House hints

Even though I have no children of my own, I've come to the conclusion that building a house and having a child are similar. Everyone wants to tell you what to do and how to do it, but in the end it's yours to deal with.

My best advice for anyone who reads this is to remember that. People will intentionally and unintentionally try to live their own dreams through your experience.

They have ideas. You don't have to buy into those ideas.

You'd best remember that you will be living there, not them. Advice on ways to save money, where to find deals, and people who do good work should be considered and taken. Advice on design should go in one ear and out the other. Keep your own vision, but don't forget to ask for help/opinions when you need them.

Here are the best tips I have to offer at this point....

1.) Anything you can't go back and do later without major distruction, spend the money and do it now while it makes sense.

2.) Insulate well. You won't believe the difference it makes in your electric bill, comfort level and noise level. You won't miss the extra money and can save it easily finding deals on other items.

3.) Don't do the insulation yourself. It is an itchy and unpleasant experience. If you know someone that needs/wants the work and doesn't mind doing it, pay them.

4.) Go to home improvement stores every weekend (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.). You will be able to find amazing deals doing this by catching things at the right time. (Like ceramic tile for $.44/ sq. ft.)

5.) You need plenty of outlets.

6.) You need plenty of lights.

7.) Ask an experienced and well regarded excavator to look at your lot/land before you buy it (when possible). They can tell you its true value as they know how much work it will take to make it the best it can be.

8.) It doesn't matter what is 'in' if it doesn't work for your family or your budget. Don't compete with the Jones'.