your computer wiring needs.
5. Locate your office equipment so that the noise generated from office equipment, such as a fax machine and printer, does not disturb people in nearby rooms.
6. Decide if you need a floor outlet and discuss the location with your architect. (You will want this floor outlet connected to a light switch.)
7. Tell your architect if you need a phone jack and where you need it. (Any jack that may be used with a cordless phone base should have an outlet next to it.)
8. If you prefer not to see office equipment, store the equipment in a closet or a credenza. Allow proper ventilation for the heat generated by the equipment. Don’t forget outlets.
TIP: Consider a bar-height desk as an
alternative to the traditional-height desk.
The bar height allows you to stand and
work at your desk or sit on a bar stool,
and allows more drawer space.
9. Identify the location of all desks and provide adequate lighting for all desks.
10. Too much glare or direct sunlight shining into your office will be distracting when working at your desk and will make it difficult to use a computer. Choose screens that block out the glare but still allow you to see out, or some other window treatment.
11. If your office is subject to the western sun, additional AC vents may be needed to keep the room cool.
12. Tell your architect if you need a window to look out while sitting at your desk.
13. If you plan to use a freestanding desk, give a photo or catalog picture with dimensions to your architect at the initial phase of the design process.
Make sure the desk will fit through the hall and door leading to the office and that it will fit in the room.
14. For rugs, give a photo and dimensions (including fringe) to your architect at the initial phase of the design process.
15. Tell your architect how many letter- and legal-size hanging files you will need. Built-in drawers that can accommodate both letter- and legal-size hanging files work best.
When you hear the word “playroom,” what vision comes to mind? A room to gather in with your children and their toys and games? Or a game room with a pool table and other games, a bar, and a big screen television? Discuss the various approaches to using this room with your architect, and determine what is right for you. Keep in mind that the playroom can begin as a room for young children and their toys and later be converted into a game room with toys for adults.
FORMS TO USE
Playroom/Game Room Checklist (page 196)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON PLAYROOM/
GAME ROOM MISTAKES
1. Have a powder room or bathroom on the same level as the playroom.
2. A furniture plan showing the exact measurements of game tables and furniture will help prevent chandeliers or pendant light fixtures from being wired off center.
3. Whatever game table you plan to install, find out the manufacturer’s suggested total area required, and tell your architect.
4. A long narrow shelf along the wall near a game table is a perfect place for people to set drinks. This shelf can also be wide enough to set bar stools under it.
5. If the playroom/game room is located above or below the kitchen, consider a dumbwaiter from the kitchen to the playroom/game room.
You can take several approaches when designing your pool house: open air, semi-enclosed structure, or totally enclosed. The size and shape of your property along with HOA and municipal codes will limit what you can ultimately build.
FORMS TO USE
Pool House Checklist (page 197)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON
POOL HOUSE MISTAKES
1. Work out a detailed storage plan for typical pool items that will need storing, such as towels, rafts and floats, furniture cushions, and pool-cleaning equipment.
2. Include a bathroom in your pool house so wet swimmers don’t need to walk inside the house to use the bathroom.
3. Have an outside and inside entrance for the bathroom. This will prevent wet bodies from tracking through the pool house to the bathroom.
PORCH, PATIO, DECK,
AND BALCONY
Identify the number of porches, patios, decks, and balconies you would like in your new home, and where you want them located. Fill in forms for each porch, patio, deck and balcony, and identify the sheet by the name of the room it is attached to.
FORMS TO USE
Porch, Patio, Deck, and Balcony Checklist
(page 198)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON PORCH, PATIO,
DECK, AND BALCONY MISTAKES
1. Every porch, patio area, deck, and balcony should have a faucet, to water plants and hose off the area.
2. Think about all outlet needs and the location of the outlets.
3. If your porch, deck, or balcony will have a curb, have adequate openings so that water and debris run off when you hose off the area.
4. If water on your porch, deck, or balcony will run off and disturb the area below, install a drain, with the top of the drain lower than the floor.
5. If you have children, grandchildren, or pets that you want to be able to prevent from leaving the porch or deck, have a gate that matches the railing.
6. Depending on the height of your porch, deck, or balcony, the municipality in which you are building will dictate if a railing is needed and the height of such railing.
7. If you use your porch, patio, deck, and balcony late in the afternoon, be aware of the angle the sun sets so you can position these areas to avoid too much direct sun or sun in your eyes.
8. Plan for a place to store the furniture cushions. Consider a built-in seated area that lifts up for storage.
9. If you will use propane heaters on the porch, find out the recommended height of the ceiling for the propane heater.
10. Consider ceiling-hung portable electrical heating systems in addition to or instead of using a standing propane heater.
11. If you will use a spray mist cooling fan, plan for a water source.
12. Plan dry firewood storage and ways to keep it from getting wet.
The size of your home, the number of levels, your budget, the number of children in your home, and the number of household staff will determine the number of powder rooms you will need. (The term powder room and half bath are used interchangeably.) Preferably, each level of your house should have a powder room. If you have children, a less formal powder room near the family living area is a luxury, and if you have household staff, consider a powder room designated for them. If you want more than one powder room, create a fact sheet for each powder room.
FORMS TO USE
Powder Room/Half Bath Checklist (page 200)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON POWDER
ROOM MISTAKES
1. Look at your house plans to see if you will view the toilet when the powder room door is left open. If so, a quick solution may be to hinge the door on the other side or flip the direction of the door swing.
2. Identify any decorative accessories in your powder room, such as a lamp or lighted magnifying mirror that will need an electrical outlet.
3. If you have a household staff or children, a second powder room will allow the formal powder room to be used only by guests.
4. If you entertain guests in your game or media room on a different level than your formal powder room, plan a third powder room convenient to the game or media room.
5. For a multilevel home, plan a bathroom or powder room on each level.
The three most common reasons for a safe room today are safety from weather, from intruders, and from attack. Make sure your safe room meets FEMA residential specifications, which can be found on the FEMA website (www.fema.com). Among other things, you’ll want the door to open outward, with three hinges mounted with three-inch screws and a heavy duty strike plate that cuts deep into the door frame; solid core or steel doors; and reinforced sheeting in the walls or steel walls.
Important Items for Your Safe Room
Breathing machines rated N95 or better
Cell phone charger cord
Duct tape
Emergency first aid kit
Flashlight, extra batteries
Food for minimum of 72 hours
Medicines needed for minimum of 72 hours
Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags
Portable radio, extra batteries
Water for minimum of 72 hours
FORMS TO USE
Safe Room Checklist (page 201)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON SAFE ROOM
MISTAKES
1. Hire a security consultant to advise you on the needs and specifications for your safe room.
2. Make sure your safe room meets FEMA specifications.
3. Locate the safe room in your basement or in the interior of your home on the first floor, in the center of your home for easy access. An exterior safe room should be close to the door you will exit.
4. Specify an outlet for cell phone battery charging.
5. Wire the room for a telephone landline.
6. The door to the safe room should open outward to prevent an intruder from kicking in the door.
7. The safe room should be large enough for the maximum number of people who are regularly in your house.
8. Discuss with your consultant, the architect, and the builder, the pros and cons of having a generator for the safe room.
TIP: Ask your insurance agent if you
will receive a discount on your home
insurance for having a safe room.
A specialty room is a room representing an activity and the equipment accompanying that activity, generally something for which you have a great passion. This room tends to be personal and the person whose passion is represented thinks of this room as “mine.” A golfer may have a practice putting green. A fly fisherman might escape to this room to tie flies. A potter may have a potter’s wheel and shelves exhibiting pottery.
FORMS TO USE
Specialty Room Checklist (page 202)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON SPECIALTY
ROOM MISTAKES
1. Consider the nature of the specialty and determine the size and shape of the room based on those needs.
2. Besides giving the architect photos and dimensions of trophies or other items you want displayed in the specialty room, allow space for future items.
3. Because of the weight of some trophies, discuss with your architect and builder how to make sure the trophy will be secure when mounted.
Wine rooms come in all shapes and sizes and hold different quantities of wine. The checklist will help you clarify your vision.
FORMS TO USE
Wine Room Checklist (page 203)
Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet (page 81)
HOW TO AVOID COMMON WINE
ROOM MISTAKES
1. Realize that wine bottles are not uniform in size. Racks can be individual squares or individual diamond shapes with the bottle neck and cork sticking out. Another option for racks is large X-shapes with numerous bottles of wine fitting into one opening. Wine can be mounted sideways in a rack with the label showing.
2. Make plans for storing larger size wine bottles such as magnums.
3. If you serve wine or drinks in your wine room, a sink is important.
4. The wine room should have a separate lock and key from the home. Depending on how rare, expensive, or extensive your wine collection is, you will want the room secure. Consider a separate security code.
5. Many wine rooms are nothing but floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall wine racks. Allow space if you want to display personal items, such as corks, labels, books on collecting wine, and so on.
6. Make the area larger than you think you will need; a common complaint about wine rooms is that they do not hold enough bottles of wine.
7. To make sure furniture can be moved into the wine room, present a furniture plan during the design process, to make sure that your furniture will fit into the room. Entrances to some wine rooms are narrow and not always moving-friendly.
Tip: If you have an extensive and
expensive wine collection, install a
temperature rise sensor to alert you
if the temperature or humidity in
the wine room rises above a safe level
that could spoil the wine. The proper
temperature for wine is 55 to
75 degrees and the humidity needs to be less than 80 percent.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Apartment Area Checklist
Approximate size _____________________________________ One or two story? _____________________________________
Location in the home or will it be a detached dwelling? Explain. ____________________________________________________
If in the home, where in the home do you want the apartment area located? Explain. __________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle the intended use of your apartment.
Rental property Housing for guests Housing for nanny Housing for caretaker
Housing for elderly relative Other ______________________________________________________________________
Circle the rooms you want in your apartment area.
Bedroom (how many?) 1 2 3 Bathroom (how many?) 1 2 3
Powder room Living area Dining area Mini-kitchen Full kitchen
Other rooms ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle the appliances you want in your apartment area.
