ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit An ADU is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence. It can be: -Detached (a stand-alone structure, like a garden cottage or backyard cottage). -Attached (built onto the main house, like a basement or garage conversion). -Internal (converted space within the primary house).
I'm glad this is here, every time you use an acronym without defining it, you leave someone out of the conversation. Some acronyms even have multiple meaning like MVP = Most Valuable Player or Minimum Viable Product, depending on the industry.
@JesusVillanueva Yeah I dont know what I was thinking when I was making the video. I'm usually really good at that but this one totally slipped my mind. Thanks for watching.
It is the fact that you cause people to think, plan, reflect, that is valuable. (Anyone versed in sciences becomes overwhelmed at nonscientific acronyms - even genes are given humorous or relevant acronyms, which are mnemonic. ADU here becomes clear after two references, even if one doesn't know the specific words.)
My house is Gothic dark style. Everything is dark. Let me tell you everyone says white shows everything.. No my friend black does too 😂 I literally have to wipe down every thing every week even the walls 😊
This is how they get you. We want to be high status, and we see what makes us high status by looking to high status people. But of course, high status people have people to look after all their stuff. It's why British plumbing is bad: fancy faucets are low class because the aristocracy just had a copper bucket and a maid who had to run up and down the stairs.
Open plan does not mean that it is open from your front door, yuk! In Australia, our homes are open plan which lends itself to our climate and lifestyle. Our house has an entry hall with 2 passage ways off it, 1 to bedrooms & other living area & 1 to living area that opens up to the open plan kitchen, dining & casual TV room & garden.
@Aussie00your houses are laid out differently. Here lots of the houses don’t have an entry. You walk into the living room and the kitchen is behind that usually behind a wall but when they take out the wall then you walk into the whole space which is open
I don’t have any problem with mine. It’s a hammered bowl in an oblong shape…easy to clean around and it just rinses clean. I’ve had both I prefer my bowl sink.
@almiller1371 Thanks for sharing and being here. Have you seen my other video “15 Horrible Home DESIGN Choices You’ll Regret” 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
For those who don't know. ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit, a smaller, secondary living space on the same property as a primary home, like a basement apartment, garage conversion, or detached "laneway" or "garden" suite, offering extra housing, rental income, or space for family, and increasingly popular for housing affordability and multigenerational living. You're welcome.
Thank you for sharing that helpful information about ADUs! That was my bad. I totally spaced out. I also pinned it in the comments. Hope you get to check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you are not one yet.
Yeah, we stayed at an Airbnb some years ago where there was open shelving. We stayed for 3 weeks, so it was time enough to notice how much dust started to gather on the shelves and cups, etc. Would hate to be cleaning that up all the time.
Most of the stuff that settles on things placed in open shelving is a result of not having an outside venting hood vent over the stove. If you live in a home with a microwave above the stove that blows the smoke back in your face through some sort of filter I'd urge you to look at the top of your fridge to see the funk buildup (from the stove). As a short person with a LOT of VERY tall friends who can see the top of refrigerators I was informed very early on how disgusting most peoples kitchens are on horizontal surfaces especially the tops of fridges or anything horizontal above "normal people" eye level. I do know people that have open shelving but they all ended up putting curtains in front of it which I actually like better than the wooden doors which are hard to clean compared to a piece of fabric that can be thrown in the washing machine.
Open shelving may be a poor choice for some, but it isn't universal. For me, it would be a boon. The ends should have something to frame it, but the doors hide the dishes, which is not helpful for the way my brain works.
With all due respect, only the top plate in the stack can the bugs land on. I like open shelving...feels like a display....Spice jars or plastic dinosaurs or china animals. If you collect things. I am a clutter bug...like a lot of stuff around. Sparse magazine style environments make me feel deprived. Also no doors that get splattered and must be cleaned. And finally you don't have to remember where everything is...glass fronts solve that issue but again more to clean. Or no need to open and shut and open and shut and open and shut...and the hinges don't wear out. I guess the only drawback to open shelving IS dust or cooking grease...for those of us without an exhaust hood.
Yep, had marble at our last house, we have quartz in this house. The marble stained horribly even though we did our best to look after it. Quartz all the way.
@SamT26 granite being bad? I don’t remember? Are you saying they’re bad or they’re good? Thanks for chiming in. Please check out the rest of the videos on the channel and consider subscribing if you haven’t yet.
You’re absolutely right - at the end of the day, it’s your home, and you should enjoy it the way you want. 🙌 My video isn’t meant to tell anyone what to do, but more to share insights for those who are thinking about resale value down the road. If you’re not worried about that, then yes - do what makes you happy in your space.
@johnnysunshine1530 Totally fair - if this is your forever home, then absolutely make it everything you want it to be. 🙌 My tips are really more for folks who know they’ll be selling at some point and want to avoid surprises down the line. But if resale isn’t on your radar, then you’re doing exactly the right thing by making your home perfect for you.
Actually, you are kinda renting from future buyers. Your future value of your property can considerably less if you mess the house up and no one wants to buy it. Then you've got a house you can only sell for 1/2 what you paid. Losing money on your house that way? Renting would have been cheaper.
Even if here the advices are about reselling, they are great advices for living in your house. What s will appear a problem to buyers is not coming from some personal tastes but bullshit choices made by idiots without knowledge. For exemple, the marble... you like it, it is a beautiful natural stone and you surely can have it in your home... but you need to know that it is a f***ing nightmare for kitchen and bathroom. There s no point for beauty without functionality or it is just Art... simple
Open floor plan. I'm an electrical contractor. Had a house flipper customer, who thought every house needed to be open floor plan. Got to a house that had been gutted in advance of being redone. Was given a layout for the kitchen. Too many walls removed, no where left to run wire for things like the fridge. Only wall left was the exterior wall. Can't magic electricity though the air.
@SavvyHomeOwnerfloor monuments are basically plugs or receptacles that go mounted on the floor you see them in airports n such. Only works if you have raised floors or a crawlspace underneath.
I will never own another 'open floorplan' home again! There's nothing worse than trying to watch TV and someone is in the kitchen banging pots & pans, running appliances, slamming cupboards, or just talking loud. I can't tell you how many times I'm watching a movie and I have to keep rewinding it!
🤯🤯🤯 I continue to get shocked at comments like this!!! There's more negative responses that I expected. But now I'm realizing how true it is. Out kitchen and family room are wide open and my my constantly have to ask to turn down the volume!!! Thanks for being here.
@jonnarobinson7541 My kids never watch TV! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! 🙌 If you haven’t seen it yet, I did another video on a similar topic - “15 Horrible Design Choices You’ll Regret.” You might enjoy that one too! 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
We adore our great room, we can cook, read, study, whatever, and all be together. We love cooking from scratch, so I guess we don't mind living in the kitchen 😂
When we bought our house the sellers had removed the wall between kitchen and living room. It took us less than 3 months to decide on putting up a set of french doors to keep out most of the noise (and smell) from the kitchen after dinner. Because of the cats one of the low panes was taken out and a cat door installed instead, but it still keeps the noise level in the living room at about half of what it was when we moved in.
A garage is almost necessary if you live in a region with 4 seasons. I’m in New England and you don’t want your vehicle sitting out in blizzards or hurricanes.
In my neighborhood of single family detached houses, almost everyone has a garage. Some have converted that space into a spare room. Others have so much junk in them it's impossible to put a car in there. I refuse to do either of those things. I love being able to keep the car in the garage. With an automatic garage door opener in the car, I drive right in to unload groceries in all kinds of weather. I do have some items in the garage but they are against the walls and the car still fits easily.
@Marlene-b7x That is true. We have certain neighborhoods here in the Bay Area that when they built them the garages were too small and only one car. If I show 10 houses in that area, chances are 10 out of 10 the garage is not being used as a garage. That's why you see the street full of cars. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching.
As a single person with more bedrooms than I will ever need, one of the downstairs bedrooms will be a library with a comfy chair, desk, and a fishtank. Originally I considered having custom bookcases made but, considering resale, I decided on removable ones instead. This way a buyer can decide if they want them to stay with the house or must be removed, it will be easy enough to accommodate.
@blujeans9462oh goodness! You adjusting your house for your needs. Building something you consider useful. Buyer will demolish everything and do something he or she needs. And waist is huge!
@blujeans9462 Just moved into a new place and was thinking about doing the built in bookcases. Those things seem super pricey(40k+) so might be doing the normal bookcases again.
That has been mention. Frankly I never thought about that until several of you said that. Have you seen part 2 of this series? Thanks for being here and sharing.
Disagree. We have open plan lounge, dining and kitchen and there are 2 walls that are excellent display areas for my own art pieces. Being open plan allows viewing from a distance. There are also side walls that allow for smaller art works. I guess it all depends on how the open plan is arranged at design phase. We did walk throughs before build using CAD software with right sized furniture placed in the model and were able to see how it would work. The reaction that we get from just about everyone who walks into our home for the first time is a variant of "wow, this place is beautiful". I think part of that is that we have a wall colour that isn't white, it is an oyster colour, Dulux white duck, and it is an excellent neutral. (we learned about good neutrals from Jeff Lewis "Flipping out".)
@judyscharf6862 Its definitely dependent on the space and how its used. Hopefully you can check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you are not one yet.
What do I love in a house? Pocket doors. Solid wood pocket doors. Beveled glass pocket doors. Heck, I'll take an aluminum pocket door. Such an underused feature.
I also love pocket doors and had one in our first home. Just don’t hang heavy pictures that require large/long screws on the walls where the pocket doors slide into. It was solidly built; we didn’t have any trouble with it going off the track but I had to be careful about where I hung certain art.
I also love pocket doors. They seem so grand (and practical). We don't have any so, I'm wondering. Aren't the tracks inside the wall hard to keep clean? We have pets. I'm envisioning those tracks clogged with hair.
My brother bought a home under construction and made a brilliant decision. Two upstairs bedrooms were combined to make a luxurious guest suite, but with an important consideration for the future. They kept the two doors and two closets, so a future conversion back to two bedrooms would be as simple as putting back a wall in the middle of the space.
I like the idea of making the Master a "jack and jill". If you have a baby, the smaller room is a nursery. If you don't, you convert that room into an enormous walk-in closet.
@blurglide Or as you age, the two people may need to sleep separately due to medical issues; that's why we're doing a jack and jill with a room that can be either a room with hospital bed, etc. for someone or it can be a nursery for someone we sell it to.
7:31 in Greece it’s common to have very old marble countertops, but they don’t seal them or baby them, they just accept that the marble will develop an broken-in, well-loved, vintage feel, like an old wooden table. If that’s a look you want then they’re great!
@SavvyHomeOwnerI loved the video! The only part I didn’t vehemently agree with was waterfall edges. I’ve loved the ones I’ve had. Although, having no toe kick makes the waterfall side less useful.
No SMELL control, either! I, too, DETEST open floor plans. Yet, the most frustrating aspect to them, for me, is the way scents permeate throughout the entire Home when there are no walls present to block odors from traveling. I am extremely scent-sensitive. All cooking 🍳 smells easily overwhelm an entire open floor-plan house. Goodness forbid something burned or if an animal had an accident, etc. I purchased a 1945 Colonial Revival architectural style Home with plenty of walls 🧱 and defined individual spaces. I adore my Home. 🖤
@AvecPoesie Oh my. Tell me about it. We dont. I would really like a prep/dirty kitchen that's completely sealed off from the main house so everything happens there. That way I can have open shelves galore because its On the other line. Will call you after. going to be a show piece 😂. Thanks for being here.
Heres what baffles me about marble counters, standard kitchen cabinets used to be solid hardwood. Now we put super expensive counters on top of mdf cabinets
We just built new home and had someone make cabinets.These multimillion dollar homes with absolute junk for cabinetry. We bit the bullet, ripped them out and my husband made them out of real white oak. We use the white mdf in bottom under sinks only. I am stunned at the junk cabinets in these beautiful homes.
They are probably like me and don't like the look of wood cabinets unless they're painted. But painting them has their own issues so people buy modern cabinets in the color that they like.
@AllyM-kp8kg it's such a rip off to consumers and environmental waste. Half a million and higher homes are built with the intent that the buyer will rip out all the fixtures, throw them in the trash and replace with something decent.
I don't quite understand designing a home only for resale value. Especially when most people want to own a home for decades, and what tastes and trends people want today won't be what people in 30 years want. Our next home will be our retirement home, and it will be for our comfort, not for what someone in the future might want.
It's not that. The point if you think you will be selling in the near future, its best to really think about your choices. I agree with you. Design however you like it. Its your house. Enjoy it. Thanks for being here.
@JohnW118 BOOM! That is one of the best advice that you can get for free! Thank you for sharing. Check out my follow-up video ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
@JohnW118-- Back when I worked at a "Fortune 10" company, every time someone got a promotion, they bought a bigger house. Their poor kids had no stability at all. One time, one guy I worked with bought a bigger house on the same street, just to have a bigger house. I can't imagine the constant moving headaches. This was back in the 90s, though...
@SavvyHomeOwner It is your problem you base your annoying advice on the premise EVERYONE is buying a home in order to resell it. I don't think that way. I just bought an apartment, and I intend to live in it without thinking I'll be selling it one day. I don't know, maybe I'll sell it if the life makes me, maybe I'll live in it for the rest of my days. In any case, I intend to equip it and decorate according to my taste and liking. Maybe I'll lose a few pounds if I resell it, but the life goes anyway, and I want to enjoy at least in having my living space to my taste, not thinking if some potential buyer in 5-10-20 years will like it.
I am actually extremely glad that the ridiculous trend of open floor plans, especially open kitchens, is finally coming to its long-overdue end. Gosh what a few decades of absolute distaste!
