[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

built a year plus ago. First, spent your money on the permanent items which you don't want to replace because that is expensive and disruptive , ie, tile, electrical, air conditioning, stretching, counter tops. Replacing these items are expensive, do it right the first time. Stretch first, ask questions later, see point one. Stretching is not that expensive vs what you get. If you want like natural light, get light tubes in strategic places. Small one in the bathroom, large one in the kitchen. If you want natural light in the garage, put in clear blocks or a light tube or two. If you are internet inclined, get the house ethernet wired for flexibility. Wired is faster, more secure and better for streaming. Have galaxy do the specs, NAT router and a gigabyte switch in addition to the modem in the wiring closet, I have two wiring closets as just one isn't big enough. At least one ethernet outlet in each room, forget the phone outlets, really!. You can still get wireless, and you can place the wifi modem in better places for better coverage or put in individual access points in the ceiling. Convert 2 gang outlets to 4 gang outlets near each rooms' entertainment center, to eliminate power strips. Get a whole house surge protector. don't skimp on air conditioning quality, go at least mid range. If gas, be sure to get an outlet outside where a bbq grille will go. Much better than tanks, and less danger. The standard appliances package is adequate, but better to get your preference at a box store. get gutters all around. Air condition the garage if you spend alot of time in the garage with a work bench added later.

Search and I have a post on how to internet wire a house.

sportsguy

Thanks. I'm a big proponent of doing it right the first time. I've never regretted spending the extra money doing it how we wanted it but I've certainly regretted cheaping out and wishing we had done something different.

Since you are the most recent to have built, how long did you spend with the design people picking your finishes and choosing what stretches you wanted?