You can have the home of your dreams!

This comprehensive guide walks you through every decision and addresses all the details that most homeowners don't even know to consider.

In this step-by-step, room-by-room handbook, Susan Lang considers every aspect of your homebuilding or remodeling project, such as how to

• Hire the right architect, interior designer, and builder
• Design each room to perfectly fit your family's lifestyle
• Plan ahead so all your storage needs are met
• Determine the perfect placement for light fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets
• Save money by avoiding costly design revisions or building change orders

You'll find helpful forms and checklists that will keep you organized and assist you in clarifying your needs. And if you're worried that building your dream home might turn into a nightmare, Designing Your Dream Home covers the most common mistakes that homeowners make and shows you how to avoid them. Susan Lang has thought of everything, so you won't have to.

Designing Your Dream Home

Thomas Nelson

Contents

Acknowledgments.................................................................ixIntroduction....................................................................xi1: Getting Started and Staying Organized........................................1What You Will Need to Get Started...............................................1How to Use Your Tote Bags.......................................................2How to Organize Your Binders....................................................2How to Use Your Wheeled Luggage.................................................82: Hiring Your Team.............................................................27Hiring Your Architect...........................................................27Hiring Your Interior Designer...................................................31Hiring Your Builder.............................................................333: Purchasing Land, a Home, or a Condominium....................................51What Is Due Diligence?..........................................................51Due Diligence before Buying Raw Land or a Home..................................52Due Diligence before Buying a Condominium.......................................554: How to Be Prepared When Working with Your Architect..........................63Binder 1: Blank Forms...........................................................63Binder 4: Design................................................................64Binder 5: Team Meeting and Communications.......................................66Binder 6: Existing Content/Wish List Photos and Tear Sheets.....................665: The Rooms in Your House......................................................87Apartment Area..................................................................87Attic...........................................................................88Bar.............................................................................89Basement........................................................................90Bathrooms.......................................................................92Bedrooms........................................................................98Bedroom Closets.................................................................101Breakfast Room..................................................................102Butler's Pantry.................................................................102Control Room....................................................................103Dining Room.....................................................................104Driveway........................................................................105Entry Foyer.....................................................................106Exercise Room...................................................................107Exterior Front Entry............................................................109Family Room.....................................................................109Garage..........................................................................110Kitchen.........................................................................111Kitchen Pantry..................................................................116Laundry Room....................................................................117Library.........................................................................118Living Room/Great Room..........................................................119Mechanical Room.................................................................120Media Room......................................................................120Morning Kitchen.................................................................121Mudroom.........................................................................121Nursery.........................................................................122Office..........................................................................123Playroom/Game Room..............................................................124Pool House......................................................................124Porch, Patio, Deck, and Balcony.................................................124Powder Room/Half Bath...........................................................125Safe Room.......................................................................125Specialty Room..................................................................126Wine Room.......................................................................1266: Ceilings, Doors, Floors, Lighting, Walls, and Windows........................205Ceiling Options.................................................................205Door Options....................................................................206Floor Options...................................................................208Lighting Fixture Options........................................................209Interior Wall Options...........................................................209Window Options..................................................................2117: Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing...............................................219Electrical......................................................................219HVAC............................................................................222Plumbing........................................................................223Water Heaters...................................................................2238: Hardware and Stone/Tile......................................................231Cabinet Door and Drawer Hardware................................................231Bathroom Hardware...............................................................232Bedroom Closet Hardware.........................................................233Kitchen Hardware................................................................233Laundry Room Hardware...........................................................233Hardware in Miscellaneous Rooms.................................................233Miscellaneous Exterior and Architectural Hardware...............................233Door Hardware...................................................................234Stone and Tile..................................................................2379: Special Considerations.......................................................255Infants and Toddlers............................................................255Children of All Ages............................................................256Noise Checklist.................................................................257Christmas Decorations...........................................................257Senior Needs....................................................................258Protecting Your Home and Family.................................................259Going Green.....................................................................26010: Reviewing Architectural Plans...............................................265Electrical Plans: Do an Imaginary Walk-Through..................................26611: Shopping Forms..............................................................27912: Entire-Home Selection Forms.................................................30313: Building...