Small Details That Make A Big Difference When Remodeling Your Home
Gut & Remodel 70s Condo In Hawaii
Here is a casual list of design elements you might want to consider including in your home remodel and addition or your new home.
KITCHEN
Cabinets dedicated to refuse containers
Under cabinet lighting
Large sinks that accept large pots
Separate small sinks for preparation purposes
Base cabinets with drawers rather than doors
Two dishwashers
Electrical outlets tucked inside drawers, cabinets or pantries
Drain boards
Instant hot or boiling water dispensers
Ice machine
Soft close cabinets and drawers
Baking counter
Pot filler at the cook-top with drain at backsplash
Garbage disposal button rather than switch
Built-in drawer organizers
Bread drawers
Bread boards
Spice drawers or pull outs
Soda water dispenser
Pet food stations
Tray storage
Kick-plate vacuum catchers
Plate racks
Pull out towel cabinet
Built-in refrigerators
Custom paper towel holders
Pantry closet/walk-in
Foot pedal operated water taps
Elevated appliances
Trash compactor
Wine Refrigerators
Sponge caddy at face of cabinet in front of sink
Fiber optic garbage disposal button
Various height counter tops according to your own needs
Consider use of toe-kick space for a temporary step, secret drawer or tray storage
LAUNDRY
Laundry room Exhaust Fans
Entry or mud room with kids lockers
Locate near bedrooms and bathrooms
Locate dryer to an outside wall if possible for easier venting
Pet bathing area
Cleaning supply caddy built-in to cabinet system
Second Floor Laundry Chutes For Main Level or Basement Level laundry areas
BATH
ADA compliant toilets etc.
Hand held shower sprays
Safety bars
Electrical outlets at toilets for hygiene systems
Shower seats built-in or folding on a side wall
Outdoor showers
Silent exhaust fans
Dual Flush toilets
CLOSETS
Automatic lights at closets and pantries
Walk-in closets need to be seven feet wide minimum and at least five feet deep (NOTE: do not build closet rods to cross each other in the corners of walk in closets, it is usually better to line the closet on two opposing sides than on three sides)
Place one outlet in closet just in case you want to plug in something there
THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE
Solatube type skylights
Remote control blinds
Remote control skylights
Charging stations or garages
Wire exterior electrical sockets to an interior switch (good for xmas lights)
Smartphone control devices Smart thermostats wireless
Water softener
Central vacuum systems
Radiant floor heating
Garage door keypad
Humidity control systems
Whole house fans
Gas fireplace over wood burning
Automatic drip systems and landscape irrigation
Motion sensor exterior lights
Dimmer switches
Recirculating hot water
Instant hot water heaters
Built-in fireproof safe
Easily accessible shut off valves for gas and water for when you leave town
Consider cross ventilation for window placement
Consider sound insulation in places where there could be transmission of undesired noise
At exterior take into account "dark sky" light fixtures to reduce light pollution
Rain water collection to use for you landscape and gray water
GARAGE
Sink in Garage for utility cleanup
Insulate garage walls and door in extreme climates
Consider adding hot and cold water hose bibs for pet and car washing
Attic access with pull down stair
KITCHEN
Cabinets dedicated to refuse containers
Under cabinet lighting
Large sinks that accept large pots
Separate small sinks for preparation purposes
Base cabinets with drawers rather than doors
Two dishwashers
Electrical outlets tucked inside drawers, cabinets or pantries
Drain boards
Instant hot or boiling water dispensers
Ice machine
Soft close cabinets and drawers
Baking counter
Pot filler at the cook-top with drain at backsplash
Garbage disposal button rather than switch
Built-in drawer organizers
Bread drawers
Bread boards
Spice drawers or pull outs
Soda water dispenser
Pet food stations
Tray storage
Kick-plate vacuum catchers
Plate racks
Pull out towel cabinet
Built-in refrigerators
Custom paper towel holders
Pantry closet/walk-in
Foot pedal operated water taps
Elevated appliances
Trash compactor
Wine Refrigerators
Sponge caddy at face of cabinet in front of sink
Fiber optic garbage disposal button
Various height counter tops according to your own needs
Consider use of toe-kick space for a temporary step, secret drawer or tray storage
LAUNDRY
Laundry room Exhaust Fans
Entry or mud room with kids lockers
Locate near bedrooms and bathrooms
Locate dryer to an outside wall if possible for easier venting
Pet bathing area
Cleaning supply caddy built-in to cabinet system
Second Floor Laundry Chutes For Main Level or Basement Level laundry areas
BATH
ADA compliant toilets etc.
Hand held shower sprays
Safety bars
Electrical outlets at toilets for hygiene systems
Shower seats built-in or folding on a side wall
Outdoor showers
Silent exhaust fans
Dual Flush toilets
CLOSETS
Automatic lights at closets and pantries
Walk-in closets need to be seven feet wide minimum and at least five feet deep (NOTE: do not build closet rods to cross each other in the corners of walk in closets, it is usually better to line the closet on two opposing sides than on three sides)
Place one outlet in closet just in case you want to plug in something there
THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE
Solatube type skylights
Remote control blinds
Remote control skylights
Charging stations or garages
Wire exterior electrical sockets to an interior switch (good for xmas lights)
Smartphone control devices Smart thermostats wireless
Water softener
Central vacuum systems
Radiant floor heating
Garage door keypad
Humidity control systems
Whole house fans
Gas fireplace over wood burning
Automatic drip systems and landscape irrigation
Motion sensor exterior lights
Dimmer switches
Recirculating hot water
Instant hot water heaters
Built-in fireproof safe
Easily accessible shut off valves for gas and water for when you leave town
Consider cross ventilation for window placement
Consider sound insulation in places where there could be transmission of undesired noise
At exterior take into account "dark sky" light fixtures to reduce light pollution
Rain water collection to use for you landscape and gray water
GARAGE
Sink in Garage for utility cleanup
Insulate garage walls and door in extreme climates
Consider adding hot and cold water hose bibs for pet and car washing
Attic access with pull down stair
If you would like to learn more about great home design, fill out the form above and you will receive emails alerting you to new publications, articles, blog posts and products produced by Steven Corley Randel as they become available. Your information is kept private and you may unsubscribe at any time. All email lists gathered here adhere to anti-spam laws and protect your identity.
