I don't think it is unusal. Depends on the style of the house. We are a similar size and have a small two story area but I wouldn't call it grand. It is simple and fits the house design.

I don't think there is an expectation either way.

As for the others talking about how wasteful it is - ether try to be helpful or take it somewhere else. OPs question is legit. You might not like it by not every thread on this site is intended to invite your opinion.

the best option to make your home stand out is a 2 SF house with a 9000-foot-tall foyer. Otherwise what is the point of building custom at all?

Unless you have the appropriate entablature, OP, I would not recommend it. You must also be careful of how your colonnade is designed along the the exterior and interior sprandrels and crestings.

It is not as simple as what you describe.

Anonymous wrote:The new high end spec homes have at least 10" or 11ft ceilings on the first floor. We are building custom and will have 12 ft on first floor and 10 ft on 2nd flr. Think about the beautiful old apartments in Paris. They have about 11 / 12 ft ceilings. It's timeless.

Anonymous wrote:10 foot ceilings?
I don't understand this. Maybe for the second floor, but I can't understand building new and not doing 12 foot ceilings.

Yes but I doubt your home won't have the charm of a Parisienne flat.

But regardless I don't love two story foyers. They're not timeless.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question, what are the average utility bills for a 5000 sq foot house? 9000 sq ft? How many separate HVAC zones would you need? I'm thinking at least 4 separate HVACs in a 9000 sq foot house.

It depends on the floors and we are building with 2 x 6 construction for extra insulation and good windows.

You need 2 zones for basement/first and second floor and then three zones for basement/first, second and loft.

We have 10k custom 3 level. Three separate HVAC units, one dedicated to each level. Separate duct work for zone isolation. Works flawlessly. Also, ask your builder to put in an ERV unit.

I am assuming that you pronounce it "foy yay" as opposed to the "foy yer" pronunciation which is reserved for homes less
than 3k square feet, and have enjoyed reading the entire thread with that pronunciation.
Highly recommend reading all OP's posts with a nasally voice and "foy yay" for maximal joy from this thread

9000sqft in mclean? Yes...you better have a two story foyer. It is expected. If you need to sell, you are gong to regret it....trust me on this one.

Holy crap. Are you running an orphanage? God, new money is the worst. Use that money to get a NICE house at some reasonable number of square feet. Use the extra to take a trip, or to do something worthwhile.

Are you the one wth the 11 bathrooms?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new high end spec homes have at least 10" or 11ft ceilings on the first floor. We are building custom and will have 12 ft on first floor and 10 ft on 2nd flr. Think about the beautiful old apartments in Paris. They have about 11 / 12 ft ceilings. It's timeless.

Anonymous wrote:10 foot ceilings?
I don't understand this. Maybe for the second floor, but I can't understand building new and not doing 12 foot ceilings.

And 6 foot for basement? Otherwise I don't see how you not have a code violation on max building height for most of the counties. So stop bluffing.

How about the exurbs?

I hate two-story foyers. They feel cold and ostentatious to me, very McMansion-y. I would absolutely go with ten foot ceilings and a second bedroom instead.

Anonymous wrote:Please share what you plan to do with all that space of yours. I am as wealthy as the next person but I cannot understand such waste. Here is something in your price range that wastes fewer resources. https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/3021-P-St-NW-20007/home/9929928

You should be ashamed of yourself, OP.

We want mclean schools, land and prefer a detached house

Anonymous wrote:The new high end spec homes have at least 10" or 11ft ceilings on the first floor. We are building custom and will have 12 ft on first floor and 10 ft on 2nd flr. Think about the beautiful old apartments in Paris. They have about 11 / 12 ft ceilings. It's timeless.

Anonymous wrote:10 foot ceilings?
I don't understand this. Maybe for the second floor, but I can't understand building new and not doing 12 foot ceilings.

And 6 foot for basement? Otherwise I don't see how you not have a code violation on max building height for most of the counties. So stop bluffing.

The new high end spec homes have at least 10" or 11ft ceilings on the first floor. We are building custom and will have 12 ft on first floor and 10 ft on 2nd flr. Think about the beautiful old apartments in Paris. They have about 11 / 12 ft ceilings. It's timeless.

Anonymous wrote:10 foot ceilings?
I don't understand this. Maybe for the second floor, but I can't understand building new and not doing 12 foot ceilings.

Please share what you plan to do with all that space of yours. I am as wealthy as the next person but I cannot understand such waste. Here is something in your price range that wastes fewer resources. https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/3021-P-St-NW-20007/home/9929928

You should be ashamed of yourself, OP.