Washer/dryer (stackable or individual?) Refrigerator/freezer combo Individual refrigerator
Individual freezer Range Stove top Oven Microwave Oven/microwave combination
Disposal Trash compactor Other ________________________________________________________________
What are your apartment electrical outlet needs? List uses. ________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Separate security system
Utilities metered separately from the main house
Ability to lock apartment area off from the house
Separate HVAC zone
Built-ins*
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Security alarm pad*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Attic Checklist
How will you use your attic? __________________________________________________________________________________
How much attic space will you need? __________________________________________________________________________
Do you want your attic space over your garage, over your home, as many places as possible? ____________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
More than one entrance to your attic—explain. ______________________________________________________
Closets within the attic area—if so, will they be climate controlled? _______________________________________ Approximate dimensions of each closet______________________________________________________________ What will you store in the attic closets? ______________________________________________________________
Cedar-lined closets—if so, will they be climate controlled? _____________________________________________ Approximate dimensions of each closet______________________________________________________________
Rods for off-season clothing in your attic—if so, how many feet of hanging rods will you need? _______________
Plastic bins for storage—if so, how many? ____________ Dimensions of the storage bins? ___________________
Shelves for plastic bins or other items—if so, what will be the dimensions of each shelf and how many shelves?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Flooring added to your entire attic or to a particular area—if so, explain. __________________________________
A three-way light switch in your attic (one switch in the attic, one switch at the bottom of the stairway). Explain.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Motorized ventilation system
HVAC system located in the attic
Vents in the soffits and ridge of the roof
Insulated tent installed over your fold-down stairway to prevent air from escaping
The option of turning your attic into living space in the future
What are your attic electrical outlet needs? List uses. _____________________________________________________________
Is it important for you to enter your attic through a door, rather than a fold-down stairway, if you have a two-story home?
Explain. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
How wide and long do you need your attic opening to be if using a fold-down staircase? _______________________________
Will you need a heavy-duty fold-down stairway due to the weight of household occupants and the weight of items that will be stored in the attic? _________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you store any extra-heavy items in your attic that may require additional floor reinforcement? If so, what type of items?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How much space in your attic will need to be illuminated by lights? _________________________________________________
What kind of lighting fixtures do you want in your attic? __________________________________________________________
Will you use rolled, blown, or other type of insulation in the attic? __________________________________________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Bar Checklist
Approximate room size _______________________ Location in the home ___________________________________________
How often will you use your bar? Explain. ______________________________________________________________________
Do you want a bar area you can stand in and serve from, or a walk-up counter against a wall? ___________________________
Circle the shape of the bar counter you want.
Single straight counter Two parallel counters L-shaped counter U-shaped counter Counter on four sides
How many feet of counter space will you need? _________________________________________________________________
What type of material do you want for your bar counter and splash? ________________________________________________
Will your bar be a combination bar and room, complete with chairs, sofa, and fireplace as well as a bar and bar stools? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How many bar stools do you want placed at your bar? ____________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Seating on both sides of a bar counter
Wet bar—if so, hot and cold water or just cold water? _____________
Wine sink to chill wine, water bottles, soda cans and other beverages—if so, will it just be a sink with a drain or also have a faucet? ______________________________________________________________________________
Circle how you want your sink mounted.
Below the counter Self-rimming above the counter Vessel sink on top of the counter
Do you want your faucet mounted into the counter or into the wall? _________________
Circle the appliances you will use in your bar.
Mini-refrigerator Wine chiller Ice maker Refrigerator drawer Glass washer Dishwasher drawer
Built-in blender Built-in professional coffeemaker Disposal Hot water dispenser
Other ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you apply fronts to your appliances to match your cabinets or will you have stainless, black, or other colored appliance fronts? Explain. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
What type material and finish will you have on your cabinets? Wood, stainless, or other? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle the small appliances that you will operate in your bar.
Blender Coffeemaker Juicer Frozen drink machine Other _______________________________________________
Will you use a portable margarita or daiquiri machine or have one built into your bar? Explain. ___________________________
What are your bar electrical outlet needs? List uses. ______________________________________________________________
Do you want upper and lower cabinets or just lower cabinets? Explain. ______________________________________________
If you want lower cabinets, how many drawers do you want? ______________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Glass fronts on any of the cabinet doors—explain. ____________________________________________________
Lighting underneath the upper cabinets
Lighting inside the cabinets, if having glass on the cabinet doors
Toe kick illuminated
Built-in trash can in your bar (see Under-Cabinet Trash Storage, page 90)
Self-closing drawer runners
Do you want your upper cabinets to go to the ceiling, go to a furdown, or have an open shelf? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If an open shelf, do you want lighting above the upper cabinets? ___________________________________________________
Will you store glasses inside a cabinet, in a drawer, or on an open shelf? Will stemware hang from a rack above the counter?
Explain. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle how you will store your hard liquor.
On the counter On an open shelf In a drawer behind a cabinet door In a cabinet above the counter
Other ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle how you plan to store your wine bottles. (See Wine Storage Options, page 91.)
In a wine chiller In a vertical line in the upper cabinet In a horizontal line in the upper cabinets
In a horizontal line in the island In a vertical line in the cabinets below the counter In a drawer
Behind a cabinet door above the counter Behind a cabinet door below the counter
Other ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
How many bottles of wine will you store? __________________
Do you have any of the following?
YES NO
Wine decanter that will need a custom location
Wine opener needing special mounting or installation
Magnums or other large size bottles to display in your bar—if so, how many? _______ What are the dimensions of the bottles? __________________________________________________________________________________
Collectibles you want to display in your bar, such as miniature bottles, sports team memorabilia, and so on—explain ________________________________________________________________________________________
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12
File in
Binder 4: Design
Basement Checklist
Circle the intended use(s) of your basement.
Unfinished storage area Playroom Media room Another finished-out level in the house
Other ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you like to reach the basement from inside your home or will you have an exterior door? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is the land on which you plan to build a slope, allowing windows, or will the basement be entirely underground? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have plans to finish out the basement? Explain. ___________________________________________________________
If used for storage:
Will you have one large open area or smaller areas with closets? Explain your vision.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will the walls, ceiling, and floors be finished out? ________________________________________________________________
Will you have a cedar closet, gun closet, gun safe, or other type storage? _____________________________________________
If finished out as another level in your home:
What rooms do you want in your basement? List. ________________________________________________________________
What closets do you want in your basement? List. ________________________________________________________________
If future plans call for finishing it out:
What preliminary plumbing and electrical work do you want done? Explain. __________________________________________
What are your basement electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Bathroom Checklist
Which bathroom does this checklist represent? __________________________________________________________________
Approximate room size ____________________ Location in the home _______________________________________________
How many people will share this bathroom? ______ If a master bathroom, do you want to share it with your partner or do you want two completely separate bathrooms? _____________________________________________________________________
If separate master bathrooms, do you want to share a shower, tub, water closet, or linen closet? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Vanity
Circle the combination you want in this bathroom.
One vanity/one sink One vanity/two sinks Two separate vanities with one sink each
Do you want a standard vanity counter or one that looks like a piece of furniture? _____________________________________
What height and length do you want this vanity counter? _________________________________________________________
What material will you use for this vanity counter? _______________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Seated makeup area—if so, a standard chair height or a bar stool height? _________________________________
Separate vanity for seated makeup area
Natural light for this seated makeup area
Cabinets above the vanity counter (see Cabinets Above Vanity Counter, page 93)
Drawers or cabinet doors in the lower cabinets—if so, which? ___________________________________________
Drawer below the cabinets under the sink (see Drawers Underneath Cabinet Doors, page 93)
Self-closing drawer runners
Tilt drawer under the sink
Outlet in drawer for hair dryer
Pull-out trash can built into the vanity (See Under-Cabinet Trash Storage, page 90)
Decorative freestanding trash can
Wall-mounted magnifying mirror—if so, will it be a lighted mirror? _______________________________________
Do you want drawers on both sides of the kneehole for makeup area or on just one side? _______________________________
Do you want a combination of drawers and cabinet doors below your counter or mostly drawers? ________________________
Use the Bathroom Storage Item Checklist (page 140) to assist you in determining your drawer and cabinet needs.
Will you have a fixed mirror above the vanity or a decorative hanging mirror? ______________ If a fixed mirror, do you want it framed with stone, tile, wood, or other type of framing? ___________________________________________________________
Will you want your electrical outlets mounted in the splash, on the mirror, or on the wall in this bathroom? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Depending on the bathroom layout and for a medicine cabinet, the splash or mirror may be your only options.)
What are your vanity counter outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Drawers you may want: nail (manicure and pedicure products), hair accessory (clips, ponytail holders, headbands), electric hair products (hair dryer, electric rollers, flattening iron), female products, tooth care products, hair color products, hair products (shampoo, conditioner, hair spray), makeup, first aid products, lotions and sunscreen products, and miscellaneous items.
Sink/Faucet
Circle your preference for this bathroom sink.
Under-mounted Self-rimming Counter vessel Pedestal Prefabricated counter with sink a part of the counter
What size, shape, depth, and color sink do you want? _____________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Soap pump dispenser at this sink
Hot water dispenser at this sink
Water purifier
Do you want the faucet in this bathroom mounted in the counter or in the wall? ______________________________________
Do you want a one-lever faucet that controls temperature and flow of water or do you want a faucet with two separate controls for the temperature and flow of water? _________________________________________________________________
Shower/Tub
Approximate size of bathroom shower? ________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Shower
Tub
Shower/tub combination
YES NO
Tile pieces going all the way to the ceiling and covering the ceiling—if so, explain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Tile pieces only going partially up the wall
Bench—if so, shape and size of the bench? __________________________________________________________ Do you want to use a piece of slab on the bench and bench skirt or stone/tile pieces? _______________________
Steam shower—if so, one head or two? _____________________________________________________________
Jetted sprays on this shower walls—if so, how many and height of each?_________________________________
Heated towel bar—if so, will it be electric heated, water heated, or a radiator-type heater?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Towel-warming drawer
Radiant heat on this bathroom floor, shower walls, shower floor, bench, bathtub deck, or other. List.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Fogless mirror in this shower
Waterproof speakers or a waterproof radio ________________
Shower shelves built into the wall or attachable fixtures—if so, what dimensions and how many?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Grab bars
Drying off area between this shower and this bathroom
Specialty tub—if so, circle the type: Infinity Soaking Jetted Mood lighting Other ___________________
Handheld sprayer for this tub
Window by this tub
Indented area along the tub deck wall to hold a tier rack of candles.
Will you use a prefabricated shower or use granite, marble, travertine, quartz, other tile pieces, or glass for the walls? ________
If using stone, will it be honed or tumbled? _____________________________________________________________________
Will the showerhead be wall mounted, ceiling mounted, or mounted as a handheld? Will you have a handheld along with a wall- or ceiling-mounted showerhead? _________________________________________________________________________
What height do you want the actual showerhead? _______________________________________________________________
What height do you want the handheld showerhead mounted at? __________________________________________________
Do you want the shower walls to be glass, stone, or glass and stone combination? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want this tub in a tub deck or freestanding? _________________ If in a tub deck, will it be under mounted or self-rimming? ___________________________________________________________ (See Bathtub Mount Options, page 95.)
Will there be a step beside the tub deck? What material do you want for this tub deck and tub skirt? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Does the direction this tub faces matter to you? _________________________________________________________________
What size and shape tub do you want? ________________________________________________________________________
Will this tub faucet be deck mounted, wall mounted, or floor mounted? _____________________________________________
Do you want the tub area cantilevering out from the home? _______________________________________________________
Do you want a single faucet and handle that controls water flow and temperature, or do you prefer two knobs to control flow and temperature? __________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle the type of tub drain you want.
