re: New Residential Construction Must-Haves/Nice to Haves

We did an extra wide driveway so when the kids start driving we don’t have a daily shuffle of cars to get in and out.

Build a larger garage then your regular “2 car garage.” I built a 24x24 and can park a full size truck and suv in there and open car doors all the way.

While I’m the framing process take scrap wood and fill in between studs anywhere u may hang a tv, curtain rod holders, toilet paper holders , etc.

Don’t skimp on insulation. Radiant barrier plywood for roof.

If possible make sure slab for generator is on the same side as main power and gas meter. Cost a lot less if everything is on the same side of the house.

Outlets everywhere and on the wife’s side of the bathroom counter have double outlets.

If you ever think you want an ice machine make sure you plumb for it. I had the plumber put drainage and water hook up for my ice machine in the laundry room. Ice machine is way more efficient in a climate controlled area.

I also installed 1/2” foam insulation board from Lowe’s on all exterior walls and taped the seams before the bricks went up. Overall a cheap idea for a little extra insulation.

I also installed outlets and ran cat 5 and coax everywhere I knew a tv would be on a wall. All wires are hidden behind the wall.

A few outlets in kitchen and bedrooms with the usb port are nice these days.

Extra lighting in the attic and an electrical outlet or two incase you DYI a security camera system. Not having to worry about batteries is nice.