Last week we shared why we’re creating The No Regrets Build Guide.
Today we want to share our thoughts on what makes a great home.
We could certainly list out the Top 50 features we personally think make a great home, but a list like this isn’t universal. Because what matters to us, might not matter to you.
However, there are three design priorities we believe are universal for a space you’ll love for years to come:
- Comfort
- Lifestyle
- Longevity
Comfort might be the most overlooked design feature of them all.
It’s easy to get caught up in the flashy features:
- drawer microwave in the kitchen
- dry bar under the stairs
- fancy shower heads in the primary bath
What’s more important, however, are the features you can feel (not see).
- Are you breathing fresh, clean air while sleeping?
- Can you sit near a window comfortably?
- Can you relax in the living room without hearing traffic outside?
A few weeks ago, we visited a family member’s house after it had just rained.
Within 30 minutes of being inside, the air felt heavy and damp. Our shirts stuck to our backs.
This is an older home built with little attention to air sealing or moisture control. A quick glance at the thermostat showed 70°F, and 70% humidity. Running the A/C could lower the humidity, but that would have made it uncomfortably cold inside.
Proper air sealing and a whole-house dehumidifier would have been an immediate fix. Unfortunately, neither were available when this house was built..
But now they are.
These are the features that no one tells you about when you’re picking out flooring or cabinet colors.
The budget vanity can be upgraded or the front door repainted, but adding mechanical ventilation or an airtight building envelope are much more difficult (and expensive) changes down the line.
These are exactly the kind of decisions we built the feature list around in The No Regrets Build Guide - not just what to consider, but why it matters.
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That said, a house can be perfectly designed for comfort and still not work for the way you actually live.
That’s why designing for your lifestyle is the second priority.
When we designed our garage apartment, we prioritized the kitchen over everything. Our living space is 1,100 sqft, and people are always surprised that the kitchen & pantry use about one third of the space.
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Gardening & homesteading is a big part of our lifestyle, so we wanted lots of space to prepare and preserve the food that nourishes us and our son.
How will you actually use the space? Think about this in detail.
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If you enjoy cooking, what’s your ideal workflow in the kitchen? Where will you store your less-used countertop appliances?
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If you’re a parent, do you need a drop-zone for your kids? Lockers to hide their winter clothes?
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Is this your forever home? Do you have plans for a curbless primary shower or zero-step entry for aging in place?
Think about what features or layout changes would reduce friction in your day-to-day activities.
The feature list in The No Regrets Build Guide is organized by both construction phase and room, so you won’t be starting from scratch.
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Comfort and lifestyle are universally important for everyone’s dream home, but the last piece is arguably the most important: longevity.
Next week
We'll share about building a house that lasts, and in a way you can actually afford.
What's one feature or layout choice in your current home that you'd change if you could? Hit reply and tell us. We read every response.
Talk soon,
Alex + Elaina
PS.