Fixed strainer Up-and-down lever to strainer
Turn knob on strainer? ______________________________________________________________________________________
Shower Door/Curtain
Circle the type shower door you want in this bathroom.
Sliding door Swinging door Shower curtain
Circle your shower door preference.
Clear glass Frosted glass Glass with etching Other ___________________________________________________
Do you want this shower door to swing 180 degrees, both inside and outside the shower, or do you prefer a sliding shower door? Explain. _______________________________________________________________________________
How many shower door hinges will you use? ___________________ (The size and weight of the shower door are factors.)
Do you want your shower door large enough to accommodate a wheelchair? _________________________________________
Water Closet/Toilet
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Water closet or portioned wall to hide the toilet. If portioned wall, would it be a short wall or go to the ceiling?
Bidet and urinal
Window in this water closet or by the toilet if no water closet
Taller toilet seat
Padded toilet seat
Heated toilet seat
Quiet-close toilet seat
Recessed magazine rack near this toilet
Recessed toilet paper holder
YES NO
Wall-mounted telephone
Ledge behind the toilet (see page 96)
Storage cabinet above the toilet
Linen Closet
Circle how you plan to store your towels.
Linen closet Rolled up in a basket Rolled up on wall-mounted hanger Rolled up in a cubbyhole
Hanging on a towel bar Folded on open shelves Folded in a drawer Other ________________________________
Will the linen closet have adjustable shelves? ________ If not, what distance do you want between shelves? ________________
What height do you want the first shelf from the floor? ____________________________________________________________
What distance do you want between the top shelf and the ceiling? __________________________________________________
Will you store your dirty clothes in the linen closet? ________ If so, in a laundry basket, in a store-bought hamper, or a custom-built area within your linen closet? Explain. ______________________________________________________________________
Medicine Cabinet
Do you want a medicine cabinet? ______________________________________________________________________________
If so, do you want a prefabricated or custom-built medicine cabinet? _________________________________________________
Where do you want it located? Side wall next to sink, wall in front of sink, other? _______________________________________
If you have two sinks in this bathroom, do you want two medicine cabinets? ___________________________________________
Do you want an electrical outlet in the medicine cabinet for charging a toothbrush or razor? _____________________________
Do you want to be able to lock this medicine cabinet? _____________________________________________________________
Miscellaneous
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Hidden towel bar hook to hang damp towels to dry
Massage table—if so, would you need a place to store a massage table? ___________________________________ Ballet bar area off this bathroom—if so, how large an area? _____________________________________________
Scale in this bathroom
Shampoo bowl in this bathroom—if so, would you want it in a closet part of the vanity counter? ______________
Will you need to store the shampoo chair or would you leave it out? ______________________________________
Manicure table and chair in your bathroom area that will need to be stored
Exterior door to this bathroom
Exterior shower off this bathroom
Appliances in your bathroom such as mini-refrigerator
Area rug or bath mat to use in this bathroom—if so, keep in mind the standard measurements for rugs unless they are custom made. Also make sure any door near the rug will be able to clear it.
Wainscoting in your bathroom—if so, will the material be stone or tile? ___________________________________
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
What material will you use for your bathroom baseboards?________________________________________________________
What design and what height? ________________________ (If you have a stone floor in your bathroom, a matching stone baseboard is a nice complement.)
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Mirrored walls—if so, any etching on the mirror? ______________________________________________________
Floor-to-ceiling mirror in either this bathroom or closet
Mirror with three sides that lets you see your back
Stone
If this bathroom will have stone counters, what will be the thickness and design of the edge?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What height will the backsplash be behind the sink and the tub? ___________________________________________________
Will it be made of the same material as the tub deck? _____________________________________________________________
Will there be a decorative detail on the top edge? ________________________________________________________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Bathroom Storage Item Checklist
Number of Towels
Fill in the number of each type towel you will be storing.
____ Bath sheets ____ Hand towels
____ Bath mats ____ Washcloths
____ Bath towels ____ Other ______________________________
____ Beach towels
What items do you plan to place on top of your bathroom counter? _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do any of these items require electrical outlets? List. _____________________________________________________________
Makeup
Will you store your makeup in a drawer, on the counter, or other? Explain. ____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hair Items
Place a check in the appropriate column to indicate where you will be storing these items.
| Item | Drawer | Closet | Linen Closet | Medicine Cabinet |
| Bobby pins | ||||
| Comb | ||||
| Conditioners | ||||
| Curling iron | ||||
| Hair brush | ||||
| Hair clips | ||||
| Hair color | ||||
| Hair color tools | ||||
| Hair dryer | ||||
| Hair rollers | ||||
| Hair spray | ||||
| Headbands | ||||
| Heated rollers | ||||
| Ponytail holders | ||||
| Shampoo | ||||
| Shower cap | ||||
| Straightening iron | ||||
| Styling serums | ||||
| Other ______________ | ||||
| Other ______________ |
Will you want an electrical outlet in a drawer for a hair dryer? ______________________________________________________
Lotions
Will you store your lotions on the counter, in a cabinet, or in a drawer? ______________________________________________
If in a drawer, measure bottles and make sure the inside of the drawer is tall enough.
Medicine/First Aid
Will you have a medicine cabinet to store medicine and first-aid items, or will you store those items on a shelf or in a drawer?
Explain. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want a lock on the medicine cabinet, cabinet, or drawer? Explain. ____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Miscellaneous Items
Place a check in the appropriate column to indicate where you will be storing these items.
| Item | Drawer | Closet | Linen Closet | Medicine Cabinet |
| Cleaning items | ||||
| Contact lens products | ||||
| Cotton balls | ||||
| Electric razor | ||||
| Electric toothbrush | ||||
| Female products | ||||
| Heating pad | ||||
| Hot water bottle | ||||
| Ice packs | ||||
| Nail care products | ||||
| Perfume | ||||
| Shave kit | ||||
| Shaving products | ||||
| Shoe cleaning supplies | ||||
| Sunscreens | ||||
| Swabs | ||||
| Tissue | ||||
| Toilet paper | ||||
| Travel makeup bags | ||||
| Other ______________ | ||||
| Other ______________ |
File in
Binder 4: Design
Bedroom Checklist
Which bedroom ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Approximate room size ____________________ Location in the home _______________________________________________
Size of bed? ____________________ Number of beds? _____________ Number of occupants in this bedroom? ____________
If a couple, on which side of the bed does each prefer to sleep? ____________________________________________________
If a couple, which person prefers to be closest to the bathroom door? _______________________________________________
Do you prefer the headboard wall to have windows or be a solid wall? _______________________________________________
Will you have oversized bedside tables? If so, what are the dimensions? ______________________________________________
Do you want recessed can lights for reading over the headboard? If so, how many? ____________________________________
Circle how you will store your television.
Flat screen wall-mounted Drop down from ceiling screen Inside an armoire Pop up out of furniture
Corner wall-mounted Freestanding stand Bookcase shelf On top of a piece of furniture Other___________
What are your bedroom electrical outlet needs? List uses. _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Sitting area—if so, list the furniture you want in that seating area.
______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Area for a baby crib To mount a canopy or
To mount a canopy or crown over the headboard
Built-ins*
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Security alarm pad*
Integrated Home Automation Monitor *
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
Balcony, porch, or patio off this bedroom—if so, which? _______________________________________________
Open area for yoga, stretching, sit-ups—if so, how large an area? ________________________________________
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Bedroom Closet Checklist
Fill out this checklist for each bedroom closet, noting whose bedroom this closet is in. (See Appendix 2, pages 354–355, for some standard closet measurements.)
Person using closet __________________________________________ Room_________________________________________
Check the type of closet
Man’s closet
Woman’s closet
Man’s and woman’s closet combined
Child’s closet
Personal female data: Height _____ Weight _____ Shoe size _______ Dress size _______ Pant size _______ Coat size _______
Circle: Petite Regular Tall Left-handed Right-handed
Personal male data: Height _____ Weight _____ Shoe size _______ Shirt size _______ Pant size _______ Coat size _______
Circle: Regular Tall Left-handed Right-handed
Do you want to enter this closet from the bathroom, bedroom, or both? ______________________________________________
Preferred closet ceiling height? ________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want a single door or double doors to enter this closet? _____________________________________________________
Will you use a closet consultant? _______ If so, will the consultant build and install the closet? ____________________________
Will your closet be designed by your architect and built by your builder’s carpenter? ____________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
This closet on a separate alarm system from the house
This closet door to lock—if so, key in knob, dead bolt, or other? __________________________________________
Safe in your closet—if so, built into the floor or wall, or freestanding? _____________________________________ Approximate size of safe__________________________________________________________________________
Window
Skylight
Hidden closet off your closet—if so, how large? _______________________________________________________
Cedar closet within your closet—if so, how large? _____________________________________________________
Open closet rods of clothing
Closet rods built into an area behind cabinet doors
Double and single tier hanging rods
Open shelves—if so, how many?_____________ Length and depth? ______________________________________
Shelves to be located behind cabinet doors—if so, how many? __________________________________________
Adjustable shelves
Bank of drawers—if so, how many drawers? ________ (Number and size of the drawers will be determined by the information you fill in on the attached pages.)
The top couple of drawers to be able to lock
Counter above a bank of drawers where you can place your purse or wallet, charge your cell phone, camera battery, and so on
Island
Peninsula
Area to pack a suitcase on the island or peninsula
Seated area built into the island or peninsula or other area
Three-way folding mirror in your closet
Stackable washer and dryer in your closet
Fold-down ironing board
Motorized hanging system as used at dry cleaners
Second floor above your closet to store off-season clothing
Pull-down seasonal clothing closet rod system that allows you to store one closet rod above the other
Motion sensor that turns lights on and off as you enter your closet
Ladder attached to a rail to reach the upper shelves and cabinets
Furniture in your closet—if so, list. _________________________________________________________________
Trash can built into the island, peninsula, or other area in your closet
Custom-built place for empty hangers to be stored
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
What are your closet electrical outlet needs? List uses. ____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you store your luggage in your closet? If so, please provide a photo of the entire collection you want to store with some dimensions. _____________________________________
Do you prefer drawer hardware or a drawer front with half moon cut out to use to open? Discuss.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have a shoe shine, steamer, or pant press machine that needs an outlet? If so, where in your closet do you want these located? __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you currently use and want to continue to use any special storage mechanisms for hats, gloves, purses, shoes, jewelry, scarves, belts, ties, and so forth? If so, please describe and provide a photo with dimensions.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you plan to store shoes, sweaters, hats or other items in boxes? If so, count the boxes, take measurements of the boxes, and list here. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dirty Clothes
How and where do you want to store dirty clothes? Built-in holder, laundry basket, freestanding dirty clothes hampers, other?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want to be able to separate hand wash, machine wash, and dry cleaning?______________________________________
Do you want to be able to separate colors for machine washing? ____________________________________________________
Any special needs or information not covered:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle those items you wish to store in your closet.
