| Go Back |
Distinguish betwen wants and needs
Of course a basement waterfall and grotto is a practical and useful addition to any home. But who’s going to clean it?
It’s easy to fall in love with certain features of a home, but it can be painful to find out that those same features, in the long run, are your least favorite. Here are a few common “extras” and a quick assessment of their relative values.
1. In-floor Heating
Also referred to as radiant heat, in-floor heating is a brand new invention. Well, except that the Romans did it a couple thousand years ago by channeling hot air under the floors of their villas. And Frank Lloyd Wright did it in the thirties with hot water, but other than that . . .
For: In-floor heat comes in two primary forms: hot water heat and electric heat, and there are many advantages. The dramatic energy savings promised shouldn’t prompt you to ask for a decrease in salary just yet, since the more popular hot water radiant heat usually requires a second hot water heater and won’t shave too much off of your bill, but there are some notably appealing elements to in-floor heat in general. Radiant heat is just that – even and consistent, without the up-and-down temperature shifts associated with most conventional heating systems. It’s also silent and invisible, with no bulky radiators or even register vents ruining the feng of your shui. Radiant heat also won’t dry the air, and won‘t have you hopping about looking for your slippers on a cold morning.
Against: In-floor heating systems are still considered a luxury, and can add a fair bit to the value of a home. They are new, and potential long-term issues have not been entirely worked out. A handful of people are also leery about the prospect of piping a significant amount of water throughout their cherished home for fear of potential leakage – all relatively minor concerns.
Assessment: Find someone with in-floor heating who doesn’t love it. I dare you.
2. Hot Tub
A quintessential luxury item that announces once and for all that you are a big dog, especially in this part of the country where it can be well put to use after a day of knee deep powder skiing!
For: A 2004 4-state NAR study found that having a hot tub increased buying interest from 8 to 15%. The idea of kicking back all winter with a Blueberry tea, sitting next to the lapping water with friends can be quite attractive. And rightfully so.
Against: there is an expensive to maintaining a hot tub, even without hiring a hot tub maintenence person – and they are a lot of work. As beautiful as a hot tub can be when it is maintained properly, it can be an eyesore if it is not.
Assessment: The issues involved with owning a hot tub can be overcome, and many people enjoy having a hot tub very much. You just have to want one really badly for it to be worthwhile.
3. Dream Kitchen
Kitchens do amazing things these days. Appliances paneled to look like cabinets, an extra tap above the stove for filling large pots of water, $15,000 pounded-copper range hoods, and 460 different countertop materials.
For: Kitchens are finally being designed with maximum utility in mind. When shopping for a home, focus on the kitchen – it is where you will likely spend a great deal of your time, and the room in which every party tends to congregate. Before you fall in love with that Kohler faucet, however, analyze the kitchen’s layout from a purely utilitarian standpoint. Is the magic triangle of sink-stove-fridge arranged conveniently? Are cabinets and other storage in logical places? Is there sufficient light? And most importantly, is this a space you will feel comfortable and happy in? Don’t underestimate the importance of a functional and attractive kitchen.
Against: Be careful not to fall in love with the impermanent fixtures in a kitchen. Are those stainless steel appliances really worth paying top dollar for? Attractive, modern day appliances can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Likewise, if your idea of cooking is heating up last night‘s pizza, perhaps space/funds would be better used elsewhere.
Assessment: The kitchen is the hub of virtually any home. Don‘t underestimate its importance.
The Bottom Line
With all of your dream home features, try to let reason prevail. You may absolutely worship the tumbled marble rain forest shower with the heated towel rack, but it will be of little comfort every morning and night when you are cursing the home’s lack of closet space. It is often the most boring attributes of a home that will give you the most pleasure.
Now, off to luxuriate in my rain forest shower. I had to take out the bedroom to install it, but that’s okay, I don‘t mind sleeping in the kitchen . . .
| Go Back |