I love the open design, especially the kitchen open to the living area. I can chat with my guests or family while I'm preparing food. I can keep an eye on the comming and goings in my home, and I can have the TV on in the background.
A good designer can help. Thanks for being here and sharing. Really appreciate you adding this perspective. Hopefully when you get a chance you can check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you are not yet.
We have 20yr old corian counters we wanted to replace. I decided to try experimenting with different products to extend the life until we could afford something new. Turns out Rejuvinate wood floor polish worked amazingly well! Once a year I clean them with 303 cleaner (strips everything and works better than anything else,) then recoat them w/3 thin layers of polish. The downside is it takes 3 days to cure, but is well worth it. Visitors always comment, asking what kind of stone it is. It fills in the scratches, makes them look high end, and is as shiny as any stone counter. They still look brand new! Saved us thousands, and have no desire to replace them any more. Worth a shot to save money in the short or long term. 🤷♀ I think this would help sell your home as well if you can't afford to replace. Hope this helps someone.
Wow. Never heard of this before. Great way of not only taking care of it but also saving money. Our quartz countertops just had a stain and my wife and are trying to figure out what it was that was caused it.
@SavvyHomeOwner If you have a spare piece or hidden area, try using Cloralen platinum splash-free bleach gel to see it works. I used to order it online for 9 bucks a bottle, only to find that dollar general carries it all the time for $1.25. 🙄 When we bought this house, there were wine stains on the counters, and something brown. They also didn't believe in cutting boards. Also, the ceramic kitchen sink and bathtubs were badly stained. This was the only stuff that worked, and didn't affect the shine. Just slather it on at night, and rinse in the morning. Might want to try to rinsing the first time after 1/2 and hour the first time just in case. I swear everything looks brand new! Also works on stained grout and fiberglass tubs/showers. No scrubbing involved. Thank God for lazy people. We always find an easier way to do things. 🤣
We had our home built to our specifications. I have almost no regrets. 1995 build. Love almost everything we did. My favorite feature is a bidet in the master bath. Another favorite feature is not having an island in my kitchen. I also added a pantry and walk in closets in every bedroom. no wood floors inside or out. Instead, we have tile inside and concrete patio’s. Regrets: pot shelves. My great room and my front entry room have pot shelves. Dust collectors. High displaying areas were trendy then just like open kitchen shelves. Also regret my claw footed bath in the master bath, laminate countertops, sliding glass door to back patio.
I think placing the sink in the kitchen island is one way to ruin an asset. Great to hear such sensible, practical advice from someone who knows what he's talking about.
Can I put in a caveat? Just because we have it 😂. Putting the full kitchen sink on an island is something that I would avoid. Just like putting in a stove on there (BTW that will be on my next video). We have a small sink that is on the opposite side of the big (main sink) and closer to the stove. It has actually worked for us. I have never heard of anyone complaining about it. It's been useful for us. Thanks for being here and sharing your thoughts.
Thirty years ago, when building, we splurged on a second sink to our kitchen, in the island. It's a deep single bowl and serves for a second chef. It's extremely efficient. Best investment we ever made.
@rwind656 We have a second sink as well but mainly for filling the pots etc. It's closer to the stove. I've only seen another house (way older) with a second sink. Thank you very much and thanks for being here.
@SavvyHomeOwner All I see with sinks on islands is kids turning it on and off and getting everything wet. All I see with stoves on islands is kids burning themselves or their homework.
This advice was right on the money. I paid a fortune to remove the previous homeowner's monstrosity of a jacuzzi tub that took up the entire bathroom and caused a health hazard to navigate.
Here in Florida people love to buy houses with big windows. All you hear is how great the view is and how they love the light. Within a few months, you see them putting in "window treatments", heavy curtains or shutters. Problem is, you give up any privacy with big windows, and the sunlight coming in strains your air conditioner and runs up your electric bill trying to keep the room cool in the afternoons.
I am a Florida native and grew up with large windows. Love, love, love them. When you purchase a home the placement on your property is very important. Be aware of sunrise/sunset. Having lived outside of Florida I was always disappointed in the teeny tiny windows. Yes, I lived in North Dakota and was thrilled when I found a home with a large sliding glass door and ‘normal’ size bedroom windows. I made clear vinyl ‘curtains’ so we could still enjoy the sunshine in the dead of winter. To a Floridian…that was most of the year. I am solar powered and relish the sunlight. So do my plants. My tortoises enjoyed the sunshine as well. Love large windows. Open shelving is for books and special display items. Totally NOT for kitchens. If you are the person that cleans the home you know exactly what I am saying. I now live in Arizona. We have 6 glass doors across the back of our home. The sun goes diagonally across our home and sets in the front. We do have a large front porch Southwest style with a 3.5 ft wall and iron gate. And a deep porch all the way across the back of our home. Solar on the roof, solotubes to bring in more light. Again, big windows.
@sharonrimsza7960 That’s such a vivid description - I can practically see your home from how you wrote that! You clearly know how to take advantage of sunlight while keeping the comfort in check. And I love that “solar powered” line - totally get that feeling. 🌞 Also completely agree about the open shelving - beautiful in photos, not so great in a kitchen you actually use. Thanks for sharing your experience, and I really appreciate you being here and part of the conversation!
Several years ago, a local family had a home with an in-ground pool. Today everyone is concerned with growing property taxes, in-ground pools come with higher taxes and homeowner insurance. They were having trouble selling this home. They filled it with dirt and planted grass, the home sold. A few years later, it went back on the market and the new owner removed the dirt and it was again a swimming pool.
Everything you mentioned is so true!!! I own a big house, with two floors. Well, I should have made it all on the ground! Getting older makes stairs a big problem...
I have a relative who left his first home- a rather large, two story, to reside in a one story ranch-style house, along with his wife and two young children. They are in their 40s, and they DETESTED the stairs. Carrying laundry and young kids as well as the fatigue of cleaning more than one story was too much for them.
Open shelves in kitchens are for people who love to take down all the items, scrub off the greasy dust often, and make sure the display is always magazine-worthy.
True. I like them during vacation. I've been in some AirBnB that has them. But even those, the glassware and plates still gets dusty and you have to clean before using.
I hate tiny "child bedrooms" just to market a home with more bedrooms they divide a space that should be one bedroom. Regular sized furniture doesn't even fit.
Most of the time it’s just really tiny bedrooms that are being built. It is a big let down. Thanks for being here and sharing. Have you seen part two of this series?
I love porches!!! Thanks for sharing. I invite you to please check out my follow-up video to this one when you have time. ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
I love screen in porches. I had a sunroom built in the back of my house that replaced a rotten wood deck that was only 3 years old. One of those builder special's decks. I love my little space, in the winter I sit out there play my oldies music, have a glass of wine and watch the snow fall.
My second home, a 1922 bungalow, had a screened-in porch that had been added on during the 1960s. It was on the west side of the house, so it provided much needed shade on Summer afternoons and was a wonderful place to sit during three seasons of the year. I have a deck off the kitchen in my current home. Many times I wish it was a screened in porch, instead.
I’m a Brit living in a standard Victorian terrace. The Victorians were very clever architects and engineers, which is why I’ve kept the original features. In a heatwave I open all dampers, gas vents and transoms, top and tail sash windows and shutter those that face the sun. This gives me a closed door home with cool air circulating without a draught, except at the foot of the stairs - that has an arctic blast all of its own for an instant cool down.
Thanks for sharing your experience! Victorian architecture really does have some smart features that help with ventilation. It sounds like you’ve got a great system in place to keep your home cool! I’ve got a few other videos on the channel that build on this if you’re curious. And if you’ve already watched more than one, subscribing probably makes sense.
While it is a chore to clean behind it I love my footed cast iron tub in my 110+ year old Victorian home. It's the original tub and still 100% functional (with fixture upgrades of course) it is the focal point of the bathroom
We discovered an old coal fireplace hidden behind an ugly bookcase in a sitting room/office in our 1912 era colonial revival. Exposing the hearth, rebuilding the mantle (you could see the outline), and refitting the space with a natural gas Victorian coal style fireplace is one of the most satisfying improvements we have made to the house.
You mean don't take his advice. The reality is sure long term might not hold up, and if you are buying new and actually don't look into them, but there he's also talking resale. I would rather have an in ground pool, outdoor cooking area, and a jacuzzi tub specifically one of the walk-in ones. A lot of the upgrades like that are for the owner, not the future owner. Homes aren't really intended to be changed every few years. So making a change to make something more comfortable to a place you're likely to be for 20 years is acceptable. Sure not everyone wants the expense and that is fine. Do I have any of those things no because I have other things I have prioritized first. His advice is largely for resellers and flippers. This video can largely boil down to research your projects first.
@zacharythebeau163 Thank you for your input. Yes these are more meant for people that are about to sell. Also I mentioned it in the beginning of the video, you do what you like with your home, it's your home.
Things people regret in designing a home also include: 1. A doomsday bunker 2. A full bar 3. A game room with a pool table 4. Walk-in refrigerators. Instead of a storage room, use a storage pantry instead. Here's an idea, make all rooms wheel chair accessible. That means a little additional room. These ideas are the result of engineers operating outside of their field of expertise. An absolute No Go, OSB.
Wow. I just finished my new list and none of what you said are on my list. DAMM YOU! 😂 Now I have to go back and see if I should change it. Thanks for the ideas.
The house we bought had a Jacuzzi tub in the master. I think we used it twice? Even using all the hot water in the hot water tank couldn’t fill it and by the time you got it filled up as much as it could get filled from the hot water tank, the water was tepid. We had to add boiled water. So unless you have a dedicated instant hot water tank for it, no good.
Thank you! Really appreciate that feedback. Have you seen part 2 of this series? And if you’re liking the conversations here, feel free to subscribe and stick around.
We were renting a old house with a massive backyard. The yard space and the separate garage was a main point in us choosing that house. Then the owner said he was gonna be building an ADU in the yard and tear down the garage to create a driveway the ADU could access. We left. Not only did it take two of the reasons for us to live there away, I'm autistic and extremely sensitive to sounds, and he was about to start construction in the backyard. He even wanted to explore possibilities of using mine and my brother's disability funds to help build the house in pretense of making it better for us to live in if we wanted to rent out the extra space ourselves. Saw through that immediately since he'd already said that he was building the unit to bring down our own rent. Guy was just looking out for his own wallet and drove away his clients.
It sounds like you made a smart decision to prioritize your comfort and well-being! It’s frustrating when landlords don’t consider the impact of their choices on their tenants. Here’s hoping you find a place that feels just right for you!
I’ve been looking for a small home for retirement, unfortunately so many have been gutted into the open floor plan stripping the house of any character 😢
I live in a senior community, It's a ranch style with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. When I went looking into this community for a house, I refused to look at the ones with that open floor plan. The people here with porches all have that plan where everything dining room, kitchen room and living room are all squished together. The bedrooms are also smaller. That porch takes away that space that you can have in your house. I have a very small front porch with no covering and my kitchen & living room is separated by walls & a doorway. My bedrooms are also a nice size. 1 bigger one and 2 smaller ones. Keep looking and Happy Retirement.
@Pinkarelly In my area they (I dont know who THEY. are) are starting to build a number of 55 and older apartment complexes. Some are priced lower than market but here are still a lot that are market price.
Absolutely true. When using stone in the kitschen area where different oils, fats and lots of acids happen, choose a stone which can withstand this. So no cavities, full chemical inertia, not too brittle.
@marcibent-j7u In the beginning those imperfections are annoying (atleast for me). If its still there years/decades form now, yes it becomes more of a character. Thanks for sharing. Have you seen part 2 of this video?
@marcibent-j7u Marmor ist Kalkstein. Der wird von jeder Säure angegriffen. Und davon gibts in der Küche mehr als genug. Seien es die Säuren in Früchten, sei es der Essig, oder in Soßen wie Ketchup: All das frisst am Marmor. Erst wird die Oberfläche stumpf, dann gibts Vertiefungen bzw. rauhe Stellen. Hinzukommt, dass auch normales Wasser Kalk entweder auswäscht, wo es fließt, bzw. Kalk drauf ablagert, wo es verdunstet. Marmor ist toll, aber so ziemlich das schlechteste Material für eine Küchenarbeitsplatte.
Great advice! We had our home built from scratch in 1998, and I would say we did things about 95% right. The BIGGEST thing we did wrong was a stupid two person jacuzzi tub. I would say in 30 years I've used it maybe 20 times. It just takes SO much water, cleaning it is a pain, and honestly it takes so long to fill that the water starts getting cold by the time I get in. I want to remodel the bath and get rid of it, but my husband refuses, so I haven't wanted to fight. I really appreciate your insight, and you are RIGHT!!!
We removed ours when we reconfigured our kitchen but added more cabinets. It kind of ended up being the same in terms of storage space. Thanks for sharing your story.
Agree on the open floor plans. I detest them. We bought a house that had been remodeled to have an open kitchen, living, and dining space and the first thing we did was build walls to close it right back up
Wow, that’s a lot of work. I’m just wondering what made you still move forward with the sale if the layout was already so open? Totally agree with you though - open floor plans look great on paper, but in real life they can be noisy, messy, and lack privacy. I’ve seen more and more people wanting to “put the walls back” just like you did. Sometimes separation of space really does make a home feel cozier and more functional. 🙌
@SavvyHomeOwner Location, location, location. That, and the framework of the house was probably appealing to them. More potential Buyers need to use their imagination(s).
@jordanwhite5470 Unfortunately in my experience most of the time buyers ahve a hard time envisioning themselves living in a place. You really need to help guide them.
Freestanding bath has to actually stand free in the bathroom. If it's pushed too close to the wall, the cleaning around it becomes a problem. We thought long and hard before figuring out how to place it and connect it to the plumbing in our bathroom. I absolutely love it.
