Homie!

You don't hear people called Homie any more, do you?

Last night, we were talking about houses, and that incredibobbly expensive set going up not too far from here. We guessed that if we were willing to spend about $200,000 -- which is, roughly, the value of this house -- we could upgrade it to the point where we could stay in it pretty much forever -- for which read, elevator, though much else, too. And it's tempting. I like what we've done here. But I know that there are things I'd like not to have to think about in the future -- predominantly, mowing, shoveling more than just a little. A smaller house would be nice. And it'd make it easier to get some of the 172 (!) things on our concept list.

Here's some of them. These are the top priority ones...

Basement/attic Broad steps, gentle rise, well lit, solid handrails
Bath, master Large bath tub
Bathrooms Bathroom sounds not audible in bedroom
Bedrooms Master bedroom, large (> 200 square feet), good cross ventilation
Bedrooms Guest bedroom functions as storage area or work area
Bedrooms Master bedroom closets -- spacious, walk in, good lighting, seating nearby
Doors solid doors, wide doorways, handles instead of knobs, no sills on doors
Garage two car attached garage, dual doors, bright interior lights, with storage area, close to kitchen
Interior Acoustic insulation -- no hollow doors or walls, no sound carrying by pipes,blown-in insulation
Kitchen Refrigerator -- away from cabinet work area so people don't bump when stepping away from it
Kitchen Sink drain and drain basket must not be white
Layout Tile, hardwood, carpet as accents rather than lavish; moldings in public areas
Layout Many closets
Layout CAT5 or better available in most rooms
Layout Easy access for movers to all rooms; wide or double doors
Layout Hallways -- wide
Layout Each of us must have some kind of 'private room'
Layout Handicapped accessible, wide doors, no lips
Utilities Washer/dryer on main level
Utilities Whole house air conditioning, integrated with heat and humidifier

...and these are from further down the list:

Bath, guest Interior should not be visible when you walk past the doorway
Bath, master If toilet in separate room, frosted glass sliding door or shoji screen – but sound resistant!
Bath, master Shower stall seat , integrated grab bars there and next to toilet
Bathrooms Vent for intake of house air when venting steam
Bathrooms Medicine cabinets not directly over toilet
Bathrooms Telephone access
Bedrooms Master bedroom is far from noise of kitchen
Doors solid Pocket Doors; where possible, side access to mechanism
Doors Fully retractable doors to outside - with screens
Exterior Exterior lighting all controllable from inside the house
Exterior Lighting - hidden, subtle; door area is not only source of light
Great Room Clerestory ceiling, louvered windows, higher than eight feet
Interior Ceilings - 9 to 10 feet in public areas; 8 to 9 in private areas
Interior Molding around doors, windows
Kitchen Groceries unload area -- large; possibly a central island
Kitchen Ultra-quiet dishwasher
Kitchen stove has griddle surface
Kitchen Range should have grill capability
Kitchen Microwave is NOT directly over stove; handicap accessible
Kitchen Warming Drawer
Layout Porch, possibly enclosed (screened), possibly with fans
Layout Front Door -- Wood, substantial, easy and obvious locking
Lighting Landscape lighting
Storage Coat closet by front door
Storage Linen Closet, large
Utilities Gas or oil powered generator for backup power
Utilities HVAC -- geothermal
Utilities Easy cabling connectivity throughout the rooms
Utilities Security system
Utilities Power connections, meters should not be "on display"
Utilities Power -- allow for additional circuits to be added to box
Windows Deep windowsills, hardwood (maple?)