Ski clothes Hunting clothes Fishing clothes Winter coats Luggage Cameras
Hunting shoes/boots Ski boots/helmet Waders Other ________________________________________________
Women’s Clothing
Fill in the quantity for each item. Mark whether you want it stored in a drawer, on a shelf, or on a hanger. For those items to be stored on a hanger, write in the number of feet of hanging rod space needed per item (see Clothing and Closets in Appendix 2, page 354–355) and check off whether they will be hanging folded or unfolded.
| Item | Quantity | Drawer | Shelf | On a Hanger | Length of Hanging Rod Space | Hanging on Hanger | Folded on Hanger |
| Athletic socks | |||||||
| Blazers | |||||||
| Bras | |||||||
| Casual pants | |||||||
| Casual socks | |||||||
| Cocktail dresses | |||||||
| Dress pants | |||||||
| Dress suits | |||||||
| Dress T-shirts | |||||||
| Dressy long-sleeved blouses | |||||||
| Evening gowns | |||||||
| Fur coats | |||||||
| Gym shorts | |||||||
| Hiking socks | |||||||
| Hosiery | |||||||
| Hunting clothing | |||||||
| Hunting socks | |||||||
| Jeans | |||||||
| Lightweight jackets | |||||||
| Long-sleeved workout T-shirts | |||||||
| Long underwear | |||||||
| Pajamas | |||||||
| Panties | |||||||
| Pantsuits | |||||||
| Panty hose | |||||||
| Rain, wind jackets | |||||||
| Short-sleeved casual blouses | |||||||
| Short-sleeved workout T-shirts | |||||||
| Shorts | |||||||
| Ski clothing | |||||||
| Ski socks | |||||||
| Slips | |||||||
| Sweaters | |||||||
| Sweatshirts | |||||||
| Tennis/golf shorts | |||||||
| Turtlenecks | |||||||
| Winter jackets | |||||||
| Winter long coats | |||||||
| Other ________________ |
Fill in the approximate number of each.
____ Casual boots ____ Hiking boots
____ Casual shoes ____ Hunting boots
____ Cowboy boots ____ Sandals
____ Flat dress shoes ____ Short dressy boots
____ Flip-flops ____ Slippers
____ Golf shoes ____ Tall boots
____ High-heeled shoes ____ Workout shoes
____ Other _______________________________________________________________________________________________
How would you like to store your shoes: in the original shoe box on a flat shelf, in a plastic shoe box on a shelf, in a drawer with a glass front, on a pull-out shelf, on a slanted board underneath hanging clothes, or other? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Women’s Accessories
Fill in the approximate number of each.
____ Casual belts ____ Scarves
____ Dress belts ____ Shawls
____ Handbags ____ Winter scarves
____ Handkerchiefs ____ Other ______________________________________________________________
How do you store each of the above items? Drawers, boxes, plastic tubs?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will hair accessories such as headbands, rubber bands, and barrettes be stored in your closet or in your bathroom?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Men’s Clothing
Fill in the quantity for each item. Mark whether you it stored in a drawer, on a shelf, or on a hanger. For those items to be stored on a hanger, write in the number of feet of hanging rod space needed per item (see Clothing and Closets in Appendix 2, pages 354–355) and check off whether they will be hanging folded or unfolded.
| Item | Quantity | Drawer | Shelf | On a Hanger | Length of Hanging Rod Space | Hanging on Hanger | Folded on Hanger |
| Athletic socks | |||||||
| Casual pants | |||||||
| Casual T-shirts | |||||||
| Dress pants | |||||||
| Dress shirts | |||||||
| Dress socks | |||||||
| Dress T-shirts | |||||||
| Gym shorts | |||||||
| Hiking socks | |||||||
| Hunting clothing | |||||||
| Hunting socks | |||||||
| Jeans | |||||||
| Lightweight jackets | |||||||
| Long johns | |||||||
| Long-sleeved casual shirts | |||||||
| Long-sleeved workout T-shirts | |||||||
| Pajamas | |||||||
| Rain, wind jackets | |||||||
| Short-sleeved casual shirts | |||||||
| Short-sleeved workout T-shirts | |||||||
| Shorts | |||||||
| Ski clothing | |||||||
| Ski socks | |||||||
| Sport coats | |||||||
| Suits | |||||||
| Sweaters | |||||||
| Sweatshirts | |||||||
| Tennis/golf shorts | |||||||
| Turtlenecks | |||||||
| Underwear | |||||||
| Winter jackets | |||||||
| Winter long coats | |||||||
| Other ____________ |
Men’s Shoes
How do you prefer to store your shoes? ________________________________________________________________________
Fill in the approximate number of each.
____ Casual boots ____ Golf shoes
____ Casual shoes ____ Hiking shoes
____ Cowboy boots ____ Hunting boots
____ Cross-training shoes ____ Rubber boots
____ Dress boots ____ Running shoes
____ Dress shoes ____ Slippers
____ Flip-flops ____ Tennis shoes
____ Other _______________________________________________________________________________________________
How would you like to store your shoes: in the original shoe box on a flat shelf, in a plastic shoe box on a shelf, in a drawer with a glass front, on a pull-out shelf, on a slanted board underneath hanging clothes, or other?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Men’s Accessories
Fill in the approximate number of each.
____ Ascots ____ Dress belts
____ Bow ties ____ Handkerchiefs
____ Casual belts ____ Jewelry/watches
____ Cummerbunds/tux ties ____ Pocket squares
____ Other _______________________________________________________________________________________________
How do you plan to store these accessory items? In a drawer, plastic box, or tub? ______________________________________
Storage for Hats, Gloves, and Glasses/Goggles (Women’s or Men’s)
Hats
Fill in the approximate number of each.
____ Baseball caps ____ Ski hats
____ Cowboy hats ____ Other ______________________________________________________________ ____ Dress hats
How do you plan to store the above items? In original boxes, on a shelf, in a plastic box? ________________________________
Gloves
Fill in the approximate number of each.
____ Casual gloves ____ Ski gloves
____ Dress gloves ____ Other ______________________________________________________________ ____ Hunting gloves
How do you plan to store the above items? In original boxes, on a shelf, in a plastic box? ________________________________
Glasses/Goggles
Fill in the approximate number of each.
____ Hunting glasses ____ Ski goggles
____ Motorcycle goggles ____ Sunglasses
____ Prescription glasses ____ Other ______________________________________________________________
How do you plan to store the above items? In original boxes, on a shelf, in a plastic box? ________________________________
Any special needs or information not covered:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Breakfast Room Checklist
Approximate room size __________________ Location in the house _________________________________________________
Do you want a separate room for your breakfast room or an open area as part of the kitchen?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want a table and chairs or a banquette? _______________________________________ If a banquette, do you want two parallel benches, a U-shaped bench, a straight bench on one side of the table and chairs on the other, an L-shaped bench, or a semicircular bench? ______________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want storage under your banquette bench? ________ If so, do you want a lift-up seat, drawers, or cabinet doors?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want part of the banquette under a window? ______________________________________________________________
What shape of table do you want for your breakfast room? __________________________________________________________
How many people do you want to seat? _________________________________________________________________________
What are your breakfast room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Built-ins*
Fireplace*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Butler’s Pantry Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Will you use your butler’s pantry for storing silver, china, crystal, and entertaining pieces, or will it be a work area to use when entertaining in the dining room or both? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will the butler’s panty be a separate room or a hallway with counters on one side or both sides? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you have upper and lower cabinets? ______ If having upper cabinets, do you want glass on your cabinet doors? _______
If so, do you want the interior of the cabinet illuminated? _________________________________________________________
Will the upper cabinets go to the ceiling or the furdown, or have an open area between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling? Explain. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you have an open area, what height do you want the space between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling? ______________
Do you want that area illuminated? ___________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Lights underneath the upper cabinets
Vertical tray storage area
Area for large bulky size serving pieces
Silver closet—if so, do you want a lock on the door? ___________________________________________________
Silver cloth lined drawers—if so, do you want a lock on the drawer? ______________________________________
Sink—if so, what size? ____________________________________________________________________________
Circle any appliances you will want in your butler’s pantry.
Warming drawer Oven Dishwasher Wine chiller Ice maker Other _______________________________
Will the butler’s pantry also serve as a bar? _____________________________________________________________________
What are your butler’s pantry electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What type of material will you want for your counter? Explain. _____________________________________________________
Will you want your butler’s pantry counter to have extra depth? ________ If so, discuss with your architect and builder how the extra depth will affect appliances.
If having upper cabinets over the counter, do you want extra distance between the counter and the bottom of the upper cabi net to accommodate taller items such as a large coffeemaker, decorative items you will place on the counter, and so on?
Explain. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle any that you will use that will use an electric outlet in your butler’s pantry.
Coffeemaker Espresso maker Blender Crepe maker Other _________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Control Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Exterior door ___________________________
Will your control room have a dual function and also serve as a safe room? ___________________________________________
What systems will be installed in your control room? Circle.
Air purifier Audio controls Gas log fireplace controls HVAC controls Lighting system
Radiant heated floor and surface controls Security controls Motorized window controls
Other ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your control room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Type of system _______________________________________ System name _________________________________________
Basic system specifications __________________________________________________________________________________
Are you attaching a specification sheet for this system? ________
Type of system _______________________________________ System name _________________________________________
Basic system specifications __________________________________________________________________________________
Are you attaching a specification sheet for this system? ________
Type of system _______________________________________ System name _________________________________________
Basic system specifications __________________________________________________________________________________
Are you attaching a specification sheet for this system? ________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Dining Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house ________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Square room
Rectangular shaped room
Do you want a formal or informal dining room? __________________________________________________________________
Do you want a dining room/breakfast room combination? __________________________________________________________
Do you want your dining room to be an open area or in a separate room? ______________________________________________
Do you prefer your dining room to be located in the front, side, or back of your house? __________________________________
What shape of dining room table(s) do you plan to use? ___________________________________________________________
How many people do you plan to seat at your dining room on a daily basis? ___________________________________________
How many people do you plan to seat when table leafs are in place? _________________________________________________
How many chairs do you want to place away from the table and around the wall in your dining room? _____________________
Will you use a sideboard? ________ If so, will it be located at the long end of the table or to the side of the center of the table? _________________________________ Just one or one at each end or side? ________________________________
Will you have art, a portrait, mirror, or other to hang in this room? ___________________________________________________
Do you have a rug for this room? ________ If so, measure the dimensions including any fringe and include those on the room fact sheet.
Do you want the ability to close off the dining room through pocket doors, French doors, or other type doors?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your dining room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Built-ins*
Ceiling fan*
Fireplace*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Driveway Checklist
Circle the type of driveway you want.