1. Open shelving and glass cabinet doors - high mainteance 2. open floor plans - noise, wiring limitations 3. Converting garages and ADUs - loss of space 4. freestanding tubs, especially in the middle of the bathroom, or jacuzzis - high maintenance 5. marble countertop - high maintenance - consider granite instead 6. home theatre rooms - limited appeal - go multi-purpose room 7. outdoor kitchen - high maintenance (outdoor exposure to elements, animals, etc) 8. oversized or poorly design kitchen island - make sure it does not take up too much space or is cumbersome to move around 9. above-ground pool - high maintenance, risk of damage 10. Elaborate backyard playsets and oversized yard features - limited usage, since kids grow fast, or taste sensitive 11. overcustomization - make customizations easily reversible
As someone who cannot afford staff, I have to accept things in life require maintenance; I refuse to tolerate HIGH maintenance. Not in homes, friendships, romantic partners, or any of the things I purchase. Practicality is essential.
@SavvyHomeOwner also, USA was thinking if stopping production of popcorn bc of lung diseases caused from corn dust. Also, production of the light weight fake sugar is causing lung and respiratory problems. It is very serious for people who make these quartz products for the upgrades that only some can afford.
@gailsheffield5535 The popcorn ceiling has been stopped for decades now. Can't remember if it was 1970 or 1972. Those become dangerous if it becomes airborne and you inhale it. Otherwise if you do not disturb it its ok. FYI: I'm not an expert on them. Thanks for being here.
Agree with all that. I always thought the same about open concept being taken too far. Another thing about open concept in small homes is it removes walls so reduces the number of places you have to place furniture.
@SavvyHomeOwnerI HATE open concept. Who wants guests to see the dirty dishes in the kitchen? Who wants to be watched while they’re cooking? And why do we need to see the kids every second of every minute of every hour? Not to mention that open concept is almost echo-y, and the damn kitchen noises blast their way into the living space. A home should feel comfy and cushy-a place you can cuddle up in and have privacy when you need it. Not so with open concept.
@janeferguson5145 Wow, I’m honestly blown away by how many people don’t like open concept! 😅 I really thought more folks would be in favor of it. Every new construction home I see these days has it! Makes me wonder if builders are out of touch or if tastes are starting to shift back toward more defined spaces again.
I’m currently looking for an early to mid 20th century house for retirement. I’ve been so disappointed seeing beautiful Craftsman/bungalows that have had their insides flipped to open concept. All the vintage charm is gone. 😢
When using an acronym, please introduce that acronym at the start. A quick google tells me that "ADU" stands for Africa Down Under, a forum for business relationships between Australia and Africa. I don't think many people are installing that in their back yards, though. They may, however, be adding a granny flat or bungalow in the back yard for a care-dependent elderly relative to move in to and have a level of separation and independence but also be close by to receive the care they need. In context, that's probably what you're talking about. If you need that, you need it. More people are going to need them in future as more and more boomers get too frail to live alone. They also make a great place for that older teen to move out without actually moving out, that young graduate to move back in so they can put their salary into saving for their own house instead of just making a landlord rich, or you can use them as a work from home office so your household knows you're at work right now and not to be interrupted unless it's a real emergency. Just design your layout so you have a backyard garden space as well and you'll be laughing.
Great point, and thanks for catching that! You’re absolutely right - I should have introduced the acronym properly. By ADU I meant Accessory Dwelling Unit (sometimes called a granny flat, in-law unit, or backyard cottage). Like you mentioned, ADUs can absolutely be useful - whether it’s for an elderly parent, an older teen, or even as a home office. In fact, here in California (where are you located) they’ve been encouraged by the state to help ease the housing shortage. The point I was making is that not every ADU is designed well. Some take up the entire backyard, feel cramped, or don’t blend with the main home - and those are the ones that can hurt resale. But a thoughtfully designed ADU that still leaves outdoor space and feels integrated with the property? That can definitely add value and functionality. Appreciate your thoughtful comment - you’re spot on about the benefits when it’s done right. 🙌
Great point to define, but the abbreviation is an initialism (where you say the letters) not an acronym (where you say the word the letters approximately spell).
I have a modest 1000 sq. ft. ranch. The best thing I have done was replace the cheap, narrow, dark baseboards and molding with white, wider boards. I then installed crown molding where the walls meet the ceiling. It opens the home and adds a warm feeling. Love it.
I can picture that perfectly. Baseboards and crown mouldings I think are always an added touch. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! 🙌 If you haven’t seen it yet, I did another video on a similar topic - “15 Horrible Design Choices You’ll Regret.” You might enjoy that one too! 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
@SavvyHomeOwner If I may ask a question? I have standard ceilings and 2 inch baseboards that have haunted me since I moved in. What size should the replacements be? Loved the video. My only remodeling regrets are believing Mannington that the high end LVP they sold me was actually waterproof.
@elizabethdameron5209 We have standard ceilings and we have 4 inch baseboards. I like taller baseboards. Thanks for being here. Have you seen my other video? Watch my other video “15 Horrible Home DESIGN Choices You’ll Regret” 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
Absolutely! You did exactly what I have done in the past. Another change I have made is if a windowless bathroom has a tub/shower on an exterior wall, I install a high transom window with frosted glass. It brightens up the bathroom and makes if feel much larger. It's not an expensive upgrade.
The homeowner before us had a concrete "water fountain" that didn't work in the front yard. It had about 4 tiers, and he had lined it with permanent pebbles on the outside. Not only was it under a large tree, but the bottom portion held water, thus, was a mosquito breeding ground. So after a few years of barely tolerating that thing, we decided to have it removed. Come to find out, it had 100% fully concrete and went at least 2 feet I to the ground. It was horrible to remove, and even to this day, we know we didn't get all the way to the bottom of that concrete because our time ran out on our rental tools. For the love of God, please don't pass on water fountains to the next homeowner!!!
@embr4065that is a lot of work!!! I can’t even imagine. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully you get to check out the rest of the videos. And if you’re not subscribed yet please.
I hate open kitchens. When i am ready with the day and relax in the livingroom, i dont want to see the mess in the kitchen. We had to search for a very long time for a place to live without an open kitchen
@lisaallen9339 Just like my wife. Me on the other hand I'm super multi tasking. 😂 Watching the game. Responding to comments on my RUclips channel. Washing the dishes. All while cooking. 😎
You not alone. I messed up on that one. ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit An ADU is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence. It can be: -Detached (a stand-alone structure, like a garden cottage or backyard cottage). -Attached (built onto the main house, like a basement or garage conversion). -Internal (converted space within the primary house).
@casey4602 My apologies Casey. Think granny unit or in-law unit. ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit An ADU is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence. It can be: -Detached (a stand-alone structure, like a garden cottage or backyard cottage). -Attached (built onto the main house, like a basement or garage conversion). -Internal (converted space within the primary house). Did you get a chance to check out the rest of the videos on the channel? Hopefully consider subscribing if your not yet a subscriber?
I had a black granite worktop added to my kitchen which also sparkles as there are some clear quartz crystals embedded in it. The joy this kitchen top has given me every day I cook for the last 29 years is unimaginable
@tombutler5489 NICE!!! You said 29 years? Did you end up remodeling or moving? Thanks for being here and sharing. If you have time, please feel free to check out the rest of the videos on the channel. You might find them interesting. And if you do, appreciate you subscribing. If you haven't done so already.
Gotta disagree. We have Covalano marble in our kitchen and it’s one of the hardest stones with NO staining. We only need to use soft dish soap and water to clean and we seal once a year like granite. We shied away from quartz because it’s mostly resin that yellows over time. Quartz is the industry’s attempt to get people to pay premium prices for their extra waste.
If you want an above ground pool or play set, can be 100% worth what you paid for it. Based on the hours of family time and use both of those gave our family both were a great investment. Not every improvement has to be for the next owners.
Absolutely - and that’s such a great point. The value of family memories and enjoyment can’t always be measured in resale dollars. If an above-ground pool or playset gave your family years of fun, then it was 100% worth it. My video is more about looking at things from a resale perspective, but when it comes to living in and loving your home, enjoyment has its own kind of value. 🙌
If you're in your last home, then customize the shit out of it. I converted the whole living room into a crafts/work room, the dining room into a guitar studio, and now working on the kitchen. The key is whether or not you're reselling. If you plan on being grandparents in that house, then yes, put in that playset...but be ready to maintain it or replace it. My favorite upgrade I've done thus far was the roof I put in on our deck...here in Florida shade is everything.
Wow, it sounds like you’ve really made that space your own! Customizing your home to fit your lifestyle is definitely the way to go, especially if you’re planning to stay for a while.
My take exactly. I've built several of my own homes and owned maybe 11 others. I'm sick and tired of building and selling what I think others will want. My final house, coming up soon, will be done with all the lessons learned from the others and I don't care what other people think as it will sell when I die--at which time I'll have bigger problems to worry about. Forget about Home and Garden home p@rn TV, it's all junk and unrealistic.
@bennrg2001 I get that 100%. After building and owning that many homes, you’ve earned the right to stop designing for “imaginary future buyers” and just build what actually works for you. At some point the lessons add up and you realize comfort, function, and sanity matter way more than trends or TV-perfect spaces. And yeah… a lot of that home-renovation TV stuff sets totally unrealistic expectations. It looks great on screen, but real life is maintenance, cleaning, aging, and actually living in the space. Sounds like your final house is going to be the best one yet - built with experience instead of hype. Thanks for sharing that perspective. Have you seen part 2 of this video series?
@bennrg2001I also build & renovate & notice no matter what, ppl almost immediately start changing things...even the gardens they fell for but don't even wait 2 full yrs to see what takes place or is in the soil
Sorry. An ADU is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence. It can be: • Detached - a stand-alone structure, like a garden cottage or backyard cottage. • Attached - built onto the main house, like a basement or garage conversion. • Internal - a converted space within the primary house. Have you watched part 2 of this video?
@SavvyHomeOwner why are you asking if someone has watched part two of your video? You can’t even define an acronym the first time you use it! That is a basic writing rule. From your accent, I surmise that English might not be your first language? But it is a hard and fast rule of journalism that the first time you use an acronym, you define it. So you should have put in your header, “ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit)” - Vocally, you might have said “an ADU, which is an additional dwelling unit.”
@rnptenaflyseems like a simple mistake when you speak with other professionals often. Happens to the best of us and it probably has nothing to do with his accent. Also you're making so many assumptions about him to the point where your dialogue sounds nuts.
I’m a cleaner. All of this resonates. A couple of things I would add is 1. Don’t install clear glass shower doors unless you are prepared to squeegee them after every use…they will look yuk in a year or so otherwise. 2. Pull out/down shower and tap fittings…they frequently break. 3. Roller shower doors. The tracks are often hard to get at where other fittings meet and the silicone gets orange mold very quickly. Pivoting doors are much more convenient to clean and easier to reach hard to clean places. 4. If you can, install a pop up bench for jug, toaster, sandwich maker etc rather than cluttering a kitchen benchtop.
I'm getting a lot of professional cleaners in the comment section. I agree with you with glass shower doors. I was just looking at our hallway bath and it needs to be cleaned! Thanks for being here and sharing. Have you seen part 2 of this series?
I can see why Mac is a great realtor. He immediately comes across as trustworthy, knowledgeable and helpful. When making such a purchase as a home nothing is more essential. It seems like he cares.
@elizabethmadron1336 I'm with you. The best that I have seen is one of my client's house. 4 car garage (2X2) and then 10 feet of free space in front of the parking space.
Appraiser here: Thank you for your commentary. Very spot on. My additional comments on the ADU, In ground pool, and other exterior features: Folks, keep in mind that you are installing these items for your use and necessity. You chose to spend your dollars on these items because you had that family member to house, wanted the pool for your family (and accepted the additional work and expense it involved), or the large workshop for your hobby. This is value-in-use. It brings YOU value. That doesn't mean the new theoretical future buyer shares your need or passion. While these features MAY contribute to your home's value, it will be nowhere near dollar for dollar. Most of these items end up adding 20-50 cents on the dollar. Value-in-exchange is not equal to Value-in-use in many cases.
Thanks so much for sharing your appraiser's perspective - that "value-in-use" versus "value-in-exchange" distinction is incredibly important for homeowners to understand! I will be using that whenever I have a "discussion" with my sellers. Where are you located? Thanks for being here and sharing. Really appreciate you adding this perspective. Hopefully when you get a chance you can check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you are not yet.
@SavvyHomeOwner Absolutely! Another concept I tend to share with homeowners is that we don't install these items for investment value, and you'll likely never find them being built for the specific purpose of increasing a home's value by an investor or builder. Why? Return on the dollar isn't there. That seems to click for them. I'm in central New Mexico, about 1/2 hour outside Albuquerque.
Without a doubt! Have you seen part 2 of this series? Thanks for watching and jumping into the comments. If you’re liking the channel, subscribing really helps.
You're right! Above ground pools have definitely seen better days, but some people still swear by them for summer fun. It’s interesting how trends come and go!
We chose our house specifically because it had not been Chip and Joannaed, The woodwork was unpainted and the bathrooms not changed from their original wood and tile. A nearby house with the same floorpan that we toured had lost half of the kitchen counters and cabinets to opening up a wall. All the interior doors had flat white paint. It was atrocious. "Dated" is in the eye of the beholder, and for the love of all that is holy, don't demolish that pink bathroom!
