What is the ONE feature to add to a new home build?

Our home burned in the Santa Rosa Firestorm in October. Over 5000 houses are going to be rebuilt. I just want to know what are the best things to make sure my home has as we get ready to rebuild.

  11 answers
  • Kathy Kathy on May 16, 2018

    Storage, storage, storage. One can never have enough storage -- look for every place you can possibly add an indention into the wall between supports. Window seats, with storage underneath. Shelves w/ doors, shelves without doors. God Bless you, all of you, who endured this awful event.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on May 16, 2018

    I totally agree with Kathy - one can never have too much storage! Interestingly I've noticed with my home and my open floor plan and lots of windows that I'm lacking wall space. Might be something to keep in mind!

  • My heart goes out to you! Anyone that has lost everything from disasters, knows how much it changes your perspective on life.


    If it were me, I would want the best roof possible. I would do a consult with the fire chief about sprinkler systems too. As we live in drought ridden CA choose your new foundation planting carefully.


    Keep us posted, it would be a great project to see how your home is being rebuilt. Many people do not know how homes are built, it would be a great learning experience.



    • See 1 previous
    • Yes they do, and a chat with the fire chief is a great place to start. Just because I builder is "required" to install them, doesn't mean they do it correctly. I have already seen botched builder special sprinkler jobs. And the resulting mess, including lawsuits. Hopefully their builder is reputable. Chances are at least most of this is covered by their insurance carrier, and we all know how cheap they can be. I would suggest installing solar panels too, but that is not "required" until 2020 and unless they pay out of pocket, I do not see that happening. Once a family has lost everything it is a very stressful road to rebuild.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on May 16, 2018

    A good solid foundation with drainage pipe all around. Good windows and doors. larger rooms, good insulation. A sturdy roof. Go on line to see some house plans and you will pick up all kinds of ideas. There is probably a building code in your municipality so get a copy of that so that you do not run into any problems with the building inspector. Keep your eye on your contractor to make sure he is doing things right. If you are contracting out then be sure to get everything in writing and make sure the builder has insurance for workers and any construction problems that may arise after he says he is done. As for special features, the various building plans should help you with that.

  • Mogie Mogie on May 16, 2018

    Depends on what you like. For my Mom is was a central vacuum system. She had severe arthritis and didn't want to drag a machine from room to room. My aunt chose to have a high tech entertainment area installed. Basically that was a area with a huge cut out for a tv and built in shelves that they could remove if needed and run wires plus lots of outlets. For me it is no indoor carpet anywhere (he have lots of pets and I don't like steam cleaning carpets every month or two.

  • William William on May 16, 2018

    Three car garage! One bay for storage, office, and workshop. Solid wood kitchen cabinets. No particle board or MDF. Outdoor patio for entertaining. Luxury vinyl tile flooring. Not a fan of laminate. Porcelain tile in the bath(s). Separate tub and shower in master bath. Ample closet space in bedrooms. Walk in closet in Master. Please post the progress of the build. We all would love to see it.

  • Jeannie.mcquaid Jeannie.mcquaid on May 16, 2018

    roll-outs in all the lower kitchen cabinets so you can easily access everything in them.

  • Emily Emily on May 16, 2018

    Just sympathies to you and the others on your losses. Think about what you always wanted in the old house, and do that first if possible.

  • 27524803 27524803 on May 16, 2018

    I am sorry you are having to replace your home... I would suggest that you go "home" shopping... visit new construction neighborhoods and see all the model homes.... take pictures, and make notes... of all the things YOU like in them... then put them in your new home.

    Note: when we installed our new kitchen... I put 36 inch wide cabinets with drawers (IKEA) and drawers in all the lowers except the sink cabinet... great for getting to things (even the canned goods)

    also... check out SignatureHardware.com ... we found our single basin, stainless steel apron front (farmhouse) sink there for under $700 it is huge... and I love it.

  • Dee Dee on May 16, 2018

    Electrical outlets. With all the computers, TV's lights etc. You need outlets on almost every wall. A few floor outlets in a living room or den would be nice for lamps.