Circular with two entrances from the street Circular with one entrance from the street
Noncircular with one entrance from the street Turnaround area of the driveway Other _________________________
Do you want a single-car or double-car width driveway? __________________________________________________________
What type of driveway material do you prefer? Asphalt, concrete, washed rock, pavers, pebbles, other? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want lampposts or other lighting along the driveway? If so, explain. __________________________________________
On average, how many vehicles will be parked at your home during the day? _______________ Overnight? ________________
Number of parking spots at the front of the house ________ On the side of the house _________ Near the garage ___________
Is there a hazard along your driveway that will need a curb or guard rail? If so, what type of safety barrier do you want? Explain. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you have an apartment on your property, where do you want the occupants to park?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you own a boat, camper, bus, hunting vehicle, trailer, or other vehicle that will need to be parked on your property?
List and explain your plans.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want a porte cochere? ___________ If so, will it be located at the front of the home or side? ______________________
Would it be wide enough for one or two cars? ___________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Electronic gate at driveway
Electronic foot traffic gate
Special parking needed for household staff
Mailbox at the street, if not, where? ________________________________________________________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Entry Foyer Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
What rooms would you like connected to your entry foyer? List.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will your entry foyer be square, rectangular, circular, or another shape? ______________________________________________
Will your entry foyer be located in the center of your home or at one end? ___________________________________________
Will your entry foyer run toward the back of your home or side-to-side? _____________________________________________
Do you want a single or double front door? _____________________________________________________________________
What are your entry foyer electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Staircase in the entry foyer
Screen door
Coat closet—if so, how many? _____ What size(s)? do you want? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Jamb switch on the coat closet door
Fireplace*
Security alarm pad*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Exercise Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Circle the pieces of equipment you will use.
Treadmill Elliptical trainer StepMill FreeClimber Bicycle Other _________________________________
List weight machine equipment. _______________________________________________________________________________
Will you have free weights? __________ If so, how many total pounds? __________ Number of racks and rack dimensions?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle any type of equipment you want in your exercise room.
Pilates Workout bench Workout seat Padded exercise mat (how large?) _________ Other _______________
Circle any wall-mounted equipment you will use.
Ballet bar (how long?) _________ Chin-up bar Punching bag Other ______________________________________
Will you want to be able to jump rope in this room? ______________________________________________________________
Circle any small equipment you will need stored.
Medicine ball Stability ball Jump rope Tubes Balancing board Other ____________________________
Do you want mirrors on the wall? _______ Which walls? ___________________________________________________________
What are your exercise room outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Additional air conditioning vents
Air purifier system
Built-ins*
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Exterior door to this room
Fireplace*
Five-gallon water dispenser
Full bath in this room—if so, fill out a Bathroom Checklist (page 134).
Furniture in this room—if so, list.
_______________________________
Half bath
Humidifier
Security alarm pad*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Exterior Front Entry Checklist
Do you want the main door to your home to be on the front of your home or will it be on the side? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle the type flooring you want at the front exterior entry.
Brick Slate Tile Concrete Other _______________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Porch at your front door—if so, how large a porch and what shape?
Porte cochere at the front door—if so, do you want it wide enough for two cars to fit under it or an additional driveway outside the porte cochere for cars to pass? ___________________________________________________
Enter your front door by passing through a courtyard—explain. _________________________________________
Steps leading up to your “front” door—if you have steps and a porch, what type of railing do you want?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Special lights along the steps
Removable grate in the exterior floor at the front door for wiping off snow or mud
Potted plants that will need a built-in drip system by the front entry area
Faucet near your front door to hose off the area and for watering plants—if so, will you need a drip water system to keep them watered? ___________________________________________________________________________
Columns at your front door
Any awnings over your front door
Screened-in front porch leading to your front door
Mail drop into your house (check with U.S. Postal Service to make sure it is allowed)
Hanging lantern
Mounted lantern—if so, do you want brick, slate, tile, or other flooring at the exterior front entry area? _________
Special architectural elements—if so, describe. _______________________________________________________
Bench or pair of benches or other furniture located at your front entry—if so, list, and provide photos with dimensions.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
What kind of lighting do you want around the exterior front door: gas or electric? _____________________________________
Circle the kind of light fixture you want.
Lanterns Hanging lantern Light on a post Other _____________________________________________________
What are your exterior front entry electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Family Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Is your vision of your family room an open room off the kitchen or a separate room with four walls? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What furniture do you want in your family room?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you envision your family room as a family room/playroom combination? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your family room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Built-ins*
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Garage Checklist
Approximate size ___________________________ Location _______________________________________________________
Will you want your garage attached to your home by a door, attached to your home by an enclosed and covered walkway, attached to your home by an open covered walkway, or entirely detached from the home? Explain._________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want a totally enclosed garage with a garage door in front, a covered garage with no garage door and open sides, or a covered garage with a garage door and side walls that have openings into a courtyard? Explain. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you prefer that the garage doors are on the front of the house, the side of the house, or behind the house? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you have more than one vehicle, do you want an individual garage door for each vehicle, a double garage door, or a combination of a double door and single doors? Explain. __________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What height and width do you want your garage door(s)? _________________________________________________________
Do you want your garage to be hidden from the street by the position on the lot or behind landscaping? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your garage electrical outlet needs? List uses. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will any of your vehicles need a battery tender or need to be charged, requiring an outlet? ______________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Storage space for garbage bins inside your garage—if so, number and dimension of bins? ___________________
Custom-built area outside the garage to hold the garbage and recycle bins
Storage space for recycle bins in your garage—if so, how many and what size bins? ________________________
Decorative hardware affixed to your garage door
Exterior door leading out of your garage
Wood workshop off the garage—if so, explain. _______________________________________________________
Climate control room in your garage for a dog, attached to an exterior dog run
Walk-in storage closets—if so, what sizes and what will be their uses? ____________________________________
Doggy door into your garage
Tiled dog bath area in your garage
Climate-controlled garage
Heated garage—if so, radiant floor heat, wall-mounted system, or other? _________________________________
Any appliances in the garage—if so, list. ____________________________________________________________
Sink in your garage
Any design or special paint on your garage floors
Any special treatment to your garage walls
Car stops in your garage
A place to store tables and chairs that are used for entertaining—if so, size of area, how many tables and chairs? ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Wall-mounted code panel on the outside of your garage for opening your garage—if so, where will you want it mounted? _____________________________________________________________________________________
Basketball goal mounted around your garage area—if so, where and what type of mount? ___________________
Work counter—if so, how deep and how wide? _______________________________________________________
Any professional tool or auto equipment that will be placed in your garage: tool drawer on wheels, air compressor, and so on—if so, list here, measure, and fill them in on your Individual Room and Closet Fact Sheet. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Drains in the garage floor—if so, how many drains and location of each? _________________________________
Ability to wash your car inside your garage—if so, do you need the lower portion of your walls to be waterproof?
Hot and cold water faucets
Commercial-type car wash power sprayer
Built-ins*
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
Circle your choice for the area above your garage.
Open vaulted ceiling Flat ceiling Attic space Finished-out room Other _______________________________
How tall do you want your garage ceilings? ______________________________________________________________________
Do you want concrete, brick, or another surface for your garage floor? _______________________________________________
If concrete, do you want a painted floor or other design applied to the concrete? ______________________________________
Do you want windows in your garage door, windows in your garage wall, or a skylight?__________________________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Garage Vehicle Checklist
| Item | Number of Vehicles | Make and Model | Battery Tender Needed? | Stored on a Trailer? | Dimensions of Trailer | Ceiling Mounted Remarks |
| ATVs | ||||||
| Bicycles | ||||||
| Boat | ||||||
| Canoe | ||||||
| Cars | ||||||
| Golf carts | ||||||
| Jet ski | ||||||
| Kayak | ||||||
| Motorcycle | ||||||
| Riding lawn mower | ||||||
| Snowmobile | ||||||
| Trucks | ||||||
| Other ________ |
For garage measurements, see Appendix 2(page 353).
Garage Item Storage Checklist
| Item | In Cabinet | On Open Shelf | In Closet | In Garage Attic | On Garage Wall | Open Area in Garage | Drawer in Garage | Hang from Ceiling |
| Lawn Tools | ||||||||
| Chain saw | ||||||||
| Fertilizer | ||||||||
| Fertilizer spreader | ||||||||
| Push lawn mower | ||||||||
| Rake | ||||||||
| Shovel | ||||||||
| Wheelbarrow | ||||||||
| Other ______ | ||||||||
| Gardening | ||||||||
| Flowerpots | ||||||||
| Garden hoses | ||||||||
| Hand tools | ||||||||
| Potting soil | ||||||||
| Power tools | ||||||||
| Sprayers | ||||||||
| Sprinklers | ||||||||
| Other ______ | ||||||||
| Car Supplies | ||||||||
| Car cover | ||||||||
| Car washing supplies | ||||||||
| Gas can | ||||||||
| Jumper cables | ||||||||
| Snow chains | ||||||||
| Snow tires | ||||||||
| Tire air compressor | ||||||||
| Other ______ | ||||||||
| Paint Supplies | ||||||||
| Paint | ||||||||
| Paint brushes | ||||||||
| Paint bucket | ||||||||
| Paint rollers | ||||||||
| Plastic covering | ||||||||
| Roller pans | ||||||||
| Solvents | ||||||||
| Other ______ | ||||||||
| Barbecue Supplies | ||||||||
| Butane tank | ||||||||
| Charcoal | ||||||||
| Grill | ||||||||
| Grill cooking utensils | ||||||||
| Wood chips | ||||||||
| Other ______ | ||||||||
| Picnic Supplies | ||||||||
| Blanket | ||||||||
| Candles | ||||||||
| Folding chairs | ||||||||
| Folding table | ||||||||
| Ice chest | ||||||||
| Picnic basket | ||||||||
| Other ______ | ||||||||
| Tools | ||||||||
| Hand power tools | ||||||||
| Hand tools | ||||||||
| Level | ||||||||
| Nails/ screws | ||||||||
| Tool chest | ||||||||
| Other ______ |
File in
Binder 4: Design
File in
Binder 4: Design
Kitchen Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house ________________________________________________
Do you want your kitchen open to other rooms or do you prefer that it be an entirely separate room? Explain. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want your kitchen located on the front, side, or back of your home? ___________________________________________
Do you want a window in front of your kitchen sink? ______________________________________________________________
Will you need a broom closet in your kitchen or do you prefer a laundry room nearby to store brooms, mops, and so on? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
When you walk into your home, do you set your keys, purse, or packages down on the kitchen counter? ___________________
If so, would you prefer to have a small office area just off the kitchen to set down keys, purse, sunglasses, and so on, leaving the kitchen counter clear? ____________________________________________________________________________________
Do any of the following describe your lifestyle?
YES NO
When your family is home, everyone gathers in the kitchen.
Homework is done at the island.
When friends stop by, everyone gathers in the kitchen.
You pay bills, use a laptop, open mail, and so on at your kitchen counter or island or a desk area in the kitchen.