I opted for marble counter tops in my kitchen reno. I do not baby them at all. Are there some marks from water stains and where pineapple juice spilled? Yes. But i remember visiting a french estate where the kitchen had marble surfaces. They were well used, but clean. And they were beautiful in their worn look. To me, stains are a part of a kitchen that has been used. We used to celebrate the imperfections of life. Now we stress over them. I honestly LOVE that i decided on beautiful marble countertops. It'll patina over time. Just the way I want it
I do not get it. Our kittchen with marble (natural stone, to be exact) countertops is now 19 years old. It is being used intensively and the tops look like at day one. We even have highly calcareous water.
Me too. I don’t baby my marble kitchen and expect it to age, like a beautiful Parisian bistro. I’ve had it for 8 years now and it’s still as beautiful as ever, even with kids.
The people who bought my childhood home, a retired couple, converted the two-car garage into living space. It's just two people living in a three-bedroom house, with a finished basement. We half-jokingly wondered how much space they really needed. And now they're complaining that there's no storage space and the driveway is always packed with cars.
That’s exactly the tradeoff I’m talking about. Garages often don’t feel glamorous, but once they’re gone, people usually realize just how much storage and flexibility they provided. Funny how it comes full circle - add more “living space,” and suddenly the driveway and closets are overflowing.
I happened upon a house we lived in when children. Oh, my! What a mess. White walls, white full wall length fireplace, white cabinets, white counters, white, white, white faux marble.
As a Professional House Cleaner I totally agree with all the comments about marble. Your Cleaner cannot magic away years of abuse!! If you are thinking about upgrading anything, ask yourself...HOW am I going to clean that? My pet peeve are textured floor treatments of all sorts. Textured floors will trap dirt in the grooves, nooks and crannies and your floors will look horrid in high traffic areas. The best (not fastest and definitely not the cheapest) way to clean these textured surfaces is on your hands and knees with a toothbrush) And for the love of all that you want to keep clean, STOP PUTTING STONE IN SHOWERS!! Seriously, Just...stop. Tile is the way to go! I really shouldn't be telling you all of this. I charge hourly and the amount of time it takes me to clean these upgrades is astounding. All the upgrade faux pas pay my rent!!
CRAP! Guilty of stone shower. Over 20 years ago my wife so this pebble shower and we just had ti install it in ours. BIG FREAKIN mistake. Hard to clean and its starting to look dated now. First few years it was wow. Now meh. 😭. Thank you very much and thanks for being here.
I had textured tiles in my kitchen. Looked great, then realized all the dark spots were dirt. I had to clean it once or twice a year by screwing a scrub brush onto a broom handle, flooding floor with dilute tile cleaner, scrubbing like crazy, then sucking it up with a wet/dry vac. Looked great afterwards, but it was a good 60-90 minute job.
@ewetoob137 All good in the internet world. As long as the algorithm guards dont ding us 😬. Thanks for being here. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! 🙌 If you haven’t seen it yet, I did another video on a similar topic - “15 Horrible Design Choices You’ll Regret.” You might enjoy that one too! 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
@SavvyHomeOwnerI haven’t yet. I did see you talk a little about islands in this video after I commented. I’ll definitely check out your other stuff because I’m very interested in interior design as I’m about to start renovating my own house and inspiration, ideas and Do’s n Don’ts are always appreciated.
In Thailand where I live there is a running joke that the indoor kitchen is only a status symbol to look beautiful, while the outdoor kitchen is the real kitchen where tou can get a wok blazing hot without causing smoke stains all over your home.
While I could say that's a weird take on it, I do partly agree. It seems like the more choices that we have the less good shows there are right? Thanks for being here and sharing. Have you seen part 2 of this video?
@SavvyHomeOwner - It’s not about having more choices. TV shows & movies have objectively declined in quality over the last ten years. Disney, for example, is continuing to release badly-made boring films that lose huge amounts of money.
@sirrathersplendid4825 yeah I have to agree with you on that. I barely watch any movies. In the theater. The last one I watched was Mission impossible not the newest one the one before it. Thanks for being here. Hopefully you get to check the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you’re not yet a subscriber.
Back when dedicated home theaters first became a thing, people sought out theater-style seats for "authenticity." Ironically, as homeowners were installing theater seats, theaters were installing recliners.
A home theater room was an excellent idea back in the day when the "best" quality was from projection TVs and surround sound systems with large speakers. Today, big screen LCD/LED monitors are offer the best picture in a very light unit that can easily be hung on the wall in your family room. And the sound systems are very small with speakers that blend into the decor.
Tiny cube speakers and a mid bass module are fine for casual watching but a dedicated, acoustically treated space with real speakers and subwoofers is far superior for an immersive experience.
@SavvyHomeOwnerI miss my full size theater room, from before I downsized. I converted a spare bedroom in the new place to a small theater room and it's not bad!
Come on now. We all pretend. Plus I dont have the budget 😜. Thanks for being here. If you’ve got a minute, check out some of the other videos. This one actually has a part 2 - I think you’ll find them useful. And if you haven’t already, consider subscribing.
Living and renting in the Netherlands (I am Dutch) I found your video very interesting and confirming my own ideas of what is impractical. What I found a bit depressing is there is the assumption that you are only keeping your house profitable for the inevitable sale instead of making it your custom and "forever" home.
Not gonna lie, there is a lot of that kind of thinking - especially when people know they’ll eventually move or upgrade. When we bought our first home, we were the same way. But like I mentioned in the video, it really depends on your goals. If it’s your forever home, then design it for you. Make it a space that fits your life, not some future buyer’s checklist. That’s when a house truly starts to feel like home. 🏡 Thanks for watching. Go Mathieu VAN DER POEL!!!
ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit
An ADU is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence. It can be:
-Detached (a stand-alone structure, like a garden cottage or backyard cottage).
-Attached (built onto the main house, like a basement or garage conversion).
-Internal (converted space within the primary house).
And we need more of them!! I've lived in and I love tiny ADUs especially detached ones.
@TrishTruitt wish I could put one in our backyard. Wont be a good fit on ours.
I'm glad this is here, every time you use an acronym without defining it, you leave someone out of the conversation.
Some acronyms even have multiple meaning like MVP = Most Valuable Player or Minimum Viable Product, depending on the industry.
@JesusVillanueva Yeah I dont know what I was thinking when I was making the video. I'm usually really good at that but this one totally slipped my mind. Thanks for watching.
It is the fact that you cause people to think, plan, reflect, that is valuable.
(Anyone versed in sciences becomes overwhelmed at nonscientific acronyms - even genes are given humorous or relevant acronyms, which are mnemonic. ADU here becomes clear after two references, even if one doesn't know the specific words.)
Every time I watch design shows, my most common question is "Who's going to clean that???!!"
Same
OMG Exactly!
My house is Gothic dark style. Everything is dark. Let me tell you everyone says white shows everything.. No my friend black does too 😂 I literally have to wipe down every thing every week even the walls 😊
Exactly!
This is how they get you. We want to be high status, and we see what makes us high status by looking to high status people. But of course, high status people have people to look after all their stuff.
It's why British plumbing is bad: fancy faucets are low class because the aristocracy just had a copper bucket and a maid who had to run up and down the stairs.
I hate open floor plans. I hate open shelving. I do not want someone at the front door seeing me in my nightgown in the kitchen.
Lots of people feel the same way you do.
Open plan does not mean that it is open from your front door, yuk! In Australia, our homes are open plan which lends itself to our climate and lifestyle. Our house has an entry hall with 2 passage ways off it, 1 to bedrooms & other living area & 1 to living area that opens up to the open plan kitchen, dining & casual TV room & garden.
@Aussie00 Thanks for sharing.
I always say- I don’t want someone seeing me in my chonies 😂
@Aussie00your houses are laid out differently. Here lots of the houses don’t have an entry. You walk into the living room and the kitchen is behind that usually behind a wall but when they take out the wall then you walk into the whole space which is open
I don’t like bowl sinks that sit on top of the countertop in bathrooms. It’s a cleaning hassle I don’t need in my life.
Me too. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t have any problem with mine. It’s a hammered bowl in an oblong shape…easy to clean around and it just rinses clean. I’ve had both I prefer my bowl sink.
@denisebiely5998 As long as it works for you that's what matters. Thanks for sharing.
Right? What a stupid concept on its face! I have two in my house and despise them.
@almiller1371 Thanks for sharing and being here.
Have you seen my other video “15 Horrible Home DESIGN Choices You’ll Regret” 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
For those who don't know. ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit, a smaller, secondary living space on the same property as a primary home, like a basement apartment, garage conversion, or detached "laneway" or "garden" suite, offering extra housing, rental income, or space for family, and increasingly popular for housing affordability and multigenerational living. You're welcome.
Thank you for sharing that helpful information about ADUs! That was my bad. I totally spaced out. I also pinned it in the comments. Hope you get to check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you are not one yet.
Thank you for this information, I was very distracted by the constant references to ADU as I had absolutely no idea what it meant.
@apricotcookie4850 Yup that was completely my bad!
Thank you I had no idea what he was talking about 😊
@Yvettelune Half the time I have no idea what I saud 2 minutes ago.
Hate open shelving, even flies can walk all over your plates and you don't even know !
Yeah, we stayed at an Airbnb some years ago where there was open shelving. We stayed for 3 weeks, so it was time enough to notice how much dust started to gather on the shelves and cups, etc. Would hate to be cleaning that up all the time.
Most of the stuff that settles on things placed in open shelving is a result of not having an outside venting hood vent over the stove. If you live in a home with a microwave above the stove that blows the smoke back in your face through some sort of filter I'd urge you to look at the top of your fridge to see the funk buildup (from the stove). As a short person with a LOT of VERY tall friends who can see the top of refrigerators I was informed very early on how disgusting most peoples kitchens are on horizontal surfaces especially the tops of fridges or anything horizontal above "normal people" eye level.
I do know people that have open shelving but they all ended up putting curtains in front of it which I actually like better than the wooden doors which are hard to clean compared to a piece of fabric that can be thrown in the washing machine.
Open shelving may be a poor choice for some, but it isn't universal. For me, it would be a boon. The ends should have something to frame it, but the doors hide the dishes, which is not helpful for the way my brain works.
With all due respect, only the top plate in the stack can the bugs land on.
I like open shelving...feels like a display....Spice jars or plastic dinosaurs or china animals.
If you collect things.
I am a clutter bug...like a lot of stuff around.
Sparse magazine style environments make me feel deprived.
Also no doors that get splattered and must be cleaned.
And finally you don't have to remember where everything is...glass fronts solve that issue but again more to clean.
Or no need to open and shut and open and shut and open and shut...and the hinges don't wear out.
I guess the only drawback to open shelving IS dust or cooking grease...for those of us without an exhaust hood.
They are pretty, but I always think "They clearly don't have pets!"
You will regret putting your TV over the fireplace and 8 feet above the floor.
8 Feet???? That TV better be huge... 😜
I’ve had my TV over the fireplace for over 20 years in 3 homes. None were 8 feet high.
@60Airflyte Me too.
Tvs are much more comfortable at eye level
@brendamoon2660for sure.
I live in a regular tract home built in 1976. It keeps us warm, keeps us cool and its best feature is its paid-off mortgage.
OMG!!! Ain’t that the truth! Thanks for being here.
Mine is a 1976 ranch. NO OPEN space, i have rooms, no stairs and i always have a place to go to for peace and quiet !!!
@garygary2029thanks for sharing.
Same thing i say about my WONDERFUL 10 yr old car. PAID !
@teribunker5223 Nice when it is paid. Thanks for being here.
“Marble in a kitchen is like being in a high maintenance relationship”
Priceless!
LOL. Hope you had a chance to check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber.
Yep, had marble at our last house, we have quartz in this house. The marble stained horribly even though we did our best to look after it. Quartz all the way.
@meta404 We have quartz too.
Why didn't you mention granite?
@SamT26 granite being bad? I don’t remember? Are you saying they’re bad or they’re good? Thanks for chiming in. Please check out the rest of the videos on the channel and consider subscribing if you haven’t yet.
Remember you're not renting from future owners. Do what you want with your own home.
You’re absolutely right - at the end of the day, it’s your home, and you should enjoy it the way you want. 🙌 My video isn’t meant to tell anyone what to do, but more to share insights for those who are thinking about resale value down the road. If you’re not worried about that, then yes - do what makes you happy in your space.
Yup, I intend to spend the remainder of my days in my beautiful home. What appeals to future owners is of absolutely no concern to me.
@johnnysunshine1530 Totally fair - if this is your forever home, then absolutely make it everything you want it to be. 🙌 My tips are really more for folks who know they’ll be selling at some point and want to avoid surprises down the line. But if resale isn’t on your radar, then you’re doing exactly the right thing by making your home perfect for you.
Actually, you are kinda renting from future buyers. Your future value of your property can considerably less if you mess the house up and no one wants to buy it. Then you've got a house you can only sell for 1/2 what you paid. Losing money on your house that way? Renting would have been cheaper.
Even if here the advices are about reselling, they are great advices for living in your house. What s will appear a problem to buyers is not coming from some personal tastes but bullshit choices made by idiots without knowledge. For exemple, the marble... you like it, it is a beautiful natural stone and you surely can have it in your home... but you need to know that it is a f***ing nightmare for kitchen and bathroom. There s no point for beauty without functionality or it is just Art... simple
This guy is voicing all the stuff I have thought for years. On point sir.
😇😎👍🏻 Thank you for being here. Have you seen part 2 of this series?
I agree and thought I was just weird lol.
@dianeplescia5565 We are all weird 😬😜.
Open floor plan. I'm an electrical contractor. Had a house flipper customer, who thought every house needed to be open floor plan. Got to a house that had been gutted in advance of being redone. Was given a layout for the kitchen. Too many walls removed, no where left to run wire for things like the fridge. Only wall left was the exterior wall. Can't magic electricity though the air.
