| Author |
Message |
    
Fahren
| | Posted on Saturday, November 26, 2011 - 06:08 pm: | 
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I guess the choice of fuel sources depends on your energy situation. If you want to be light on electric, then maximize daylighting, use LED or at least CFL lamps, and use propane or gas - whichever is available to you.
Comfort and energy choices (consumption/sources, and conservation methods) are the most important decisions. |
Doerman
| | Posted on Saturday, November 26, 2011 - 06:26 pm: |
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Gas stove, because it makes a gourmet out of a fool :-) |
Teeps
| | Posted on Saturday, November 26, 2011 - 06:53 pm: |
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First and foremost; 10 car commercial, cinder block construction, garage. Deep enough to accommodate a pusher motor home.
Build the living space above, cantilever extra floor space as needed. Elevator of course, and stairs as needed.
All that other stuff can be added by you as can be afforded.
Assuming you're building this house in Texas; might consider some storm proofing or hardening.
And, a large backup generator.
All that tech won't be worth crap if a tornado drives over the house and flattens it.
(Message edited by teeps on November 26, 2011) |
Doon
| | Posted on Saturday, November 26, 2011 - 09:13 pm: |
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if the walls are still open, run conduit for all the networking cable runs, and leave a pull string. This way if you ever need something besides cat-6 (say 50u fiber, or whatever the latest/greatest is) you can easily upgrade.  |
Maxbuell
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 05:38 am: |
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Living in Florida one of the best things I installed on my addition is a out side shower with hot and cold running water.
large wash tub in garage would be nice to clean up in as well. both very pratical. |
Road_thing
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 08:12 am: |
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Tankless water heaters.
rt |
Fahren
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 09:22 am: |
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Consider a hose bibb with hot/cold mixer, at least for your driveway area. Like this one,for example. |
86129squids
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 11:40 am: |
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Along with the mancave/garage, a decently outfitted wood shop would be lotsa fun and quite practical, if you or yours enjoy working with wood.
I like several of the home shows on my PBS "Create" station, see if you can watch them and you'll get lotsa good ideas.
Within reason and your budget, I'd be building towards the goal of being "off-grid" to the farthest extent possible. The geothermal plans that are out there are pretty fascinating, not all of them look to be too expensive.
If you have a good library, hopefully with a good selection of periodicals (i.e. home improvement magazines), spend some time there too. |
Geforce
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 12:07 pm: |
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Tankless water heater(s) = Awesome!
Off the grid as much as possible = Awesome!
Definitely stuff I will be considering. I even thought about knocking up a small windmill and connecting it to the well in the event we need to have a manual pump with water tank storage. Could come in handy and I used to work on old wind mills with my dad on the ranch.
Not so keen with woodworking... I prefer machinist tasks and tools with metal. In fact I have a genuine disdain for wooden products. I appreciate the skill and patience required for those with the hobby, but... I'd rather flint knap with my Dad. |
86129squids
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 01:28 pm: |
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IIRC solar panels have become more and more affordable- being in Texas you should be able to really take advantage of a solar array.
Rain barrels for the garden/yard would also be a good idea, especially if you're dealing with hot Texas weather. |
Xl1200r
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 03:37 pm: |
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I think Spidey put together a really clever rain capture system for his garden, but being in Michigan he gets a bit more rain that you would in TX.
My honest opinion? Take all the cash you'd be spending on the "extras" and put it towards a bigger garage/barn instead. Can never have too much space.
My place is over 50 years old and in a neighborhood, so I'm limited on what I can do, but the next room to get done will be my living room. Plan to add recessed lighting, new built ins, wall plates for TV and surround sound as needed. |
Bluzm2
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 08:50 pm: |
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Doon hit it. Run conduit. If they are not going to be used right away, stub them out to the basement or crawlspace. I've done this for a number of friends, they have thanked me repeatedly... |
Blake
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 11:00 pm: |
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Cistern system for collecting rainwater.
Separate instant-on in-line hot water heaters for each wet wall and one for kitchen sink.
Top grade variable speed high efficiency air conditioner/ heat pump(s). Consider multiple split systems (non-central, much more efficient, as each zone may be set and controlled individually.)
Integrated house audio system.
Water filtration system.
Sprinkler system with drip irrigation where appropriate (shrub & flower beds).
Integrated power-washer.
Humidifier system.
Unconventional down here, but a basement is a wonderful thing.
Integrated smoke/fire alarm system and integrated extinguisher stowage. |
Kenm123t
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 11:22 pm: |
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Blake Check out DAIKIN AC
inverter drive VRF systems every room can be controled heat and cool heat recovery heat pumps |
Geforce
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 - 09:43 pm: |
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I do want to build a tornado shelter on the property... but that can wait until I get settled in. It is important though.
What about home theatre systems? Has wifi (minus power source) made the leap into the market yet? |
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