So here are the plans for the new house, which is scheduled to break ground in two to three weeks:
I had assumed Dave and I would go with a one-story house (many of which, in addition to being rather practical for just two people, have a cozy quality that I find appealing), but we ended up selecting a two-story plan. Our decision to go with this plan was based mostly on three factors (1) the one-story plans took up a lot more lot and, as a result, reduced the size of our future yard, (2) we loved one of the elevations for this plan, which included a Craftsman-style front porch, and (3) I love the feel of a two-story entryway (what can I say? I like me some drama).
The house "comes" with a three-car garage; I'm not sure what we'll do with all that extra space, but Dave is already dreaming of filling it with his assorted "stuff", so I have a feeling it will be well used. I'm adding a utility sink in the back of it to avoid making a similar countertop mishap. We're also going to use the formal living room as a study and have the open arch between it and the foyer closed off with french doors. I just can't see myself ever really using a formal living room -- is it just me or have those gone the way of the dodo, anyway?
Quite obviously, the second floor is a whole lot more house than Dave and I currently need. The plan -- or rather, hope -- is that within a few years we'll be having a kid or two to put in all those bedrooms. Until then, we'll be living downstairs, with the exception of the game room (and the attached second-story balcony), which will serve as our primary TV and entertainment spot. It'll be a great place for us to watch tennis, the Astros, and of course, trashy reality TV and HGTV. The spare rooms will also house Dave's family (mine all being local) whenever they come visit. The so-called media room we're going to use as Dave's man-room; since he's not a big fan of daylight anyway, the tiny windows will suit him perfectly. I expect the room will house his untouched exercise equipment (which he swears he used before he met me...four years ago), his collection of rocks, and his cats. My only requirement is that the room stay relatively clean. For those who know Dave, you'll know this is a serious request.