LOl. That's another thing people dont realize. Sometimes there are "stuff" hiding behind the walls.
Floor monuments it is.
@richardsanchez5444 ???
@SavvyHomeOwnerfloor monuments are basically plugs or receptacles that go mounted on the floor you see them in airports n such. Only works if you have raised floors or a crawlspace underneath.
@richardsanchez5444 ah ok. Thanks. Are those electrician/electrical lingo?
Very good points. I will pass on a garage conversion EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Me too! Thanks for being here. Have you seen part 2 and 3 of this series?
I will never own another 'open floorplan' home again! There's nothing worse than trying to watch TV and someone is in the kitchen banging pots & pans, running appliances, slamming cupboards, or just talking loud. I can't tell you how many times I'm watching a movie and I have to keep rewinding it!
🤯🤯🤯 I continue to get shocked at comments like this!!! There's more negative responses that I expected. But now I'm realizing how true it is. Out kitchen and family room are wide open and my my constantly have to ask to turn down the volume!!! Thanks for being here.
I have an open floor plan. Everyone watches TV in the bedrooms. When we come together to watch TV in the family room, nobody is in the kitchen.
@jonnarobinson7541 My kids never watch TV! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! 🙌
If you haven’t seen it yet, I did another video on a similar topic - “15 Horrible Design Choices You’ll Regret.” You might enjoy that one too! 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
just go and help the person in the kitchen instead of watching tv:)
@agawatra4003 fun activity. I like cooking. Thanks for being here.
I DESPISE open home plans. It is like living in the kitchen all the time.
You re in the majority. Thanks for being here.
We adore our great room, we can cook, read, study, whatever, and all be together. We love cooking from scratch, so I guess we don't mind living in the kitchen 😂
When we bought our house the sellers had removed the wall between kitchen and living room. It took us less than 3 months to decide on putting up a set of french doors to keep out most of the noise (and smell) from the kitchen after dinner. Because of the cats one of the low panes was taken out and a cat door installed instead, but it still keeps the noise level in the living room at about half of what it was when we moved in.
I live in a house built in 1925. It has defined areas that flow well. it is nice when I have had guests to have the separation.
A garage is almost necessary if you live in a region with 4 seasons. I’m in New England and you don’t want your vehicle sitting out in blizzards or hurricanes.
That is true. Thanks for being here.
In my neighborhood of single family detached houses, almost everyone has a garage. Some have converted that space into a spare room. Others have so much junk in them it's impossible to put a car in there. I refuse to do either of those things. I love being able to keep the car in the garage. With an automatic garage door opener in the car, I drive right in to unload groceries in all kinds of weather. I do have some items in the garage but they are against the walls and the car still fits easily.
@Marlene-b7x That is true. We have certain neighborhoods here in the Bay Area that when they built them the garages were too small and only one car. If I show 10 houses in that area, chances are 10 out of 10 the garage is not being used as a garage. That's why you see the street full of cars. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching.
I’m a Californian and still need a garage….
@feliciawilliams5720 Me too! Thanks again for the comment.
I never understood the open floor plan rave. It always felt like a huge studio. Not for me.
You are in the majority. Have seen part 2 of this series?
I completely agree. It feels like a large bachelor apartment. Never understood it.
@danielle8455 I look at it like a hotel lobby.
As an architect, listen to this guy with all your heart! All is sooo on spot....
WOWEE! BIG HUGE THANK YOU!!!! Appreciate you being here and part of the conversation.
No! I’m a designer. This guy is missing the correct design solutions or he’s referring to using the wrong materials, or dated trends.
@jenniferdoty8773 Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thanks for being here and joining the conversation.
@SavvyHomeOwnerI don't think a designer sees the long term consequences like you do. They complete their job and move on while it's still new.
@catfluf Could be. Artsy fartsy folks 😜. Thanks for being here.
I want a library! A room with bookcases and cozy chairs. A quiet space. Like in a men’s club. Is this too much to ask?
As a single person with more bedrooms than I will ever need, one of the downstairs bedrooms will be a library with a comfy chair, desk, and a fishtank. Originally I considered having custom bookcases made but, considering resale, I decided on removable ones instead. This way a buyer can decide if they want them to stay with the house or must be removed, it will be easy enough to accommodate.
@blujeans9462oh goodness! You adjusting your house for your needs. Building something you consider useful. Buyer will demolish everything and do something he or she needs. And waist is huge!
@blujeans9462 Just moved into a new place and was thinking about doing the built in bookcases. Those things seem super pricey(40k+) so might be doing the normal bookcases again.
I dont think so.... 😁
Nope. If that's what you want - go for it!
This is what I said 25 years ago when these open plans and open shelfs started
When you’re right , you’re right. 😊
Same!
@theynot4u 👍🏻
NEVER liked the open shelving!
@buckeye1156 We have partial. Like one shelf at the end 😂.
0:11 It’s now 2026. Does that mean I won’t regret them now?
You smart. 😎. There's a part 2 to this video. Have you seen it? Check out the rest of the videos on the channel and subscribe if you haven't yet.
No. It’s ok to proceed now
@jjalltheway3766 🤪
🤭
@AngelicTroubleMaker-LaVooDoo24 👍🏻
A bad thing about open floorplans is less wall space for artwork.
That has been mention. Frankly I never thought about that until several of you said that. Have you seen part 2 of this series?
Thanks for being here and sharing.
Good point!
@patpeifer7871 I know right? Hopefully you get a chance to check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if your not yet.
Disagree. We have open plan lounge, dining and kitchen and there are 2 walls that are excellent display areas for my own art pieces. Being open plan allows viewing from a distance. There are also side walls that allow for smaller art works. I guess it all depends on how the open plan is arranged at design phase. We did walk throughs before build using CAD software with right sized furniture placed in the model and were able to see how it would work. The reaction that we get from just about everyone who walks into our home for the first time is a variant of "wow, this place is beautiful". I think part of that is that we have a wall colour that isn't white, it is an oyster colour, Dulux white duck, and it is an excellent neutral. (we learned about good neutrals from Jeff Lewis "Flipping out".)
@judyscharf6862 Its definitely dependent on the space and how its used. Hopefully you can check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you are not one yet.
What do I love in a house? Pocket doors. Solid wood pocket doors. Beveled glass pocket doors. Heck, I'll take an aluminum pocket door. Such an underused feature.
I agree. But my mother hates them. They are often cheaply made and come off the tracks.
I also love pocket doors and had one in our first home. Just don’t hang heavy pictures that require large/long screws on the walls where the pocket doors slide into. It was solidly built; we didn’t have any trouble with it going off the track but I had to be careful about where I hung certain art.
Real old pocket doors are beautiful but the cheap barn doors people use nowadays are often pretty cheap lookin'.
YES! I wish our half-bath or the coat closet 2.5 feet in front of it had pocket doors. Both open out and into each other.
I also love pocket doors. They seem so grand (and practical). We don't have any so, I'm wondering. Aren't the tracks inside the wall hard to keep clean? We have pets. I'm envisioning those tracks clogged with hair.
My brother bought a home under construction and made a brilliant decision. Two upstairs bedrooms were combined to make a luxurious guest suite, but with an important consideration for the future. They kept the two doors and two closets, so a future conversion back to two bedrooms would be as simple as putting back a wall in the middle of the space.
Excellent idea. Thanks for sharing.
I like the idea of making the Master a "jack and jill". If you have a baby, the smaller room is a nursery. If you don't, you convert that room into an enormous walk-in closet.
@blurglide At first I was thinking bad idea but when I read convert that small room into a walk-in. I like it. Thanks for sharing.
@blurglide Or as you age, the two people may need to sleep separately due to medical issues; that's why we're doing a jack and jill with a room that can be either a room with hospital bed, etc. for someone or it can be a nursery for someone we sell it to.
@AlexandraLynch1 Excellent point! If I ever build a house, it'll definitely have a "Jack and Jill" master bedroom.
7:31 in Greece it’s common to have very old marble countertops, but they don’t seal them or baby them, they just accept that the marble will develop an broken-in, well-loved, vintage feel, like an old wooden table. If that’s a look you want then they’re great!
I agree that after a certain period those "damages" becomes character. Hope you get to check out the rest of the videos and subscribe.
@SavvyHomeOwnerI loved the video! The only part I didn’t vehemently agree with was waterfall edges. I’ve loved the ones I’ve had. Although, having no toe kick makes the waterfall side less useful.
@chemacb I think maybe for me its just a case of every highend home I have seen has it.
@SavvyHomeOwnergreat point. They don’t suit every home.
@chemacb 😇
Agree with all these points. Main problem with open plan = no noise control. Our semi-open house was difficult during the piano-lesson-years.
I am still blown away by the number of comments saying they don’t like open concept. I thought I was going to get pushback on that one.
I went off the idea when I heard my extractor fan and fan oven going
@lorraine.bernardettehoole7743 Not really sure what's going but hey thanks for bein ghere. 😁
No SMELL control, either! I, too, DETEST open floor plans. Yet, the most frustrating aspect to them, for me, is the way scents permeate throughout the entire Home when there are no walls present to block odors from traveling. I am extremely scent-sensitive. All cooking 🍳 smells easily overwhelm an entire open floor-plan house. Goodness forbid something burned or if an animal had an accident, etc. I purchased a 1945 Colonial Revival architectural style Home with plenty of walls 🧱 and defined individual spaces. I adore my Home. 🖤
@AvecPoesie Oh my. Tell me about it. We dont. I would really like a prep/dirty kitchen that's completely sealed off from the main house so everything happens there. That way I can have open shelves galore because its On the other line. Will call you after. going to be a show piece 😂. Thanks for being here.
Heres what baffles me about marble counters, standard kitchen cabinets used to be solid hardwood. Now we put super expensive counters on top of mdf cabinets
Well some of these counter tops are not expensive anymore. So that could be why.
We just built new home and had someone make cabinets.These multimillion dollar homes with absolute junk for cabinetry. We bit the bullet, ripped them out and my husband made them out of real white oak. We use the white mdf in bottom under sinks only. I am stunned at the junk cabinets in these beautiful homes.
They are probably like me and don't like the look of wood cabinets unless they're painted. But painting them has their own issues so people buy modern cabinets in the color that they like.
@AllyM-kp8kg it's such a rip off to consumers and environmental waste. Half a million and higher homes are built with the intent that the buyer will rip out all the fixtures, throw them in the trash and replace with something decent.
I don't quite understand designing a home only for resale value. Especially when most people want to own a home for decades, and what tastes and trends people want today won't be what people in 30 years want.
Our next home will be our retirement home, and it will be for our comfort, not for what someone in the future might want.
It's not that. The point if you think you will be selling in the near future, its best to really think about your choices. I agree with you. Design however you like it. Its your house. Enjoy it. Thanks for being here.
@SavvyHomeOwner if you are planning a short stay and moves do not buy!!! rent. only buy a home you will live in for decades.
@JohnW118 BOOM! That is one of the best advice that you can get for free! Thank you for sharing. Check out my follow-up video ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
@JohnW118-- Back when I worked at a "Fortune 10" company, every time someone got a promotion, they bought a bigger house. Their poor kids had no stability at all. One time, one guy I worked with bought a bigger house on the same street, just to have a bigger house. I can't imagine the constant moving headaches. This was back in the 90s, though...
@SavvyHomeOwner It is your problem you base your annoying advice on the premise EVERYONE is buying a home in order to resell it. I don't think that way. I just bought an apartment, and I intend to live in it without thinking I'll be selling it one day. I don't know, maybe I'll sell it if the life makes me, maybe I'll live in it for the rest of my days. In any case, I intend to equip it and decorate according to my taste and liking. Maybe I'll lose a few pounds if I resell it, but the life goes anyway, and I want to enjoy at least in having my living space to my taste, not thinking if some potential buyer in 5-10-20 years will like it.
I am actually extremely glad that the ridiculous trend of open floor plans, especially open kitchens, is finally coming to its long-overdue end.
Gosh what a few decades of absolute distaste!
I totally get where you're coming from! Open floor plans have definitely had their time, and it's interesting to see design trends evolving.
I love the open design, especially the kitchen open to the living area. I can chat with my guests or family while I'm preparing food. I can keep an eye on the comming and goings in my home, and I can have the TV on in the background.
@rcampbell4967 Thank for sharing.... Have you seen part 2 and 3 of this series?
@2:30 the biggest thing I hate about open floor plans is how hard it is to plan the room. No matter where you put furniture, it looks awkward.
A good designer can help. Thanks for being here and sharing. Really appreciate you adding this perspective. Hopefully when you get a chance you can check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you are not yet.
We love ours and can change the furniture that meets the need for the occasions easily!
@sherrywheat3550 You in the minority. Just saying.
We have 20yr old corian counters we wanted to replace. I decided to try experimenting with different products to extend the life until we could afford something new. Turns out Rejuvinate wood floor polish worked amazingly well! Once a year I clean them with 303 cleaner (strips everything and works better than anything else,) then recoat them w/3 thin layers of polish. The downside is it takes 3 days to cure, but is well worth it. Visitors always comment, asking what kind of stone it is. It fills in the scratches, makes them look high end, and is as shiny as any stone counter. They still look brand new! Saved us thousands, and have no desire to replace them any more. Worth a shot to save money in the short or long term. 🤷♀ I think this would help sell your home as well if you can't afford to replace. Hope this helps someone.
Wow. Never heard of this before. Great way of not only taking care of it but also saving money. Our quartz countertops just had a stain and my wife and are trying to figure out what it was that was caused it.
Excellent!
