What to include, new build home

[7palms]

Hey guys,
Wife and I are downsizing and have just signed paperwork for the purchase of an under construction home in suburban Tampa, FL. It’s in a small subdivision of 19 homes surrounded by protected river woodlands, not too far from where we live now. The house is more than half finished, block walls and roof is up, interior framing and plumbing/electrical are almost done. At this stage of construction I am able to add things and select options on the home.
What kind of things would you recommend to include before drywall goes up. I’m already asking for some additional outlets in the garage, maybe pre wire for a generator transfer panel. I wanted to see if any of you guys had thoughts on what I should do before the drywall goes on.
The house is a 1680 sq ft, single story block house on slab/crawl space. Garage is 22x22 and will not be used for heavy work, just parking the wife’s car and usual household chores and projects. I’ve attached a few pics.
Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Toomanytools?]

Possibly wire for smart home, generator backup is a good idea. Think about a plug in the garage for future Electric vehicle whether you want one or not. Built in storage where you can.

 

[jshillin]

Wire for surround sound in whatever you plan to use for a TV room. as well have electric behind where the tv will mount. I know wireless has come a long way, but I'd still run CAT6 to the main rooms and I'd also run wire for cameras outside if you think you may ever go that route.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Separate 20A circuit for the TV and surround sound receiver.

Hot and cold water tap outside.

Lights inside closets.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Possibly wire for smart home, generator backup is a good idea. Think about a plug in the garage for future Electric vehicle whether you want one or not. Built in storage where you can.

240V for the garage. That should get you the charger, air compressor or future welder.

 

[ToddG]

Outlet, network and cable connection to every TV location. Security camera wiring as well.

 

[CraigStu]

In the bathroom have the outlets on a 20A circuit. And have the lights on a separate circuit. Have a Heatlamp/fan combination unit over the tub/shower. Garage outlets at 48inches off the floor so they are between wall cabinets and work bench/toolbox. Be sure any built in lights are dimmable. Standard screw in bulbs are easy to replace so they are dimmable but things like can lights not so easy to do later. Outside outlet at the front controlled by a wall switch inside. Makes Christmas decorations so much easier to deal with. Check on a higher security model for any doors to the outside.

 

[gba2331]

Take pictures before drywall so you know where wires, plumbing, etc is.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

Pump for hot water circulation.

 

[bluedog225]

Cat 6 everywhere. Go nuts.

 

[bluedog225]

Take pictures before drywall so you know where wires, plumbing, etc is.

This. And email all the pics to family with a subject line you can find 10 years from now. Or print to help with resale.

 

[bluedog225]

Mix boric acid with diatomaceous earth and dust the bottom plates throughout the structure. Under, over, around. No need to go thick. Wear a dust mask.

Insulate all walls if not done already.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Multiple outlets in the garage. Minimum 2 per wall, 3 better.

Make sure all bedrooms have a ceiling fan with the switch by the entrance to the room. Also, at least 2 outlets per wall in the bedroom. When the in-laws had their house built, the (custom) builder suggested that the bedroom wall duplex outlets be split. Top, "hot at all times", bottom, switched. Yes, this meant a 3 gang switch by the door.

Laundry tub in the garage.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Cat 6 everywhere. Go nuts.

"Home run" to a convenient location.

 

[bluedog225]

Consider plugs at 4’. Plugs near floor are a relic in some regards.

 

[bobg03]

An HVAC unit big enough to add a second zone for the garage, or set it up for a mini-split.

 

[nadogail]

Put more money into your budget.

 

[sjvicker]

• Dog wash stations in the garage seem to be getting more popular.
• Add power outlets where you'd want cameras and for a camera doorbell.
• wire for a propane or natural gas generator.

Maybe I'm missing something but I dont understand the reasoning for running tons of cat cable throughout a house. I currently use a mesh network and its fast enough for my wife and I to work from home and it runs roku boxes for the TV's and everything works fine.

 

[Garcky]

• Dog wash stations in the garage seem to be getting more popular.
• Add power outlets where you'd want cameras and for a camera doorbell.
• wire for a propane or natural gas generator.

Maybe I'm missing something but I dont understand the reasoning for running tons of cat cable throughout a house. I currently use a mesh network and its fast enough for my wife and I to work from home and it runs roku boxes for the TV's and everything works fine.

Bingo. Running CAT cable is from the 90s and 00s. Useless now. WiFi is how networking will be done from now on.

 

[Garcky]

EV charger capabilities for at least two vehicles. You need the power for that capability installed in advance. Put it where the back ends of the vehicles will be. You will own an EV or two at some point, so plan for it. Down the road, that's going to be an important selling point when you decided to sell, too. Don't neglect that. Easy now. Hard and expensive later.

 

[bluedog225]

Hardwired works. And not a lot of network expertise required.

 

[7palms]

When you guys say "prewire for an EV" what specifically should I be looking to do? I don't have an EV now but get that its a good idea to do for the future.
Should I have a specific type circuit run to a specific type outlet? Like a range outlet or a dryer outlet?
I'd be interested in doing this the most economical way. I have heard of some builders getting very technical ($$$) and wanting to upgrade the service or add a separate panel ect. since its for a "charging station".
Thanks guys!

 

[dave*99]

When you guys say "prewire for an EV" what specifically should I be looking to do? I don't have an EV now but get that its a good idea to do for the future.
Should I have a specific type circuit run to a specific type outlet? Like a range outlet or a dryer outlet?
I'd be interested in doing this the most economical way. I have heard of some builders getting very technical ($$$) and wanting to upgrade the service or add a separate panel ect. since its for a "charging station".
Thanks guys!

60A circuit to a junction box in the garage. You will add an EV charging station to that when you are ready.

