Renovations -- what do you wish you had done/what do you regret doing?

[Anonymous]

i really don't like wired speaker systems everywhere [that will go the way of the whole house intercom], central vac, heated floors. They are all 1 more non essential whole house impact system.

We have both types of hot water heaters. Tankless works best in warmer climates where ground water is not as cold. The difference can be seen on the rare cold night. My HVAC company here even advised against it.

1 or 2 copper landline jacks are useful for hardwiring a security system. Wifi security depends on router [sep company], boosters, etc. We have both types of systems in houses. Landline stripped is about $22/month.

[Anonymous]

I forgot the cable outlets-2 in each bedroom and multiple spots in other rooms-all ending in a hub in a closet or cupboard [modem, routers] with at least 2 plugs.

One of my houses has that in a builtin-can be done in a section of a kitchen cupboard that is rarely used [ie above a fridge].

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Electrical outlets in closets, pantries, etc.

And lights!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I was about to post that tankless HW is a waste of money, but different strokes, I guess.


I would put heated tile floors at the very top of my list.

Why don't you like your tankless?

Its not that we don't like it, in the context of renovation, it adds cost with no value.


Water is either hot, or it isn't. A tankless will cost you $2K more and I personally would much rather spend that on something else. The marketing of tankless hot water heaters, discussion how 'you'll never run out of hot water again' is a little ridiculous. When was the last time you ran out of hot water?

That may be true but they DO take very little space compared to a traditional water heater. In the context of smallish houses where you have to maximize good use of space, tankless heaters do save space.

Very, very good point.

[Anonymous]

OP, one thing you didn't mention was a built in vacuum system. I've never had one, but I recall many threads in the past in which posters raved about them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, one thing you didn't mention was a built in vacuum system. I've never had one, but I recall many threads in the past in which posters raved about them.

They are pretty awesome.

[Anonymous]

We forgot to request a light in the pantry. I wish we had put in wall sconces in the nursery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, one thing you didn't mention was a built in vacuum system. I've never had one, but I recall many threads in the past in which posters raved about them.

My house came with one. I've never used it in 15 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, one thing you didn't mention was a built in vacuum system. I've never had one, but I recall many threads in the past in which posters raved about them.

My house came with one. I've never used it in 15 years.

Do you have a vacuum spot in the kitchen where you can sweep crumbs instead of using a dustpan? That is the number one selling point in my mind. I so want one of those.

[Anonymous]

If you are putting the speakers in the ceiling, and the wires are behind the walls, I don't see why you would not get wired speakers. Wired speakers do not need a separate electric hookup or batteries, are more reliable and consistent, and much better in terms of quality. For these reasons, contrary to what people are posting here, there is no "phase out" of wired speakers.

[Anonymous]

In our renovation we are happy with our under kitchen cabinet LED lights. Also, like our instant hot water in our kitchen's second sink. You may want to consider adding a separate drink refrigerator too. Insulation upgrade made a big positive difference for us.

Good luck with your reno

[Anonymous]

We have central vac with Hide a Hose...freakin LOVE the thing...never thought I'd say that about a vacuum. We have the vacpan (crumb catcher vent in floor) installed in our kitchen, mudroom, and bathrooms. So easy to just sweep the mess right into the vacpan. In terms of your normal vacuuming, you just pull the hose out of the outlet, attach the wand and powerhead...vacuum and when finished, suck the hose back into the wall. So much better than dragging my Miele behind me or wrestling with my Dyson's attachments. Definitely google "hide a hose"...so much better than a regular central vac system.

[Anonymous]

Forgot to share the link that explains how it works - http://videos.hgtv.com/video/hide_a_hose-in_wall-vacuum-0213457

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Speakers do not date quickly. What dates is the equipment they're hooked up to, which you should be able to change out.

Seems like speakers will all be wireless in the next 3-5 years.

No, they won't. I'm in technology and would never use wireless speakers. Why use wireless when wired is so much more reliable?

+1000

Agreed, wireless is second best for applications when you can't/don't want to wire. If you can wire in speakers to a central place where you can put an equipment rack to contain whatever is the latest and greatest (e.g., Sonos, though full disclosure I'm less than thrilled with mine, I'd be happy with an ipod hooked up physically), you should do that.

everyone though that about the landline

We haven't had a landline in 15+ years. Just built a new house. Didn't wire for voice at all (aside from cat 5), but we did pull speaker wire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have central vac with Hide a Hose...freakin LOVE the thing...never thought I'd say that about a vacuum. We have the vacpan (crumb catcher vent in floor) installed in our kitchen, mudroom, and bathrooms. So easy to just sweep the mess right into the vacpan. In terms of your normal vacuuming, you just pull the hose out of the outlet, attach the wand and powerhead...vacuum and when finished, suck the hose back into the wall. So much better than dragging my Miele behind me or wrestling with my Dyson's attachments. Definitely google "hide a hose"...so much better than a regular central vac system.

Your central vac sounds pretty nice. We have one that came with the house. I have used it once. Too much of a pain in the butt and it doesn’t have great suction - if you are going to go the central vac route - get one that actually works.