@ewetoob137 THANKS! 👍🏻
@SavvyHomeOwner If you have a spare piece or hidden area, try using Cloralen platinum splash-free bleach gel to see it works. I used to order it online for 9 bucks a bottle, only to find that dollar general carries it all the time for $1.25. 🙄
When we bought this house, there were wine stains on the counters, and something brown. They also didn't believe in cutting boards. Also, the ceramic kitchen sink and bathtubs were badly stained. This was the only stuff that worked, and didn't affect the shine. Just slather it on at night, and rinse in the morning. Might want to try to rinsing the first time after 1/2 and hour the first time just in case.
I swear everything looks brand new! Also works on stained grout and fiberglass tubs/showers. No scrubbing involved. Thank God for lazy people. We always find an easier way to do things. 🤣
We had our home built to our specifications. I have almost no regrets. 1995 build. Love almost everything we did. My favorite feature is a bidet in the master bath. Another favorite feature is not having an island in my kitchen. I also added a pantry and walk in closets in every bedroom. no wood floors inside or out. Instead, we have tile inside and concrete patio’s.
Regrets: pot shelves. My great room and my front entry room have pot shelves. Dust collectors. High displaying areas were trendy then just like open kitchen shelves. Also regret my claw footed bath in the master bath, laminate countertops, sliding glass door to back patio.
I think placing the sink in the kitchen island is one way to ruin an asset. Great to hear such sensible, practical advice from someone who knows what he's talking about.
Can I put in a caveat? Just because we have it 😂. Putting the full kitchen sink on an island is something that I would avoid. Just like putting in a stove on there (BTW that will be on my next video). We have a small sink that is on the opposite side of the big (main sink) and closer to the stove. It has actually worked for us. I have never heard of anyone complaining about it. It's been useful for us. Thanks for being here and sharing your thoughts.
Thirty years ago, when building, we splurged on a second sink to our kitchen, in the island. It's a deep single bowl and serves for a second chef. It's extremely efficient. Best investment we ever made.
@rwind656 We have a second sink as well but mainly for filling the pots etc. It's closer to the stove. I've only seen another house (way older) with a second sink. Thank you very much and thanks for being here.
@SavvyHomeOwner All I see with sinks on islands is kids turning it on and off and getting everything wet. All I see with stoves on islands is kids burning themselves or their homework.
@bettyir4302 That's my next video. Thanks for being here.
This advice was right on the money. I paid a fortune to remove the previous homeowner's monstrosity of a jacuzzi tub that took up the entire bathroom and caused a health hazard to navigate.
That's a very common regret, you're definitely not alone in that experience.
The house my parents bought in 2009 had a master bath with one of these. Literally never used it and it costs too much to justify removing it.
@moopert86 They are expensive to remove. Please check out the rest of the videos on the channel and consider subscribing if you haven't yet.
Here in Florida people love to buy houses with big windows. All you hear is how great the view is and how they love the light. Within a few months, you see them putting in "window treatments", heavy curtains or shutters. Problem is, you give up any privacy with big windows, and the sunlight coming in strains your air conditioner and runs up your electric bill trying to keep the room cool in the afternoons.
I love huge windows but my wife would cover it up and never open the window coverings 😩. Thanks for being here.
I am a Florida native and grew up with large windows. Love, love, love them. When you purchase a home the placement on your property is very important. Be aware of sunrise/sunset.
Having lived outside of Florida I was always disappointed in the teeny tiny windows. Yes, I lived in North Dakota and was thrilled when I found a home with a large sliding glass door and ‘normal’ size bedroom windows. I made clear vinyl ‘curtains’ so we could still enjoy the sunshine in the dead of winter. To a Floridian…that was most of the year. I am solar powered and relish the sunlight. So do my plants. My tortoises enjoyed the sunshine as well. Love large windows.
Open shelving is for books and special display items. Totally NOT for kitchens. If you are the person that cleans the home you know exactly what I am saying.
I now live in Arizona. We have 6 glass doors across the back of our home. The sun goes diagonally across our home and sets in the front. We do have a large front porch Southwest style with a 3.5 ft wall and iron gate. And a deep porch all the way across the back of our home. Solar on the roof, solotubes to bring in more light. Again, big windows.
@sharonrimsza7960 That’s such a vivid description - I can practically see your home from how you wrote that! You clearly know how to take advantage of sunlight while keeping the comfort in check. And I love that “solar powered” line - totally get that feeling. 🌞
Also completely agree about the open shelving - beautiful in photos, not so great in a kitchen you actually use. Thanks for sharing your experience, and I really appreciate you being here and part of the conversation!
Good point 🤔
@feliciawilliams5720 Thanks for being here.
Several years ago, a local family had a home with an in-ground pool. Today everyone is concerned with growing property taxes, in-ground pools come with higher taxes and homeowner insurance. They were having trouble selling this home. They filled it with dirt and planted grass, the home sold. A few years later, it went back on the market and the new owner removed the dirt and it was again a swimming pool.
To each his/her own right. Thanks for sharing.
😂😂😂😂😂
Everything you mentioned is so true!!!
I own a big house, with two floors. Well, I should have made it all on the ground! Getting older makes stairs a big problem...
I have a relative who left his first home- a rather large, two story, to reside in a one story ranch-style house, along with his wife and two young children. They are in their 40s, and they DETESTED the stairs. Carrying laundry and young kids as well as the fatigue of cleaning more than one story was too much for them.
I get that a lot lately. Thanks for being here.
If you buy a two story, find one with the master bedroom downstairs.
@patl.4170 I do get a lot of that. Makes it easier as you get older. Thanks for comment.
@patl.4170 we have a guest room on the ground floor with en suite bathroom and we will move there if needed later......
Open shelves in kitchens are for people who love to take down all the items, scrub off the greasy dust often, and make sure the display is always magazine-worthy.
True. I like them during vacation. I've been in some AirBnB that has them. But even those, the glassware and plates still gets dusty and you have to clean before using.
I hate tiny "child bedrooms" just to market a home with more bedrooms they divide a space that should be one bedroom. Regular sized furniture doesn't even fit.
Most of the time it’s just really tiny bedrooms that are being built. It is a big let down. Thanks for being here and sharing. Have you seen part two of this series?
And no walk ins should count as a closet.
Best feature of my house is the screened porch.
I love porches!!! Thanks for sharing. I invite you to please check out my follow-up video to this one when you have time. ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
I love screen in porches. I had a sunroom built in the back of my house that replaced a rotten wood deck that was only 3 years old. One of those builder special's decks. I love my little space, in the winter I sit out there play my oldies music, have a glass of wine and watch the snow fall.
My second home, a 1922 bungalow, had a screened-in porch that had been added on during the 1960s. It was on the west side of the house, so it provided much needed shade on Summer afternoons and was a wonderful place to sit during three seasons of the year. I have a deck off the kitchen in my current home. Many times I wish it was a screened in porch, instead.
@debraball2641 You in the east?
I have a mid-century home, that I purchased 25 years ago. My favorite feature has always been the covered front porch.
I’m a Brit living in a standard Victorian terrace. The Victorians were very clever architects and engineers, which is why I’ve kept the original features. In a heatwave I open all dampers, gas vents and transoms, top and tail sash windows and shutter those that face the sun. This gives me a closed door home with cool air circulating without a draught, except at the foot of the stairs - that has an arctic blast all of its own for an instant cool down.
Thanks for sharing your experience! Victorian architecture really does have some smart features that help with ventilation. It sounds like you’ve got a great system in place to keep your home cool! I’ve got a few other videos on the channel that build on this if you’re curious. And if you’ve already watched more than one, subscribing probably makes sense.
While it is a chore to clean behind it I love my footed cast iron tub in my 110+ year old Victorian home. It's the original tub and still 100% functional (with fixture upgrades of course) it is the focal point of the bathroom
@jeannedimassa3863 Nice. I think it is not a chore when you love it.
We discovered an old coal fireplace hidden behind an ugly bookcase in a sitting room/office in our 1912 era colonial revival. Exposing the hearth, rebuilding the mantle (you could see the outline), and refitting the space with a natural gas Victorian coal style fireplace is one of the most satisfying improvements we have made to the house.
Really? Sounds like a fantastic project! Thanks for sharing.
Retired high end (>13 million) residential designer from middle class family.
This guy knows his stuff, please take his advice to heart.
Thank you.
Good for you ,
@gailsheffield5535 Thanks for being here.
You mean don't take his advice. The reality is sure long term might not hold up, and if you are buying new and actually don't look into them, but there he's also talking resale. I would rather have an in ground pool, outdoor cooking area, and a jacuzzi tub specifically one of the walk-in ones. A lot of the upgrades like that are for the owner, not the future owner. Homes aren't really intended to be changed every few years. So making a change to make something more comfortable to a place you're likely to be for 20 years is acceptable. Sure not everyone wants the expense and that is fine. Do I have any of those things no because I have other things I have prioritized first. His advice is largely for resellers and flippers. This video can largely boil down to research your projects first.
@zacharythebeau163 Thank you for your input. Yes these are more meant for people that are about to sell. Also I mentioned it in the beginning of the video, you do what you like with your home, it's your home.
Things people regret in designing a home also include: 1. A doomsday bunker 2. A full bar 3. A game room with a pool table 4. Walk-in refrigerators. Instead of a storage room, use a storage pantry instead. Here's an idea, make all rooms wheel chair accessible. That means a little additional room. These ideas are the result of engineers operating outside of their field of expertise. An absolute No Go, OSB.
Wow. I just finished my new list and none of what you said are on my list. DAMM YOU! 😂 Now I have to go back and see if I should change it. Thanks for the ideas.
We’d love a tornado shelter
The house we bought had a Jacuzzi tub in the master. I think we used it twice? Even using all the hot water in the hot water tank couldn’t fill it and by the time you got it filled up as much as it could get filled from the hot water tank, the water was tepid. We had to add boiled water. So unless you have a dedicated instant hot water tank for it, no good.
@carolmcln5028 Wow that's a lot. Thanks for being here.
@MBoger Highly specific for your area. Thanks for being here.
Wow. A clear, direct RUclips presentation with useful material.
I was beginning to think I would never see one.
Thank you! Really appreciate that feedback. Have you seen part 2 of this series? And if you’re liking the conversations here, feel free to subscribe and stick around.
We were renting a old house with a massive backyard. The yard space and the separate garage was a main point in us choosing that house. Then the owner said he was gonna be building an ADU in the yard and tear down the garage to create a driveway the ADU could access. We left. Not only did it take two of the reasons for us to live there away, I'm autistic and extremely sensitive to sounds, and he was about to start construction in the backyard. He even wanted to explore possibilities of using mine and my brother's disability funds to help build the house in pretense of making it better for us to live in if we wanted to rent out the extra space ourselves. Saw through that immediately since he'd already said that he was building the unit to bring down our own rent. Guy was just looking out for his own wallet and drove away his clients.
It sounds like you made a smart decision to prioritize your comfort and well-being! It’s frustrating when landlords don’t consider the impact of their choices on their tenants. Here’s hoping you find a place that feels just right for you!
I’ve been looking for a small home for retirement, unfortunately so many have been gutted into the open floor plan stripping the house of any character 😢
That's a bummer. Where you searching?
I live in a senior community, It's a ranch style with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. When I went looking into this community for a house, I refused to look at the ones with that open floor plan. The people here with porches all have that plan where everything dining room, kitchen room and living room are all squished together. The bedrooms are also smaller. That porch takes away that space that you can have in your house. I have a very small front porch with no covering and my kitchen & living room is separated by walls & a doorway. My bedrooms are also a nice size. 1 bigger one and 2 smaller ones. Keep looking and Happy Retirement.
@irene617 Thanks for sharing.
Only EVERY SINGLE ONE! They don't listen to buyers or the market of retirees.
@Pinkarelly In my area they (I dont know who THEY. are) are starting to build a number of 55 and older apartment complexes. Some are priced lower than market but here are still a lot that are market price.
I hate open concept and always have. Sometimes you need to escape your family.
LOL.
Agreed about the garage. We wouldn't even look at a home without an attached 2-car garage
I'm ok with a detached 2 car garage so long as the distance from the garage to the main house is nicely landscaped. Thanks for being here.
@SavvyHomeOwner In a northeast US winter, it's nice to pull in and unload. And a heated garage is useful for us that do car maintenance.
@alanzoarne6530 HEATED GARAGE! That's luxury right there.
Never give up a garage ever !
Preach! Totally agree, that's sacred space. 😂 Have you seen part 2 of this series?
The noise level in homes that are too "open plan" can be overwhelming.
True.
I went to the marble museum, even the guy there said never get a marble kitchen!
WOW! Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely true. When using stone in the kitschen area where different oils, fats and lots of acids happen, choose a stone which can withstand this. So no cavities, full chemical inertia, not too brittle.
Why? Who wants a perfect looking kitchen counter? That's not how real cooks live! A little imperfection gives character.
@marcibent-j7u In the beginning those imperfections are annoying (atleast for me). If its still there years/decades form now, yes it becomes more of a character.
Thanks for sharing. Have you seen part 2 of this video?
@marcibent-j7u Marmor ist Kalkstein. Der wird von jeder Säure angegriffen. Und davon gibts in der Küche mehr als genug. Seien es die Säuren in Früchten, sei es der Essig, oder in Soßen wie Ketchup: All das frisst am Marmor. Erst wird die Oberfläche stumpf, dann gibts Vertiefungen bzw. rauhe Stellen. Hinzukommt, dass auch normales Wasser Kalk entweder auswäscht, wo es fließt, bzw. Kalk drauf ablagert, wo es verdunstet.
Marmor ist toll, aber so ziemlich das schlechteste Material für eine Küchenarbeitsplatte.