You entertain often—if so, with dinner parties, cocktail parties, brunches, card games, or other? How frequently?
Usual number of guests? Explain. ___________________________________________________________________
You have parties catered—if so, when having a large party, does the caterer set up in the garage? _______________________________________________________________________________________________
If so, do you need a 220-volt outlet in the garage for extra ovens or warming devices? _______________________
What are your kitchen electrical outlet needs? List uses. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Does your family eat at the island or breakfast table or in the dining room?____________________________________________
If your family eats at the island or kitchen counter, do you want a raised ledge for eating and using bar stools or do you want the island to be one height and use counter height bar stools? _____________________________________________________
Do you currently have a desk area in the kitchen? If so what works in your current desk area and what does not? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you hang a three-tier basket for fruits and vegetables? Explain. _________________________________________________
Will you mount your knives on the wall, store in a drawer, or store in a knife block? ____________________________________
Do you want your shelves and drawers lined in silver cloth? Explain. _________________________________________________
Do you want a lock on your silver closet and a separate alarm system? Explain. ________________________________________
If using a pot rack, will there be lights on the pot rack that will need a power source? __________________________________
How do you prefer to store your damp dishtowels? On an exposed towel bar or hook or a slide-out towel bar located within a cabinet door? Explain. ______________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Kitchen Cabinet Layout Checklist
Height of counter? ______________ Depth of counter? ______________
Height of island? ______________ Dimensions of island _______________Shape of island ______________
Distance between counter and bottom of upper cabinets? ______________
Depth of upper cabinet shelves? ______________
Do you want adjustable shelves? ______________Circle your preference of the type of finish on your shelf clips.
Brass Stainless Acrylic Other _____________________________________
Circle the type of material you want on your cabinets.
Wood Stainless Glass and wood Glass Plastic Other ______________________________________
Circle the type of finish you want on your cabinets.
Stain Paint Faux paint Pickle Other ______________________________________
Explain. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
What style of cabinet front do you plan to use? Flush mount cabinet door and drawers or an overlay cabinet door and drawers? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want the area below your counter to be drawers or cabinet doors or mixture?__________________ Provide a rough drawing of your vision for this area. If you know what you want to store in a drawer and in a cabinet, list that information.
How high will the upper cabinets extend? To the ceiling/crown molding, leave an opening between top of upper cabinet and ceiling, or to the furdown. Explain. ____________________________________________________________________________
If having an open area between the upper cabinet and ceiling, what height do you want for the open shelf?____________
If applicable, what height will the furdown be? ______________
How tall do you want the actual inside storage space in the drawer? ______________
What type of counter surface will you use? Explain. ______________________________________________________________
How thick do you want the counter edge and what type edge design? ______________________________________________
Will you have an under-mount, self-rimming, or tile-mounted kitchen sink? ______________
How high of a toe kick do you want? ______________
How do you want to use the lower corner cabinet area? Pull-out corner drawers, cabinet door with shelves that swing out from a pole, or other. Explain. _____________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Panels that match the cabinets on your appliances
Trash compactor—if so, more than one? __________________
Custom trash can in a cabinet drawer (see Under-Cabinet Trash Storage, page 90)
Recycle drawer. Explain. __________________________
Cabinets above the refrigerator—if so, do you want them flush with the front of the refrigerator or set back so you can place things on top of your refrigerator? __________________
Pot rack in the wall or hanging from the ceiling. Will it have can or rope lights built into it? Explain.______________________________________________________________________________________________
Oversized drawer to store pots and pans
Tilt drawer in front of the sink
Custom dividers for utensils or flatware inside any drawer
The inside of your drawers laminated
Under-cabinet flip-down television
Wood-burning pizza oven in your kitchen
Your dishwasher raised from the floor
Drawer for pet food
Custom-designed drawers such as a spice drawer, drawer to hold china, drawer to hold flatware. If so, list the number of place settings and dimensions of china pieces. Also list individual flatware pieces—indicate the total number and the length of each piece. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Open vertical shelves to store plates
Vertical storage cabinet or drawer for cookie sheets, muffin tins, cutting boards If so, create a list with dimensions.
Vertical storage cabinet for trays—if so, how many trays? ________ What is the dimension of the largest tray, including handles? _______________________
Special area for telephone books—if so, explain. ______________________________________________________
Shelves to store cookbooks—if so, how many shelves? _______________________ Will the cookbooks be stored on open shelves or behind cabinet doors? _______________________ How many cookbooks? _______________________ Range of cookbook dimensions? _______________________
Special storage system for table cloths
Baskets for storing potatoes, onions, and other vegetables—if so, where would you store the baskets? _______________________ How many baskets and what are the basket dimensions? _______________________
Built-in desk as part of the kitchen cabinets—if so, what size desk? _______________________ Do you want shelves above, computer monitor and hard drive, hanging file, drawer, counter height, or desk height? Explain.________________________________________________________________________________________
What will you be placing on the kitchen counters? List._________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you store your coffee cups and mugs stacked in a cabinet, hanging on hooks, or other? _____________________________
How do you plan to hang your dish towels? Pull-out bar inside a cabinet, on a towel bar, a hook or other?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will your microwave be built into an upper or lower cabinet? ______________ Will you have more than one? ______________
Will you have a cutting board inset into the counter, a freestanding piece of furniture with cutting board top, or other? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you have a custom drawer or custom open slots for wine bottles? ______________ How many bottles would you want to store in this area? ______________ (See Wine Storage Options, page 91)
File in
Binder 4: Design
Kitchen Island Checklist
Will you have one, two, or three islands? ____________ If more than one island, you will need to fill out this checklist for each.
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
One continuous counter height
Two counter heights, one part counter height, one part bar height
Built-in island with cabinets, drawers, and so on below
Movable island on wheels
Piece of furniture for island
Butcher block for island
Marble top or marble section of island for pastry or bread making
YES NO
Stainless top
Standard counter height—if not, how high do you want the island? ________________
Sink on island—if so, for washing dishes, vegetable washing, or bar sink? ______________
Stove top on island
Island surface with no equipment
Do you want any of the following below your island counter?
YES NO
Trash compactor
Dishwasher
Dishwasher drawers
Refrigerator drawers
Recycle cabinets
Custom trash pull-out cabinet (see Under- Cabinet Trash Storage, page 90)
Microwave
YES NO
Juice refrigerator
Wine chiller
Wine bottle storage (see Wine Storage Options, page 91)
Tray storage
Cookbook shelves
Open shelves for decorative items
(If you want a sink on the island and will use it to wash dishes, you will need a dishwasher or dishwasher drawers next to the sink below the island.)
If you have a stove top on your island, will you want an exhaust system that rises out of the counter or a vented exhaust system?
Explain. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will the island be used for seating? ___________ Counter or bar height stools? ____________ How many stools? ____________
Do you prefer drawers or cabinet doors for storage space below your island? ____________ Will there be special cabinet or drawers sizes to accommodate specific items being stored? List items and note dimensions below or on a separate sheet.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your kitchen island electrical outlet needs? List uses. _____________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want a strip of outlets hidden under the island top? ____________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Kitchen Appliance Checklist
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
One individual refrigerator and one individual freezer (2 pieces)
Two individual refrigerators and two individual freezers (4 pieces)
One unit, refrigerator/freezer combination (Refrigerators are available in many different door widths. Make sure if selecting a wider door that it will clear the island.)
Dishwasher—if so, how many? ___________ Left or right side of sink? ____________________________________ Location for second dishwasher ___________________________________________________________________
Disposal— if so, how many? ___________ Which side of sink(s)? ___________ (If you have a double or triple sink, the disposal should be located on the same side as the dishwasher.)
Trash compactor—if so, how many? ___________ Location(s) ___________________________________________
Wall oven— if so, how many? ___________ Size(s) ____________________________________________________
Oven/microwave combination
Range with oven below—if so, how many burners? ___________ Gas or electric? ___________ Griddle, grill, or other options? _________________________________________________________________________________
Stove top only, no oven below—if so, how many burners? ___________ Gas or electric? Griddle, grill, or other options? ______________________________________________________________________________________
Self-cleaning oven
Warming drawers—if so, how many? ___________ Location(s) __________________________________________
Microwave—if so, how many? ___________ Location(s) ________________________________________________
Under-counter ice maker—if so, clear or frosted ice, size and shape? ___________ Location ___________________
Freestanding large ice maker—if so, clear or frosted ice, size and shape? __________________________________ Location _______________________________________________________________________________________
Wine chiller—if so, under-counter or full standing size? ___________ Location _____________________________
Exhaust fan—if so, ceiling mounted or pop up from counter? ___________________________________________
Built-in professional coffeemaker—if so, location _____________________________________________________
Built-in deep fryer—if so, location __________________________________________________________________
Built-in blender base—if so, location _______________________________________________________________
Built-in mixer base—if so, location _________________________________________________________________
Compact entertainment center or fold-up television under kitchen cabinet—if so, location ___________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Kitchen Plumbing Checklist
Which of the following do you want in your kitchen?