 

[65ranchero]

A back door from the garage to the back yard with a couple of outlets back there ( if still possible.)

 

[dave*99]

Just finished a new house. 2 to 4 cat 6 runs in almost every room. Behind every TV, in the office etc. To the exterior corners where POE security cameras go. Video doorbell. All home runs to a network closet where security and networking equipment live. Uninterruptable power supply.

4 WiFi access points in the ceilings (often inside closets to make them less visible) it's a big house.... you may not need any if your WiFi router is in the middle of the house.

I've been in electronics, RF Microwave communications for decades. WiFi and mesh networks have their place. And maybe that is enough for some users. NONE of my wired equipment ever needs rebooting or attention. Its so easy to wire the fixed position items like TV's and security cameras while the walls are open.

Security/alarm. I prefer wired. No batteries. Cellular backup

All TV's stream video. I did not use coax for any of the hookups except for FM antenna (for some old school stereo equipment.)

Home theater sound if you are interested.

Speakers on the patio.

Some folks like an instant hot water tap at the kitchen sink.

Whole house water filter / softener if needed in your area.

Vent range hood to outdoors.

Natural gas hookup for grill if available.

Maybe a built in vacuum cleaner

Receptacle in pantry or broom closet to charge cordless vacuum

USB charger receptacles behind nightstands.

Dimmers

Smart switches on some lights? Exterior lights?

WiFi smart thermostat.

Water line for irrigation/sprinkler system

Hose bib inside the garage

Kegerator.....

 

[alfazer]

Plan for solar and storage batteries.

 

[jkuro]

Here are a few suggestions:

Use PVC drains and vents, much quieter than ABS.

Insulate all interior walls with sound insulation, Rockwool.

Add a heat detector in the garage, tied to your alarm system. Also tie your garage door into your alarm system.

Hot and cold water to garage.

Door levers instead of door knobs.

In the garage rough in for possible mini split, welder, air compressor and EV charging.
Don't forget adequate lighting.

If you have a forced air HVAC system, make sure they put a return air vent in every room.

Consider an on demand hot water heater.

Insulate garage and garage door.

 

[larry_g]

Upgrade your outlets, light switches, door knobs, and plumbing fixtures. There a lot of very low end fixtures out there that are not worth having. My house is ~12 yo and I have had to replace a lot of the stuff listed and that is because the builder went with the cheapest **** available. We checked off for a jetted tub and it came with 4 jets, left hip, right knee, and two foot jets. Be specific in what you want installed and check that is what you get.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[mike93lx]

Interior insulation

 

[dave*99]

Interior insulation

I did that. It’s not expensive. It helps. I wish it helped more. Just saying’.

 

[BillK]

Probably too late now for some but two that I wish I had are a hose spigot on all four sides of the house and also an electrical outlet on all four sides.

 

[rustrunner]

I probably would have had a metal roof put on instead of the shingles.

 

[toolmiser]

How about outlets outside for Christmas lights?
If you have a water softner, then make the "premier" bathroom cold faucet "unsoftened" water so if you get a drink in the middle of the night-it will taste ok.
Maybe a conduit or two for future use in case you want "whatever" from your utility room to the attic, if you can get it into the attic, it will be fairly easy to get it back down inside a wall

 

[dave*99]

Probably too late now for some but two that I wish I had are a hose spigot on all four sides of the house and also an electrical outlet on all four sides.

I did that. And it was handy. After I put irrigation in the lawn, I never used most of the them.
H&C water in a garage hose bib is handy. There is a hydrant made for that. The OP is in Florida, so prolly not needed.
But a hose bib in the garage near the garage door is good. The hose hangs in the garage. Tidy, accessible.

 

[7palms]

60A circuit to a junction box in the garage. You will add an EV charging station to that when you are ready.

The breaker box is in the garage, so it will be short run (2-3ft) to mount a junction box on the wall where I'd want it. What size wire should I specify to the box?

 

[regguy1]

outdoor sillcock with hot and cold water

 

[Cairo94507]

Maybe consider electrical outlets behind each toilet in the event you want to add a "washing" toilet one day. Also, agree with the power wherever you might want to install security cameras- no battery changing every 3 months. Outlets in the garage to the tune of 1 every 6' with 220 for possible car chargers in the future. Insulate everything- even interior walls to keep house quieter. Trash compactor? Have appliances plumbed for gas and electric, just in case.

 

[dave*99]

The breaker box is in the garage, so it will be short run (2-3ft) to mount a junction box on the wall where I'd want it. What size wire should I specify to the box?

Just specify a 240V@ 60A circuit to the electrician he will select the wire gauge based on material. (copper or aluminum)

 

[dave*99]

Maybe consider electrical outlets behind each toilet in the event you want to add a "washing" toilet one day. Also, agree with the power wherever you might want to install security cameras- no battery changing every 3 months. Outlets in the garage to the tune of 1 every 6' with 220 for possible car chargers in the future. Insulate everything- even interior walls to keep house quieter. Trash compactor? Have appliances plumbed for gas and electric, just in case.

This is easily handled with CAT6 network cable for POE (power over ethernet) run from a central location. A NVR (network video recorder) will supply the power for the cameras. The wire is cheap. I have 2 runs to every camera location so there is a spare.
Hik-Vision is one of the many manufacturers.
I have 8 cameras including a video doorbell running on my NVR. I can answer the front door from my cell phone, see all the camera videos in 4K etc.

 

[mike93lx]

Drain pans under all sinks with piping to daylight or a sump pit.

Proper, hard piping for all vent fans and the dryer.

Go "overboard" with air sealing. It's so easy to do when in framing and so hard to do afterwards.

Tons of blocking for towel bars, curtain rods, handrails, cabinets