This article represents the final article in our home construction specification plan series.

Assembling a Home Construction Specification Plan — Spec Plan T: Interior Decor

Who is the best judge of how a new home should look? Is it the builder? An interior decorator? Or would that be some other type of professional?

Although there isn’t anything wrong with employing the services of a professional, the people who live in a home are often the best judges as to how it will look. After all, a house isn’t a home until you have personally decorated it.

We’ve Come To An End In Our Series

In our ongoing home construction specification plan series, which comes to an end with this article, we’ve taken you through all of the steps needed to acquire property, lay a foundation, build your house, and turn that house into a home. The final step, your home’s interior, isn’t a requirement of your home specification sheet, but it does play an important role as to where a wall will be built, how a room is laid out, and more.

Fortunately For You, My Advice Is Limited

Although I have been comfortable detailing the entire home spec plan up to this point, I must tell you that I am not someone who is particularly adept at interior decorating. For that, I leave this task in the capable hands of my wife.

If I were tasked with decorating a home, it would probably have a distinct bohemian bachelor look — a mix and clash of furniture, colors, and assorted knick knacks. It would be tidy, but not something that would appear in Architectural Digest or House Beautiful.

Get Informed!

Fortunately, there are some great resources out there for the person who wants to decorate their home. I mentioned two of the more popular interior decorating magazines, but there are some other places you can go for help:

Interior Decorating Stores: If you have a good store in your area, paying them a visit could be worth your while. Many of the larger stores offer seminars and classes to help you design your home’s interior. Sure, they want your business, but the ideas offered can be used anywhere.

Take A Class: Many adult schools and some community colleges offer classes on decorating your home. You don’t have to get a degree, but if that Window Treatment class costs you $50, you’ll likely get that money back when you go out to shop for what you want.

Turn On The TV: If you have access to cable channels, then a channel like HGTV can help you lay out your kitchen, choose the right colors for your den, find the best bedding for your child’s room, and much more.

Of course, a knowledge friend can also offer tips and advice, just the information you need to personalize your home.

On a final note, thank you for following our series which began in October 2007. If you are interested in a recap, most of our articles were posted on Tuesdays, so please go back to our Home Style For Every Homeowner article and start from there.

Enjoy your new home!

Tags: bathroom, bedroom, den, dining room, family room, foyer, hallway, home décor, interior decorating, kitchen, living room

This article is part of our ongoing home construction specification plan series.

Assembling a Home Construction Specification Plan — Spec Plan Q: Other Amenities

What is it that makes a house, truly a home? Some would say the people who live there. Others would include the neighborhood where it is located, while some may say it is a bit of both with the owner’s personal touches included.

Now that your home’s major construction projects are completed, what sort of amenities did you have built into your home’s construction? Most popular with homeowners today are the following:

Entranceway — The first impression anyone has when entering a home is what they see is your entranceway. A unique door knocker, custom door with arch or radial top, door chimes, trim and light fixtures can go a long way to giving your home a unique, inviting look.

Foyer — Once inside your home, presenting an elegant or refined look can be achieved in the foyer. A sweeping staircase to the second floor, a special window, french doors leading to the living quarters, or a chandelier are some of the attractive options for this part of the house.

Fireplaces — Even in a warmer climate, a fireplace can make for a nice touch particularly on cold mornings or when the weather is especially damp. No need to mess with wood anymore as gas units are all the rage and offer a minimum amount of maintenance. Consider a wood or gas stove as an optional way to provide heat, a special look for a den, living room or family area.

Services Utilities Room — Many homes expand the idea of a laundry room to include other features such as the home’s utility box. With online activity a crucial part of today’s lifestyles, having a home wired accordingly is essential. A services utilities room can act as the nerve center for all of the home’s electrical needs.

Many of the smaller projects not dependent on the home’s construction schedule can be handled after you move in. Once you get a feel for your new residence, you’ll be planning your next round of projects in short order!

Tags: entranceway, foyer, home building, Home Construction, Home Improvement, lighting, stairways