YES NO
Single sink
Double sink
Triple sink
Farmhouse sink
Sink faucet, flow control, and temperature control all in one
Sink faucet and two handles
Water purifier
Sprayer attached to sink faucet
Sprayer not attached to faucet
Commercial sink sprayer
Pot filler faucet near stove—if so, exact location ______________________________________________________
Disposal—if double or triple sink, which side gets the disposal? Explain. __________________________________
Soap dispenser at kitchen sink
Hot water dispenser at kitchen sink
Ice maker, part of freezer
Individual under-counter ice maker
Freestanding large ice maker
Built-in professional coffeemaker
Refrigerator door front ice and water dispenser
If you will have more than one kitchen sink, for each additional sink, list the type of sink and the type of faucet. Indicate if you want a spray nozzle, soap dispenser, hot water dispenser, disposal, or any other option.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Check if you have any specification forms attached.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Kitchen Item Storage Checklist
| Items | Preferred Storage Location | Precise Storage Location |
| Basic Items | ||
| Canister set | ||
| Can opener | ||
| Cheese grater | ||
| Cookbooks | ||
| Cutting boards | ||
| Knives | ||
| Paper towel holder | ||
| Pot lids | ||
| Pots and pans | ||
| Pyrex dishes | ||
| Roasting pans | ||
| Salad spinner | ||
| Thermos | ||
| Tupperware, plastic ware | ||
| Baking Items | ||
| Baking utensils | ||
| Cake decorating items | ||
| Cake pans | ||
| Cookie sheets | ||
| Cupcake pans | ||
| Measuring cups | ||
| Mixing bowls | ||
| Rolling pin | ||
| Sifter | ||
| Cleaning Products | ||
| Mop, broom, dust pan, bucket | ||
| Rags | ||
| Vacuum bags | ||
| Cloth Goods | ||
| Aprons | ||
| Cloth napkins, rings | ||
| Dish towels | ||
| Placemats | ||
| Pot holders | ||
| Table cloths | ||
| Dry Goods | ||
| Garbage bags | ||
| Paper products (napkins, paper towels, and so on) | ||
| Plastic cups, Styrofoam cups | ||
| Plastic wrap, plastic food storage bags, foil | ||
| Entertaining Pieces | ||
| Bowls | ||
| Cake stands | ||
| Casserole dishes | ||
| Casserole holders | ||
| Coffee service | ||
| Pitchers | ||
| Platters | ||
| Tea set | ||
| Trays | ||
| Everyday Dishes/Flatware | ||
| Coffee cups, mugs | ||
| Dishes | ||
| Flatware | ||
| Glasses | ||
| Steak knives | ||
| Tea cups | ||
| Food Items | ||
| Baking items (vanilla, baking soda, and so on) | ||
| Beverages (sodas, juices, water) | ||
| Beans (dried) | ||
| Bread | ||
| Canned goods | ||
| Cereal | ||
| Coffee, filters, tea bags | ||
| Flour, sugar | ||
| Fresh fruits and vegetables | ||
| Pasta, rice | ||
| Snacks (cookies, crackers, chips, and so on) | ||
| Spices | ||
| Vinegars, oils | ||
| Vitamins | ||
| Wine | ||
| Small Appliances | ||
| Blender | ||
| Bread machine | ||
| Can opener | ||
| Cappuccino maker | ||
| Coffeemaker | ||
| Deep fryer | ||
| Food processor | ||
| Griddle | ||
| Ice cream maker | ||
| Juicer | ||
| Mixer | ||
| Rice cooker | ||
| Slow cooker | ||
| Toaster, toaster oven | ||
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Batteries | ||
| Coupons | ||
| HVAC filters | ||
| Light bulbs | ||
| Recipe drawer, box, or folder | ||
| Shopping bags, grocery sacks | ||
| Tools | ||
| Warranty information | ||
| Other ______________________ | ||
| Other ______________________ | ||
| Other ______________________ | ||
| Other ______________________ | ||
| Other ______________________ |
File in
Binder 4: Design
Kitchen Pantry Checklist
Which of the following fits the description of the type of kitchen pantry you want in your home?
YES NO
Butler’s pantry combined with working pantry
Part of the kitchen cabinets
Simple walk-in-closet-type pantry with shelves against the wall
Working pantry with work space area
Working pantry, butler’s pantry, and laundry room combined
Approximate room size _______________________________
If working pantry, do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Island—if so, approximate size and shape ___________________________________________________________
Pot rack above island
Sink—if so, type and size of sink ___________________________________________________________________
Commercial sprayer
Disposal
Trash compactor
Trash can—if so, built-in or freestanding? ___________________________________________________________
Pull-out cabinet trash drawer
Ovens
Refrigerator or freezer—if so, which? _______________________________________________________________
Upper and lower cabinets with doors
Drawers
Open shelves
Small storage closet for a broom, mop, vacuum, other cleaning items in the pantry
Area with hooks to hang household keys
Windows or skylights
If walk-in pantry with shelves, do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Adjustable shelves
Storage for a broom, mop, vacuum, other cleaning items in the pantry—if so, you will need an area for these to hook onto the wall or stand on the floor.
An area with hooks to hang household keys
Circle any items you will store in your pantry that will require an outlet to charge.
Handheld vacuum Electric screwdriver Flashlight Other ______________________________________________
What are your kitchen pantry electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have a particular shape in mind? Explain. ________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How many shelves do you need? _____________________________________________________________________________
Distance from ceiling for shelves to begin? _____________________________________________________________________
Distance from floor for shelves to begin? _______________________________________________________________________
What size shelves do you need: height, depth, and width? _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Discuss with builder the maximum width of shelves to avoid sagging.
If you have baskets or bins to place on the shelves, what are the dimensions of those items?_____________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fill in the Kitchen Item Storage Checklist (page 177), checking any items that will be stored in the pantry.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Laundry Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
How much cabinet and counter space do you need? Explain. ______________________________________________________
How large of a clothes folding area do you want? ________________________________________________________________
Circle those that apply to how you want to use your laundry room.
Strictly for laundry Overflow for caterers when entertaining Storing serving pieces for entertaining
Storing silver Gift wrapping Flower arranging Sewing Dog washing Pet’s room Crafts
Bulk item storage Storage lockers for each child Other ___________________________________________________
How many washing machines? __________ How many dryers? __________
Circle any of the following you want in your laundry room.
Dishwasher Oven Disposal Trash compactor Refrigerator Freezer Refrigerator/freezer combo
Refrigerator for storing fresh flowers Desk area Skylight 5-gallon water dispenser Fold-down ironing board
Other ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
On a copy of the Blank Comment Form (page 18), fill in any comments to discuss with your architect on any item circled.
What are your laundry room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
List items you will store in your laundry room.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
More than one laundry room in your home—if so, where will the others be located? ________________________
Stackable washer and dryer or single units
Front-loading washer and dryer
Top-loading washing machine
Washer and dryer on a pedestal
Large drawer to store clothing to be ironed
Large drawer to store clothing to be washed—or will you need an area to store a laundry basket for dirty clothes?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Large drawer to store washed and folded clothes for each member of the household
Mesh drying rack for drying sweaters—if so, do you want a special place to store it? Explain. __________________ Include dimensions of the drying rack. _______________________________________________________________
Island or peninsula
Drain under your washing machines in the laundry room floor
Sink—if so, size, single, double, or triple? _____________________________________________________________
Sprayer on your sink—if so, a commercial sprayer? ______________________________________________________
Tiled area to wash a dog, to hang clothing to dry, and so on
Drawer to store cleaning rags, car washing and drying towels, or dog drying towels
Drawer to store dry pet food—if not, where and how will your store the food? ______________________________
Area for a pet’s bed, food, and water
Dutch door to a laundry room so that a pet cannot get out
Storage space for brooms, mops, a vacuum, or buckets
8- to 12-inch open shelf just above your nonstacked washer and dryer
Recycle bins in your laundry room—if so, how many? __________________________________________________
Hanging pot rack in your laundry room
Powder room off the laundry room
Upper and lower cabinets
Lights under the upper cabinets. Will your upper cabinets go to the ceiling, stop short of the ceiling creating an open area, or go to a furdown? _____________ If open area, will you want rope lights or a halogen strip of lights to light that area? _______________________________________________________________________________
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Library Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Will your library be a working office or more of another room to enjoy in your home? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What pieces of furniture do you want to use in your library? For example, do you want a seating area with sofa(s) and chairs or just a couple of chairs for visitors to sit by the desk? List.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you have a two-sided desk with a kneehole on each side that needs to be positioned so that two people can work at the desk?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle any office equipment you want in the library.
Printer Fax Hard drive Computer monitor Other ______________________
Circle where will you want your office equipment stored.
In a closet Inside the credenza On top of the credenza On top of the desk Other ______________________
How much file storage space will you need? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your library electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle the appliances you want in your library.
Mini-refrigerator Wine cooler Other ______________________
For a built-in bookcase, do you want floor-to-ceiling shelves or cabinets and drawers in the lower portion? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Number of books and size of shelves? _________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Built-in desk
Freestanding piece of furniture for a desk
Two-sided desk with kneeholes on both sides
Built-in credenza
Freestanding piece of furniture for a credenza
Standard height or bar height built-in desk
Built-in file drawers—if so, what size: legal, letter, or combination? _______________________________________
Metal file cabinets—if so, how many and what are the dimensions? ______________________________________
Built-in hanging file drawers—if so, where would you want them located: in a closet, in a cabinet under a bookcase, under a windowseat, or other? ______________________ Will you want letter, legal, or combination?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
File storage closet—if so, approximate size? _________________________________________________________
Office equipment closet—if so, approximate size? ____________________________________________________
Conference table—if so, to seat how many? _________________________________________________________
Conference videoing or other specific electronic needs. List. ____________________________________________
Writing board on the wall
World map or any other item that needs mounting on the wall and electric power—explain. __________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Lighted globe that needs an outlet
Wet bar within the library—if so, do you want it open or hidden behind cabinet doors? _____________________
Specific memorabilia collection to display or store—explain. ___________________________________________
Display area for hunting, fishing, or other trophies. List trophies and how you want them displayed.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Rug to be used in your library—if so, provide dimensions including fringe.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Exterior door to your library
Built-ins*
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo speakers*
Stereo equipment*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Living Room/Great Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
What shape do you want the living room? Explain. _______________________________________________________________
Do you want a formal living room or a living room/great room combination? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What rooms do you want flowing to and from the living room? List.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you have any built-in bookcases in your living room? If so, will you have any outlet needs within the bookcase shelves?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you want special bookcase lighting? ________________
What are your living room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you want to be able to close off the living room with doors?________ If so, pocket doors, French doors, or other type of doors? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
File in
Binder 4: Design
Mechanical Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Circle the equipment you want in the mechanical room.
Air purifier Water purifier Water softener Hot water heater Radiant heating system Security system
Humidifier HVAC Other _____________________________________________________________________________
Circle which control systems for your home will be located in the mechanical room.
Audio controls HVAC system controls Gas fire log controls Lighting controls Radiant heat controls
Security system controls Window treatment motorized controls Other ______________________________________
Are there any municipal codes limiting the size and use of the mechanical room? Explain. _______________________________
Do you want an exterior door to the mechanical room? ___________________________________________________________
If you will have an exterior door, do you want a separate security system? ____________________________________________
Will the mechanical room also serve as a safe room and/or a control room? ___________________________________________
Will you use it as a storage room? If so, what do you plan to store in the mechanical room? List.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you want extra ceiling, floor, and wall insulation to cut down on the noise generated from the mechanical room? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your mechanical room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you want a drain in the floor of your mechanical room in the event your water heater leaks? _________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Computer wiring*
Security alarm pad*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Media Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Will this room be solely a media room or will it serve as a multipurpose media room, playroom, and game room? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If this will be a multipurpose room, identify the rooms represented, such as media, game, and playroom, and fill in the checklists for each of those rooms, noting on the checklist that these are part of the media room.
If solely a media room, how many people do you want to seat? ____________________________________________________
What type of furniture do you want in this room? Sofas, reclining chairs, other? Explain. ________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What size movie screen do you want to use? ____________________________________________________________________
What type of material will you use for the counter? _______________________________________________________________
How and where do you want to store your video and DVD collection? Explain.________________________________________
What are your media room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Counter with a sink, cabinets above and below—if so, how long? ______________
Curtain to open and close in front of the movie screen
Glass candy display case that resembles one at the movie theater
Media room consultant
Popcorn wagon
Powder room or half bath nearby
Stadium seating
Windowless room
Sprayer for your sink
Soap dispenser
Mini-kitchen with sink, microwave, mini-refrigerator, or other appliances
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks *
Televisions *
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Morning Kitchen/Counter Checklist
If you want more than one morning kitchen/counter, fill out a copy of this checklist for each one.