Great advice! We had our home built from scratch in 1998, and I would say we did things about 95% right. The BIGGEST thing we did wrong was a stupid two person jacuzzi tub. I would say in 30 years I've used it maybe 20 times. It just takes SO much water, cleaning it is a pain, and honestly it takes so long to fill that the water starts getting cold by the time I get in. I want to remodel the bath and get rid of it, but my husband refuses, so I haven't wanted to fight. I really appreciate your insight, and you are RIGHT!!!
My pleasure.
Seems that those big tubs are a "guy" thing
Removed the never used tub, installed a bidet. Use it daily. Love being clean
@BarbaraCain-wj3ls I love bidets. Our is one of those retrofit and not the dedicated ones like in Europe. Thanks for watching.
Yes, if they stayed hot, it would be used more. Instead, the water gets cold too fast.
i wish you actually put the footage of what you are talking about intead of kinda rolls
Will let editor now. Thanks for the feedback.
I can't disagree with any of these points. I've sold 11 homes and he's spot on. Great video!
Thank you very much. 👍🏻
When we remodeled our kitchen, the most important decision we made was keeping the pantry!
We removed ours when we reconfigured our kitchen but added more cabinets. It kind of ended up being the same in terms of storage space. Thanks for sharing your story.
We removed an awkward fireplace in the kitchen to put in a pantry
@momsterzz WOW!!! Thats a lot of work? Did you have to remove a bunch of bricks?
OMG! Once you have had one, you can never go back. And YES, the bigger the better.
It’s not called a pantry any more in our house. It is called the Costco Closet 😊
Agree on the open floor plans. I detest them. We bought a house that had been remodeled to have an open kitchen, living, and dining space and the first thing we did was build walls to close it right back up
Wow, that’s a lot of work. I’m just wondering what made you still move forward with the sale if the layout was already so open? Totally agree with you though - open floor plans look great on paper, but in real life they can be noisy, messy, and lack privacy. I’ve seen more and more people wanting to “put the walls back” just like you did. Sometimes separation of space really does make a home feel cozier and more functional. 🙌
@SavvyHomeOwner Location, location, location. That, and the framework of the house was probably appealing to them. More potential Buyers need to use their imagination(s).
@jordanwhite5470 Unfortunately in my experience most of the time buyers ahve a hard time envisioning themselves living in a place. You really need to help guide them.
Freestanding bath has to actually stand free in the bathroom. If it's pushed too close to the wall, the cleaning around it becomes a problem. We thought long and hard before figuring out how to place it and connect it to the plumbing in our bathroom. I absolutely love it.
You're absolutely right! Proper placement is key to enjoying a freestanding bath. It sounds like you found the perfect spot!
1. Open shelving and glass cabinet doors - high mainteance
2. open floor plans - noise, wiring limitations
3. Converting garages and ADUs - loss of space
4. freestanding tubs, especially in the middle of the bathroom, or jacuzzis - high maintenance
5. marble countertop - high maintenance - consider granite instead
6. home theatre rooms - limited appeal - go multi-purpose room
7. outdoor kitchen - high maintenance (outdoor exposure to elements, animals, etc)
8. oversized or poorly design kitchen island - make sure it does not take up too much space or is cumbersome to move around
9. above-ground pool - high maintenance, risk of damage
10. Elaborate backyard playsets and oversized yard features - limited usage, since kids grow fast, or taste sensitive
11. overcustomization - make customizations easily reversible
Thanks for for giving more reasons for those 11. Glad your here.
Thanks!
@lmjohnson777 My pleasure.
As someone who cannot afford staff, I have to accept things in life require maintenance; I refuse to tolerate HIGH maintenance. Not in homes, friendships, romantic partners, or any of the things I purchase. Practicality is essential.
@user-jy3zl2vp4b I like how you started your comment 😁. Thanks for sharing. Have you seen part 2 of this series?
The open shelves?! 1000% absolutely useless. I have them and hate them. Can’t wait to remodel.
Thanks for sharing.
If you're in Australia, quartz kitchen benchtops are illegal because of the silicone dust related illnesses the suppliers suffer from.
Really??? But wont that be just in production?
@SavvyHomeOwner they can't be produced anymore but if you have one already you can keep it.
@annamatevossian3805 wow.
@SavvyHomeOwner also, USA was thinking if stopping production of popcorn bc of lung diseases caused from corn dust. Also, production of the light weight fake sugar is causing lung and respiratory problems. It is very serious for people who make these quartz products for the upgrades that only some can afford.
@gailsheffield5535 The popcorn ceiling has been stopped for decades now. Can't remember if it was 1970 or 1972. Those become dangerous if it becomes airborne and you inhale it. Otherwise if you do not disturb it its ok. FYI: I'm not an expert on them. Thanks for being here.
I'd avoid "fads", go for CLASSIC with seasonal trendy cushions and maybe feature walls or curtains in living areas
Great idea. Nothing permanent. Easy to replace. Have you seen art 2 of this series?
Open floor plans out... thank God! Rooms rock
You in the majority. Thank you very much and thanks for being here.
I’ve always disliked open floor plans
Agree with all that. I always thought the same about open concept being taken too far. Another thing about open concept in small homes is it removes walls so reduces the number of places you have to place furniture.
You know I'm surprised at how many comments I am getting that are not in favor of open concept.
@SavvyHomeOwnerI HATE open concept. Who wants guests to see the dirty dishes in the kitchen? Who wants to be watched while they’re cooking? And why do we need to see the kids every second of every minute of every hour? Not to mention that open concept is almost echo-y, and the damn kitchen noises blast their way into the living space. A home should feel comfy and cushy-a place you can cuddle up in and have privacy when you need it. Not so with open concept.
@janeferguson5145 Wow, I’m honestly blown away by how many people don’t like open concept! 😅 I really thought more folks would be in favor of it. Every new construction home I see these days has it! Makes me wonder if builders are out of touch or if tastes are starting to shift back toward more defined spaces again.
I’m currently looking for an early to mid 20th century house for retirement. I’ve been so disappointed seeing beautiful Craftsman/bungalows that have had their insides flipped to open concept. All the vintage charm is gone. 😢
@kittydogzthat is disappointing. Where are you looking?
When using an acronym, please introduce that acronym at the start. A quick google tells me that "ADU" stands for Africa Down Under, a forum for business relationships between Australia and Africa. I don't think many people are installing that in their back yards, though.
They may, however, be adding a granny flat or bungalow in the back yard for a care-dependent elderly relative to move in to and have a level of separation and independence but also be close by to receive the care they need. In context, that's probably what you're talking about.
If you need that, you need it. More people are going to need them in future as more and more boomers get too frail to live alone. They also make a great place for that older teen to move out without actually moving out, that young graduate to move back in so they can put their salary into saving for their own house instead of just making a landlord rich, or you can use them as a work from home office so your household knows you're at work right now and not to be interrupted unless it's a real emergency. Just design your layout so you have a backyard garden space as well and you'll be laughing.
Great point, and thanks for catching that! You’re absolutely right - I should have introduced the acronym properly. By ADU I meant Accessory Dwelling Unit (sometimes called a granny flat, in-law unit, or backyard cottage).
Like you mentioned, ADUs can absolutely be useful - whether it’s for an elderly parent, an older teen, or even as a home office. In fact, here in California (where are you located) they’ve been encouraged by the state to help ease the housing shortage.
The point I was making is that not every ADU is designed well. Some take up the entire backyard, feel cramped, or don’t blend with the main home - and those are the ones that can hurt resale. But a thoughtfully designed ADU that still leaves outdoor space and feels integrated with the property? That can definitely add value and functionality.
Appreciate your thoughtful comment - you’re spot on about the benefits when it’s done right. 🙌
@SavvyHomeOwner. Thank you clarifying that ADU. I was wondering the same thing.
@patriotgrammy8632 Sorry about that. 😁
@SavvyHomeOwner I'm Australian, but hoping to move to New Zealand.
Great point to define, but the abbreviation is an initialism (where you say the letters) not an acronym (where you say the word the letters approximately spell).
11:39 is a dream home lol
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Have you seen part 2 of this series?
I have a modest 1000 sq. ft. ranch. The best thing I have done was replace the cheap, narrow, dark baseboards and molding with white, wider boards. I then installed crown molding where the walls meet the ceiling. It opens the home and adds a warm feeling. Love it.
I can picture that perfectly. Baseboards and crown mouldings I think are always an added touch. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! 🙌
If you haven’t seen it yet, I did another video on a similar topic - “15 Horrible Design Choices You’ll Regret.” You might enjoy that one too! 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
@SavvyHomeOwner If I may ask a question? I have standard ceilings and 2 inch baseboards that have haunted me since I moved in. What size should the replacements be?
Loved the video. My only remodeling regrets are believing Mannington that the high end LVP they sold me was actually waterproof.
@elizabethdameron5209 We have standard ceilings and we have 4 inch baseboards. I like taller baseboards. Thanks for being here.
Have you seen my other video?
Watch my other video “15 Horrible Home DESIGN Choices You’ll Regret” 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
Absolutely! You did exactly what I have done in the past. Another change I have made is if a windowless bathroom has a tub/shower on an exterior wall, I install a high transom window with frosted glass. It brightens up the bathroom and makes if feel much larger. It's not an expensive upgrade.
Good tip...I have a ranch as well and gave been wondering what to do about the crown moulding
Water features? My parents put out a water sprinkler. My brother and I had a blast running through it.
That is fun especially on hot summer days. Thanks for sharing.
The homeowner before us had a concrete "water fountain" that didn't work in the front yard. It had about 4 tiers, and he had lined it with permanent pebbles on the outside. Not only was it under a large tree, but the bottom portion held water, thus, was a mosquito breeding ground. So after a few years of barely tolerating that thing, we decided to have it removed. Come to find out, it had 100% fully concrete and went at least 2 feet I to the ground. It was horrible to remove, and even to this day, we know we didn't get all the way to the bottom of that concrete because our time ran out on our rental tools. For the love of God, please don't pass on water fountains to the next homeowner!!!
@embr4065that is a lot of work!!! I can’t even imagine. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully you get to check out the rest of the videos. And if you’re not subscribed yet please.
Grew up in the 70’s as a kid. That sprinkler was a luxury. lol😂
@miriamtuazon8532 ha ha ha. Did you get a chance to check out part two of this series?
I hate open kitchens. When i am ready with the day and relax in the livingroom, i dont want to see the mess in the kitchen. We had to search for a very long time for a place to live without an open kitchen
Glad you found it. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah- & when I cook, many times I zone out and don’t want the noise from what the family is watching on tv.
@lisaallen9339 Just like my wife. Me on the other hand I'm super multi tasking. 😂 Watching the game. Responding to comments on my RUclips channel. Washing the dishes. All while cooking. 😎
@SavvyHomeOwnerI want to zone out because I’m watching my own station on my phone!! 😅
@lisaallen9339 Station???
Outdoor kitchens sound like going to grandma's in the countryside (not the luxurious experience others apparently see) 😅
I can see that. Like an old country time of a thing right? Where are you located? Have you seen part 2 of this series?
4:50 - I really would have appreciated if you had explained what an ADU is!
You not alone. I messed up on that one.
ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit
An ADU is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence. It can be:
-Detached (a stand-alone structure, like a garden cottage or backyard cottage).
-Attached (built onto the main house, like a basement or garage conversion).
-Internal (converted space within the primary house).
I had to look it up.😅
@tanyamcknight2823 Yeah I know that was completely my bad. Sorry about that.
Thanks for being here. Have you seen part 2 of this series?
My exact thoughts.
@casey4602 My apologies Casey. Think granny unit or in-law unit.
ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit
An ADU is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence. It can be:
-Detached (a stand-alone structure, like a garden cottage or backyard cottage).
-Attached (built onto the main house, like a basement or garage conversion).
-Internal (converted space within the primary house).
Did you get a chance to check out the rest of the videos on the channel? Hopefully consider subscribing if your not yet a subscriber?
7:01 “marble in a kitchen is like being in a high-maintenance relationship.” YES!!
But it does look pretty or handsome 😂. Thanks for being here. Have you seen part 2 of this series?
I had a black granite worktop added to my kitchen which also sparkles as there are some clear quartz crystals embedded in it. The joy this kitchen top has given me every day I cook for the last 29 years is unimaginable
@tombutler5489 NICE!!! You said 29 years? Did you end up remodeling or moving?
Thanks for being here and sharing. If you have time, please feel free to check out the rest of the videos on the channel. You might find them interesting. And if you do, appreciate you subscribing. If you haven't done so already.
@SavvyHomeOwnerno remodelling required and I have not moved - it’s as good as the day it was built
Gotta disagree. We have Covalano marble in our kitchen and it’s one of the hardest stones with NO staining. We only need to use soft dish soap and water to clean and we seal once a year like granite. We shied away from quartz because it’s mostly resin that yellows over time. Quartz is the industry’s attempt to get people to pay premium prices for their extra waste.
If you want an above ground pool or play set, can be 100% worth what you paid for it. Based on the hours of family time and use both of those gave our family both were a great investment. Not every improvement has to be for the next owners.
Absolutely - and that’s such a great point. The value of family memories and enjoyment can’t always be measured in resale dollars. If an above-ground pool or playset gave your family years of fun, then it was 100% worth it. My video is more about looking at things from a resale perspective, but when it comes to living in and loving your home, enjoyment has its own kind of value. 🙌
I agree with this too and it would just have to be drained very gradually and\or sent through a pipe or hose to drain away from house and neighbors
@robinh8416sometimes common sense isn’t common 😬.
I love this - was quoted $30k to remove an in ground concrete pool. Above ground pools are much better.
@robinh8416
Yes, I know people who incurred damage from their neighbors pool getting drained.
My brother and sister in law had an above ground pool. It exploded. 😂
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 Have you seen part 2 of this series?
