My list (not in order):

1) Mudroom, with cubbies and hooks.

2) A playroom

3) A place for kids to play that is within eyeshot of the kitchen so you can cook/clean while they're nearby

4) A fenced yard

5) A walkable neighborhood, and bonus if there are things to walk to -- parks, restaurants, stores

6) A safe place for them to bike and scooter

7) bathroom on every floor

The main thing for us after having kids was to have a home that was affordable on one income. Originally we both had well paying jobs, but then DH got laid off and could not find a job for a while. Living on one income was very stressful and put a strain on our marriage and family life. The small drawbacks of the house/yard layout is something IMO that one can figure out how to live with, but having to constantly worry about finances and argue about money and choices and potentially having to relocate because you can no longer afford to live in your house in a certain area, is not something I want to live through again. Later on, DH found a better job, we relocated and our finances were in great shape, we could afford to live on his income alone. It was awesome after our second kid was born to have an option to quit my job and become a SAHM for some time and later find a job with more flexible hours. It was so much more important to me than having a perfect floor plan. The idea of going back to my not so child friendly job while juggling two kids was just so much worse than having to lug my laundry downstairs or not having an open kitchen or a perfect flat yard.

There is convenience to a laundry room being on the bedroom or main level, however, I talked to a handyman the other day who mentioned that he actually prefers to have the laundry room on the basement level. He has seen one too many instances where there was flooding caused by the washing machine (either the washing machine malfunction, or more often the hose valve has issues). We have a laundry shoot on the upper level and do our laundry in the laundry room in the basement. Personally, I don't mind.

Laundry on the same floor as the bedrooms = win.
Open floor plan works great for us, but our kids are still little. Love that I can baby gate off the kitchen to cook & still keep an eye on the baby.

Our kids live in the yard - younger ones more imaginative play - older ones play sports for hours. its an unusual lot and the big piece is not fenced in smaller piece is. I'd thought we would not use the unfenced part, but it is the most used part - partially as neighbors always stop by. does.

Not really in order -
1. No basement laundry.
2. Fenced in yard - small is fine, esp. if you live near park- sometimes the kids need to get out of the house, but there is not enough time to go to the park.
3. Powder room on 1st floor.
4. Open kitchen family room.
5. Mudroom or place to put all the shoes and gear.
6.Basement or separate playroom (for when they get older).
7. Neighborhood with good schools, lots of kids very nearby for planned and impromtu playdates and potential babysitters.
8. Park nearby to see smiling neighbors/friends when the chips are down.
9. A sibling for your child to play and fight with. Overall it is a plus (and, yes, I have done it both ways).
Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:Many good points made but fast forward 3 more years and my open plan kitchen/family room drives me nuts. I'd love to be able to watch the news while cooking dinner but instead have to listen to sponge bob, the Wii or kids fighting. In my next house I want a kitchen/eat in space that is separate from the family room. Open is good while they're young but once they hit 6-8, eveyone needs some space! Basement laundry is soul sucking. Fenced in yard a "must" on our list, everything else you figure out.

YES! This is where I am now. Just bought a new house with a separate kitchen and I can't wait. I walk around with my headphones in all the time now because I want to hear what I want to hear. In other wants, a mudroom was #1 or 2 on my list. The other thing that very few people realize or discuss is that a separate master bedroom is a nice thing to have once the kids are a little older.

I don't mind steps at all. What I find I really like is having two family spaces. Our kids are older and love video games and having kids over. It's nice to have a kid friendly area for them and not have to relegate the rest of the family to bedrooms. And, I love having enough space outside for a swing set and that we're not on a main road. We're walking distance from our ES and the local pool. And, we live in a neighborhood with kids that's safe enough to let kids walk or ride their bikes the few blocks to their frieds' houses by themselves.

Every family is different. What works for us might not for you. I think a mudroom is ideal for keeping things organized and clean.

Many good points made but fast forward 3 more years and my open plan kitchen/family room drives me nuts. I'd love to be able to watch the news while cooking dinner but instead have to listen to sponge bob, the Wii or kids fighting. In my next house I want a kitchen/eat in space that is separate from the family room. Open is good while they're young but once they hit 6-8, eveyone needs some space! Basement laundry is soul sucking. Fenced in yard a "must" on our list, everything else you figure out.

I love having a powder room right off the garage. Especially when the kids are playing outside, I hear the kids (and not just our kids, it seems like even if another kid lives as close as next door, they still want to use our bathroom), come in and the bathroom door immediately shut and think to myself if they had to go 10 more steps they wouldn't have made it! Come to think of it I've been guilty if the same thing! Very useful location for a powder room.