Everything in life has pros and cons. Keep a list (mentally or on paper). Seriously, keep a list. In your job/career write down what you like and don’t like. In your house. In your relationship. Those lists should eventually become what you are looking for in your next adventure and what are deal breakers.

I am currently planning to buy property and build a house for my next, and hopefully final, move. So let’s talk about the things we like about our houses and the deal breakers for the next one.

Must Haves for a New House Build

Attached 2-car garage

We intended to move north where there will be cold winters and snow. Having an attached garage allows us to go from the house to the car without encountering the weather. The garage will have space to do some automotive work and maybe even some woodwork. Woodwork might have its own shed depending on how much I do and how big the projects are.

His & Hers Bathroom Vanities and Closets

Heck, maybe even his & hers master bathrooms! Let’s be honest. Some people prefer to sleep in separate rooms. I think I would prefer separate bathrooms. At the very least, separate sinks and closets are a must!

Fireplace or Potbelly Stove

There is nothing like cuddling by a roaring fire in the dead of winter! It keeps you warm, is nice to look at, and there’s just old fashioned nostalgia.

In an emergency, it can come in handy. February of 2022 was the infamous winter storm that shut the power off to Texas. Instead of rolling blackouts, many areas experienced just plain power outages. My area was one of them. We went 4 days without power in 30 degree weather. Our fireplace provided some warmth and light when we needed it.

Luxurious walk-in shower

I am getting older, there’s no debating that. I have had my share of shower/tub combos and small shower stalls. I want space and luxury. I also want enough room to be able to have a shower seat if needed in the future or get in and out from a wheelchair. I can’t predict the future, but changing existing architecture can be difficult and costly. If I prepare for a wheelchair or needing to sit then I’m all set if it does ever happen.

Deal Breakers

Two Stories

We have a 2-story now and it’s just so much. So much to clean and keep up with. It is more difficult to clean the gutters and inspect the roof. A one-story ranch style or barndominium would be perfect!

Brick Siding

Our house is partial brick and partial siding. I am not a fan of the brick! I am limited in the choice color of the brick, obviously, but also the colors of the siding. When it comes to paint, just anything will not work with red brick. Cleaning them is more difficult than regular siding. Personally, I think brick just looks dated after a few years without any real way to spruce it up.

Swing Garage

Our current garage is attached, yay, but it’s also a swing garage. We didn’t put a lot of thought into it before we bought the house, but I am definitely regretting it now. Since I live in an HOA, I can’t just add width or length to my driveway and having 3 drivers is proving challenging when trying to use the garage. Someone always has to move their car for someone else to get out. No, thank you!

I could write all day about the things I want in my new house build… man cave, lots of counter space in the kitchen, reading nook, etc but I’ll stop there for today.