There’s so many threads on this topic scattered between here, the OT, Tech Board, Outdoor Board, and Money Board. Each having a different angle and flavor as it relates to those who frequent each board.

In general, make sure you really evaluate the builder. Get recommendations, and talk to people who used him. Understand your budgets and how they overlap (can you use excess from one budget in another). Make sure they fit the finishes you’re looking for and be detailed on everything he includes in his price.

Depending on the land you buy, there can be a ton of upfront costs with clearing, culverts, access, dirt work/site prep.

For plans, Madden is really popular but he can be an absolute dick to work with. His designs are fairly recognizable and many people like his style. I’d be cautious if you need to make significant modifications to his designs, as it can be expensive and it takes time.

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Posted by corym52

Member since Jul 2007

721 posts

Posted on 5/10/20 at 12:03 pm to Relham10

Larger Garage for car space.
Hot water lines outside for cooking and or cleaning.
Cat 6 cable to any room that you will have tv computer needs.
Smaller master bed room / larger master bath/closet.
Make it as smart home as you can.
Outlets in the eves at all corners.
Timers for outside lights
Tankless water heater
Plywood the attic for walking and storage
LED lighting all over
Outlets, outlets,outlets.
Walk with electrical guys like you would coming and going to make sure the light switches are where you will use them easiest in best location.

The list can be endless, you just have prioritize what is important to y’all. We built late last year and I have a list of things I’d change

It’s fun and enjoy it.
And yeah we customized a couple madden plans, he must’ve liked it b/c he put it on his site. But he can be really dry. Just be upfront with what you want and would do different. We’d work with him again.

This post was edited on 5/10/20 at 12:06 pm

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Posted by Cracker

in a box

Member since Nov 2009

17772 posts

Posted on 5/10/20 at 1:04 pm to Relham10

get a landscaper architect to do your yard and add landscape lighting plugs outlets quality native landscape with perennial english style gardens no annuals

electrical plugs switched in the eves for crimmus lights unless you are a heathen

shower sink in garage

laundry room on main level with a sink

insulate interior walls of all bathrooms showers laundry rooms and tv room

detached garage shop

10 or 12 ft ceilings

windows can get expensive quick

use a cement fiber siding there are other brands vs hardie or brick I would not use vinyl

zip wall system

radiant barrier in the attic

make sure they insulate the bottom plate to the subfloor

even if your codes don't call for it once the house is dry in no insulation or drywall
have a blow door test done few hundred bucks and seal the house properly where you have leaks.

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Posted by joeleblanc

Member since Jan 2012

4114 posts

Posted on 5/10/20 at 2:03 pm to LSUtigerME

Don’t waist money on an outdoor fireplace and kitchen

My reason is: am I going to leave my A/c’d kitchen to go cook outdoors in 95 or 30 degrees weather? Hell no.

Does a fireplace really work outdoors? No

Spend that money on real wood flooring.

This post was edited on 5/10/20 at 2:05 pm

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Posted by jmarto1