If you're in your last home, then customize the shit out of it. I converted the whole living room into a crafts/work room, the dining room into a guitar studio, and now working on the kitchen. The key is whether or not you're reselling. If you plan on being grandparents in that house, then yes, put in that playset...but be ready to maintain it or replace it. My favorite upgrade I've done thus far was the roof I put in on our deck...here in Florida shade is everything.
Wow, it sounds like you’ve really made that space your own! Customizing your home to fit your lifestyle is definitely the way to go, especially if you’re planning to stay for a while.
My take exactly. I've built several of my own homes and owned maybe 11 others. I'm sick and tired of building and selling what I think others will want. My final house, coming up soon, will be done with all the lessons learned from the others and I don't care what other people think as it will sell when I die--at which time I'll have bigger problems to worry about. Forget about Home and Garden home p@rn TV, it's all junk and unrealistic.
@bennrg2001 I get that 100%. After building and owning that many homes, you’ve earned the right to stop designing for “imaginary future buyers” and just build what actually works for you. At some point the lessons add up and you realize comfort, function, and sanity matter way more than trends or TV-perfect spaces.
And yeah… a lot of that home-renovation TV stuff sets totally unrealistic expectations. It looks great on screen, but real life is maintenance, cleaning, aging, and actually living in the space. Sounds like your final house is going to be the best one yet - built with experience instead of hype.
Thanks for sharing that perspective. Have you seen part 2 of this video series?
@bennrg2001I also build & renovate & notice no matter what, ppl almost immediately start changing things...even the gardens they fell for but don't even wait 2 full yrs to see what takes place or is in the soil
4:20 - what’s an ADU?
Sorry.
An ADU is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence. It can be:
• Detached - a stand-alone structure, like a garden cottage or backyard cottage.
• Attached - built onto the main house, like a basement or garage conversion.
• Internal - a converted space within the primary house.
Have you watched part 2 of this video?
A civic acronym: Additional Dwelling Unit.
@SavvyHomeOwner why are you asking if someone has watched part two of your video? You can’t even define an acronym the first time you use it! That is a basic writing rule. From your accent, I surmise that English might not be your first language? But it is a hard and fast rule of journalism that the first time you use an acronym, you define it. So you should have put in your header, “ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit)” - Vocally, you might have said “an ADU, which is an additional dwelling unit.”
@rnptenaflyseems like a simple mistake when you speak with other professionals often. Happens to the best of us and it probably has nothing to do with his accent. Also you're making so many assumptions about him to the point where your dialogue sounds nuts.
I was going crazy trying to figure this out from the images 😂
I’m a cleaner. All of this resonates. A couple of things I would add is 1. Don’t install clear glass shower doors unless you are prepared to squeegee them after every use…they will look yuk in a year or so otherwise. 2. Pull out/down shower and tap fittings…they frequently break. 3. Roller shower doors. The tracks are often hard to get at where other fittings meet and the silicone gets orange mold very quickly. Pivoting doors are much more convenient to clean and easier to reach hard to clean places. 4. If you can, install a pop up bench for jug, toaster, sandwich maker etc rather than cluttering a kitchen benchtop.
I'm getting a lot of professional cleaners in the comment section. I agree with you with glass shower doors. I was just looking at our hallway bath and it needs to be cleaned!
Thanks for being here and sharing. Have you seen part 2 of this series?
I can see why Mac is a great realtor. He immediately comes across as trustworthy, knowledgeable and helpful. When making such a purchase as a home nothing is more essential. It seems like he cares.
Whoa! Thank you. Have you seen part 2 of this series?
Great advice here. With older homes, especially, maintain the classic layout as much as possible. Classics never go out of style.
Thanks so much. Appreciate you being here.
3:43 I demand a place to securely park my second most expensive purchase!
No garage, no deal!
Me too. Thanks for being here.
Minimum 2 spaces prefer 3!
@elizabethmadron1336 I'm with you. The best that I have seen is one of my client's house. 4 car garage (2X2) and then 10 feet of free space in front of the parking space.
Appraiser here: Thank you for your commentary. Very spot on. My additional comments on the ADU, In ground pool, and other exterior features: Folks, keep in mind that you are installing these items for your use and necessity. You chose to spend your dollars on these items because you had that family member to house, wanted the pool for your family (and accepted the additional work and expense it involved), or the large workshop for your hobby. This is value-in-use. It brings YOU value. That doesn't mean the new theoretical future buyer shares your need or passion. While these features MAY contribute to your home's value, it will be nowhere near dollar for dollar. Most of these items end up adding 20-50 cents on the dollar. Value-in-exchange is not equal to Value-in-use in many cases.
Thanks so much for sharing your appraiser's perspective - that "value-in-use" versus "value-in-exchange" distinction is incredibly important for homeowners to understand! I will be using that whenever I have a "discussion" with my sellers.
Where are you located?
Thanks for being here and sharing. Really appreciate you adding this perspective. Hopefully when you get a chance you can check out the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you are not yet.
@SavvyHomeOwner Absolutely! Another concept I tend to share with homeowners is that we don't install these items for investment value, and you'll likely never find them being built for the specific purpose of increasing a home's value by an investor or builder. Why? Return on the dollar isn't there. That seems to click for them.
I'm in central New Mexico, about 1/2 hour outside Albuquerque.
When my dad was selling our family house, one of the reasons why someone didn’t buy it, “The Kitchen is to Modern.”
Was it trendy or had lots of gadgets????
I always thought those open shelves were a waste of money for exactly the reasons you stated.
🫣 They do look lovely in pictures. Thanks for being here.
Above ground pools are easier to dismantle than in ground pools.
Without a doubt! Have you seen part 2 of this series?
Thanks for watching and jumping into the comments. If you’re liking the channel, subscribing really helps.
The water to fill those big tubs is crazy!
That's what everyone is saying.
Above ground pools went out of style before waterbeds did. Do they really still exist?
You're right! Above ground pools have definitely seen better days, but some people still swear by them for summer fun. It’s interesting how trends come and go!
We chose our house specifically because it had not been Chip and Joannaed, The woodwork was unpainted and the bathrooms not changed from their original wood and tile. A nearby house with the same floorpan that we toured had lost half of the kitchen counters and cabinets to opening up a wall. All the interior doors had flat white paint. It was atrocious. "Dated" is in the eye of the beholder, and for the love of all that is holy, don't demolish that pink bathroom!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This year I just sold a house that still had the pink bathroom. Still useful.
ADU = accessory dwelling unit
Thank you.
It's a term that's been used in California for the last few years. I'm not sure it's used in other regions.
I opted for marble counter tops in my kitchen reno. I do not baby them at all. Are there some marks from water stains and where pineapple juice spilled? Yes. But i remember visiting a french estate where the kitchen had marble surfaces. They were well used, but clean. And they were beautiful in their worn look. To me, stains are a part of a kitchen that has been used. We used to celebrate the imperfections of life. Now we stress over them. I honestly LOVE that i decided on beautiful marble countertops. It'll patina over time. Just the way I want it
I can see the beauty in that "live-in" look. Out of curiosity how old was the estate? Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching.
I do not get it. Our kittchen with marble (natural stone, to be exact) countertops is now 19 years old. It is being used intensively and the tops look like at day one. We even have highly calcareous water.
@guzziwheeler You might be better at taking care of it than the rest of us. 😀 Have you seen part 2 of this video series?
@guzziwheeler You must be better at taking care of it than the rest of us 😃.
Have you seen part 2 of this series?
Me too. I don’t baby my marble kitchen and expect it to age, like a beautiful Parisian bistro. I’ve had it for 8 years now and it’s still as beautiful as ever, even with kids.
Open kitchen is the worst
True! Thanks for sharing. Have you seen part 2 of this series?
The people who bought my childhood home, a retired couple, converted the two-car garage into living space. It's just two people living in a three-bedroom house, with a finished basement. We half-jokingly wondered how much space they really needed. And now they're complaining that there's no storage space and the driveway is always packed with cars.
That’s exactly the tradeoff I’m talking about. Garages often don’t feel glamorous, but once they’re gone, people usually realize just how much storage and flexibility they provided. Funny how it comes full circle - add more “living space,” and suddenly the driveway and closets are overflowing.
I happened upon a house we lived in when children. Oh, my! What a mess. White walls, white full wall length fireplace, white cabinets, white counters, white, white, white faux marble.
@bettyir4302 Sale on white paint 😜.
As a Professional House Cleaner I totally agree with all the comments about marble. Your Cleaner cannot magic away years of abuse!! If you are thinking about upgrading anything, ask yourself...HOW am I going to clean that?
My pet peeve are textured floor treatments of all sorts. Textured floors will trap dirt in the grooves, nooks and crannies and your floors will look horrid in high traffic areas. The best (not fastest and definitely not the cheapest) way to clean these textured surfaces is on your hands and knees with a toothbrush) And for the love of all that you want to keep clean, STOP PUTTING STONE IN SHOWERS!! Seriously, Just...stop. Tile is the way to go!
I really shouldn't be telling you all of this. I charge hourly and the amount of time it takes me to clean these upgrades is astounding. All the upgrade faux pas pay my rent!!
CRAP! Guilty of stone shower. Over 20 years ago my wife so this pebble shower and we just had ti install it in ours. BIG FREAKIN mistake. Hard to clean and its starting to look dated now. First few years it was wow. Now meh. 😭. Thank you very much and thanks for being here.
Housekeeper too I 200% agree
@christinaandrews4891 Thank you for being here.
I had textured tiles in my kitchen. Looked great, then realized all the dark spots were dirt. I had to clean it once or twice a year by screwing a scrub brush onto a broom handle, flooding floor with dilute tile cleaner, scrubbing like crazy, then sucking it up with a wet/dry vac. Looked great afterwards, but it was a good 60-90 minute job.
@kirkpoore9871 Kind of like our kitchen floors...
DESPISE! -> open floor plans
Yikes.
@SavvyHomeOwnerLol I didn't mean to sound so harsh 🤭
@ewetoob137 All good in the internet world. As long as the algorithm guards dont ding us 😬. Thanks for being here.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! 🙌
If you haven’t seen it yet, I did another video on a similar topic - “15 Horrible Design Choices You’ll Regret.” You might enjoy that one too! 👉 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.html
@SavvyHomeOwnerwill do😊👍
@ewetoob137 Thanks.
My hot take is kitchen islands, unless your kitchen is massive, the extra storage and counter space you get by not having an island is so much better.
Thanks for sharing. Have you seen part 2 of this video series?
@SavvyHomeOwnerI haven’t yet. I did see you talk a little about islands in this video after I commented. I’ll definitely check out your other stuff because I’m very interested in interior design as I’m about to start renovating my own house and inspiration, ideas and Do’s n Don’ts are always appreciated.
@100StepProgram This is part 2 ruclips.net/video/74e3HRV1PzA/video.htmlsi=g53HXRqXg3YOVcod
In Thailand where I live there is a running joke that the indoor kitchen is only a status symbol to look beautiful, while the outdoor kitchen is the real kitchen where tou can get a wok blazing hot without causing smoke stains all over your home.
Growing up in the Philippines, I can completely relate.
The fact that most movies and TV shows are horrible now doesn't help the home theatre room space IMO.
While I could say that's a weird take on it, I do partly agree. It seems like the more choices that we have the less good shows there are right?
Thanks for being here and sharing. Have you seen part 2 of this video?
@SavvyHomeOwner - It’s not about having more choices. TV shows & movies have objectively declined in quality over the last ten years. Disney, for example, is continuing to release badly-made boring films that lose huge amounts of money.
@sirrathersplendid4825 yeah I have to agree with you on that. I barely watch any movies. In the theater. The last one I watched was Mission impossible not the newest one the one before it. Thanks for being here. Hopefully you get to check the rest of the videos on the channel and become a subscriber if you’re not yet a subscriber.
Back when dedicated home theaters first became a thing, people sought out theater-style seats for "authenticity." Ironically, as homeowners were installing theater seats, theaters were installing recliners.
True.
My house’s best feature is the deck overlooking the lake. Lovely.
What lake? Thanks for being here Karen. Have you seen part 2 of those series?
A home theater room was an excellent idea back in the day when the "best" quality was from projection TVs and surround sound systems with large speakers. Today, big screen LCD/LED monitors are offer the best picture in a very light unit that can easily be hung on the wall in your family room. And the sound systems are very small with speakers that blend into the decor.
True.
Tiny cube speakers and a mid bass module are fine for casual watching but a dedicated, acoustically treated space with real speakers and subwoofers is far superior for an immersive experience.
@jeffg7 I agree. But I dont see home buyers looking for them. I still want one. 😀
@SavvyHomeOwnerI miss my full size theater room, from before I downsized. I converted a spare bedroom in the new place to a small theater room and it's not bad!
@jeffg7 Nice. Enjoy!
The worst mistake is to pretend you are in some luxury space while standing in front of a green screen :-D
Come on now. We all pretend. Plus I dont have the budget 😜.
Thanks for being here. If you’ve got a minute, check out some of the other videos. This one actually has a part 2 - I think you’ll find them useful. And if you haven’t already, consider subscribing.
Living and renting in the Netherlands (I am Dutch) I found your video very interesting and confirming my own ideas of what is impractical. What I found a bit depressing is there is the assumption that you are only keeping your house profitable for the inevitable sale instead of making it your custom and "forever" home.
Not gonna lie, there is a lot of that kind of thinking - especially when people know they’ll eventually move or upgrade. When we bought our first home, we were the same way. But like I mentioned in the video, it really depends on your goals. If it’s your forever home, then design it for you. Make it a space that fits your life, not some future buyer’s checklist. That’s when a house truly starts to feel like home. 🏡 Thanks for watching. Go Mathieu VAN DER POEL!!!