Location: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want a small room that you can close off or an open counter? _______________________________________________
Approximate size of a small room? _______________ Approximate length of a counter? _______________
What are your morning kitchen electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Cabinets above the counter
Cabinets below the counter
Pull-out trash can built into the lower cabinets
Mini-refrigerator
Full-size refrigerator
Wine chiller
Microwave
Dishwasher
Dishwasher drawer
Built-in coffeemaker
Warming drawer
Sink
Hot water dispenser
Soap dispenser
Spray nozzle
Which small appliances will you use?
YES NO
Coffeemaker
Tea maker
Coffee bean grinder
Toaster
Bagel toaster
Toaster oven
Juicer
Blender
Other __________________________________
Will you need storage for any of the following?
YES NO
Dishes—if so, list type and number. ________________________________________________________________
Utensils—if so, list type and number _______________________________________________________________
Barware—if so, list type and number _______________________________________________________________
Napkins
Trays
Dry food items
Beverages—if so, what type? ______________________________________________________________________
Knives—if so, stored in a knife block or in a drawer?___________________________________________________
Cutting board
Other _________________________________________________________________________________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Mudroom Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
If your home is on a ranch, near a ski slope, near a beach, or near a lake you may want custom-built areas in the mudroom to hold specialized equipment for family members and guests. Circle any items requiring custom storage space in the mudroom.
Guns Hunting equipment Skiing equipment Beach equipment Fishing equipment Other __________
Circle the door(s) you want to lead into the mudroom.
Door from the garage Door on side of your home Door on front of your home Back door
What are your mudroom electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Built-in lockers or cubbyholes—if so, how many lockers and/or how many cubbyholes? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Storage bins or baskets to fit into cubbyholes or shelves—explain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Metal lockers to store backpacks, school lunches, signed forms for school, and other items—if so, how many metal lockers? __________________________________________________________________________________
Any pieces of furniture in your mudroom—if so, what pieces?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Built-in bench or a freestanding bench or chair in the mudroom to sit on when putting on or removing shoes or boots.
Built-in counter
Heated mudroom
Bins and baskets for storing items—if so, how many and what are the dimensions?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Handheld faucet sprayer and a waterproof floor with a drain to make cleaning easier
Fixed mirror for that last-minute appearance check
Coat closet, a row of hooks, or both for hanging coats and jackets—explain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Storage closets—if so, what will you store in them? List.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Nursery Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
How close to the master bedroom do you want the nursery located? ________________________________________________
What furniture will you have in the nursery: baby bed, changing table, armoire, chest of drawers, day bed, chair, other? List.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will the nursery eventually become a bedroom or some other type room such as a closet, office, or study? Explain and fill in a checklist for the particular room it will become. __________________________________________________________________
Will the nursery have a bathroom attached? ___________ If so, fill in a copy of the Bathroom Checklist (page 134).
Will the nursery need a closet? ___________ If so, fill in a copy of the Bedroom Closet Checklist (page 144).
Circle any equipment you will have in the nursery.
Baby monitor Baby camera Sound monitor Humidifier Air purifier Sound machine
Heated wipes dispenser Other ___________________________________________________________
What are your nursery electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is there a need for multiple baby beds? If so, how many? __________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Office Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
How will you use your office: for household/personal use, for a home-based business, or for an outside job?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want a large office, a small office, or a built-in desk area against a wall in another room (for example, in a family room near the kitchen)? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How much desktop space do you want for a built-in desk? _____________________________________________________
How much closet space do you want in your office? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How much file storage space do you need? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle any special office needs associated with your job.
Equipment Brochures Samples Files Other _____________________________________________________
Circle the type of office equipment will you be using.
Printer Fax Copier Hard drive Monitor Postage machine Mailing machine Paper cutter
Other ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Where do you see your office equipment located: in a closet, inside a credenza, on top of a credenza, on top of a desk, or in a closet? Explain. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your office electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Built-in desk
Freestanding furniture desk
Two-sided desk with kneeholes on both sides
Built-in credenza
Freestanding credenza
Standard height or bar height built-in desk
Built-in file drawers—if so, what size: legal, letter, or combination? _______________________________________
Metal file cabinets—if so, how many and what are the dimensions? ______________________________________
YES NO
Built-ins for bins, cubbyholes, or shelves in your office—if shelves, will they be open or behind cabinet doors?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Custom gift wrap area
Bulletin board or whiteboard hung in your office—explain. _____________________________________________
Exterior entry to your office—if so, will you need a separate alarm system? ________________________________
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Security alarm pad*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Playroom/Game Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Explain how you will use this room: will it serve as a multipurpose room, strictly a playroom, or strictly a game room?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What furniture do you want in your playroom/game room? List?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Circle the games you will use in your game room.
Pool Ping-Pong Foosball Shuffleboard Dartboard Pinball Other _________________________
Circle the game tables you want in your game room.
Card table Craps table Blackjack table Other_______________________________________________________
What are your playroom/game room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Bar—if so, fill in the Bar Checklist (page 130)
Built-in bookcases or shelves
Window seat
Storage cabinets or closets
Snack counter with microwave, sink, mini-refrigerator
Popcorn wagon
Sundae counter
Dumbwaiter to kitchen, if applicable
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Pool House Checklist
Approximate size of the pool house __________________________
Will your pool house be a freestanding structure or connected to the house? Explain _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want an open-air pool house or one with doors? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want one big open room with mini-kitchen counter, full kitchen, guest bedroom(s), his and hers full baths, one unisex bath, a powder room, coat closet, bedroom closet(s) or other? List. __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fill in the bathroom, kitchen, closet, family room, game room or any other appropriate room checklist for the rooms you want in your pool house.
Will your pool house also serve as a game room? If so, what game tables will you use? List.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If including a bathroom or powder room, do you want an exterior entrance as well as an interior entrance?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want a fire pit outside your pool house area? _____________________________________________________________
Do you want a sauna or steam room in your pool house? __________________________________________________________
Will you have a storage area for pool supplies, patio furniture cushions, and other pool items inside your pool house?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you have a security system for your pool house? _____________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Security alarm*
Stereo equipment*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
If your pool house will be enclosed with a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and so forth, fill out the appropriate checklists for those specific rooms.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Porch, Patio, Deck, and Balcony Checklist
How many porches, patios, decks, and balconies would you like, in what locations, and what approximate sizes? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following? If so, write out to the side if it is for a porch, patio, deck, or balcony.
YES NO
Screened-in porch
Multilevel deck
Retractable motorized screen
Faucet near the porch, patio, deck, and balconies for watering plants and hosing off the area
Drip system for watering plants
Drain in the middle of your porches, patios, or balconies
Spray mist cooling system—if so, plan for an electric outlet and water connection.
Portable heating system—if so, will it require an outlet, natural gas connection, or a butane tank?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Fire pit in the patio area
Outdoor fireplace on a porch, patio, or deck
Grilling area on your porch, patio, or deck
Built-in grill
Built-in serving areas around a grill
Built-in benches
Hot tub
Area to store cushions—explain. ___________________________________________________________________
Any awning on your porches or balconies—explain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Protective storm panels around your porches, covered patios, or balconies—explain.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you have a frozen drink machine at a party and place it on the porch or patio? If so, you will need an appropriate outlet.
Explain. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you use gas or electricity for lanterns? Explain. _______________________________________________________________
What are your electrical outlet needs? List. _____________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your Christmas decoration needs for the porches, patios, decks, and balconies? See Exterior and Interior Christmas Lights and Decorations Checklist (page 262) for possibilities.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What type of floor will you use on this porch, patio, or balcony? Explain. _______________________________________________
What type of wood do you want to use for your deck? Explain. ______________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following? If so, write out to the side if it is for a porch, patio, deck, or balcony.
YES NO
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Powder Room/Half Bath Checklist
If more than one powder room or half bath in your home, copy this page and fill in for each room.
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Who will be the primary users of this room? ____________________________________________________________________
What are your powder room/half bath electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Sitting area within the powder room
Taller toilet and padded seat
Water closet within the powder room
Full-length mirror
Do you want the sink built into a piece of furniture, on a pedestal, mounted in a corner, or in a built-in counter?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you use a fixed or decorative hanging mirror over sink? _______________________________________________________
Will you use a chandelier, sconce, recessed can, or other lighting? List.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
File in
Binder 4: Design
Safe Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Circle the dangers you want your safe room to protect against.
Tornados Other natural disasters Intruders Home invasion Terror threats Kidnapping
Abusive family member Other ___________________________________________________________________________
Will you use your safe room to store valuables? ________________
Will your safe room have dual purposes such as being the master closet and safe room, laundry room and safe room, bathroom and safe room, or other combination? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you purchase a prefabricated safe room or have one custom built? ______________________________________________
How many people would likely gather in the safe room at one time? ________________
Do you want your safe room accessible from inside the home or away from the home, such as a prefabricated room buried in your yard for tornado protection? ___________________________________________________________________________
What are your safe room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Air filtration system
Fireproof protection
Generator for power
Heavy-duty strike plate cut deep into the door frame
Open shelves or cabinets with shelves to store emergency products
Safe room door behind a hidden door
Security alarm keypad
Security consultant for planning your safe room
Steel doorjamb
Telephone landline
Three-inch screws and three hinges
Video monitor to see what is going on outside the door or other areas of your home
File in
Binder 4: Design
Specialty Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Circle the type of specialty you want represented in your specialty room.
Golf Fishing Fly-fishing Hunting Crafts Other _______________________________________________
What shape do you envision for this room? (For example, if golf, perhaps you want it long and narrow for a putting area.)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Will the display cases need special locks? Explain. ________________________________________________________________
Do you have special closet or storage needs? Explain._____________________________________________________________
What are your specialty room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are there any special electrical needs? _________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Exterior entrance
Special trophies that need to be mounted such as hunting and fishing trophies
Special display cases for trophies or memorabilia
Built-ins*
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.
File in
Binder 4: Design
Wine Room Checklist
Approximate room size ___________________ Location in the house _______________________________________________
Circle the type of wine room you envision.
Small walk-in closet Room with chairs Room with a dining table Room with seating plus a dining table
Other ________________ Explain. ____________________________________________________________________________
How many bottles of wine do you want to store? ________________________________________________________________
Do you want your wine stored with the bottom of the bottles against the wall and the neck of the bottlse sticking out, or stored with the bottles parallel to the wall with the label exposed? __________________________________________________
What are your wine room electrical outlet needs? List uses.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want any of the following?
YES NO
Section of the wine storage case that locks
All sections of wine behind caged type doors that lock
Special mounted wine opener
Decanter in a stand
Temperature riser sensor
Humidity level sensor
Ceiling fan*
Computer wiring*
Fireplace*
Sink
Stereo speakers*
Telephone jacks*
Televisions*
*Fill in the relevant information on the corresponding Entire-Home Selections form in Chapter 12.