In preparation for meeting with potential architects we put together our wish list and specifications for our new home. It will be interesting to see how many compromises we have to make along the way. Hopefully not too many!

Overview

• Main level ranch
• Walk-out basement foundation
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 ½ baths
• 1 indoor gas fireplace, 1 outdoor wood fireplace
• 3-car garage
• Front porch
• Rear deck(s)
• Incorporate universal design standards for door/doorway widths, hallway widths, switch heights, outlet heights
• Eliminate or minimize stairs throughout the main level including main entry, garage entry, porch and deck access
• Stain grade wood doors throughout, wood windows, stain grade wood ceilings in most areas, stain grade wood trim throughout, interior square timber accents
• Design takes full advantage of the view, maintains privacy, integrates with the characteristics of the lot, and blurs the lines between outdoors and indoors to promote outdoor living/enjoyment
• Symmetry, balance, and function are important design considerations – little extras like built-in benches in the main entry, window seats in a bedroom, spa like materials in the master bath, and hallways with window views at the end to draw you into the next space help transform a house into a home

Lot

• Cul-de-sac location
• Driveway access via county maintained dirt road
• Utilities (electric, phone) east corner, no natural gas – must use propane, no cable
• Well and septic required
• Steep slope (~ 1 ft drop in elevation every 3.4 ft)
• Heavily wooded with evergreen trees
• Panoramic Southwest views (Pikes Peak to Mt Evans), should be featured as indicated in primary rooms
• Primary view focal point: Lion’s Head
• Large rock outcroppings (~58 ft back from the front lot line, ~95 ft from the Southeast lot line, ~45 ft wide parallel with the front lot line), should be preserved and considered as part of the overall home design/layout
• Closest neighbor is ~50 ft from the Southeast property line, privacy should be maintained using existing trees, house angle, and room/window layout

Exterior

• Gable roof style
• Prefer metal roofing material, concrete tile would be considered as an alternative
• Incorporate low maintenance exterior finishing materials
• Prefer natural aged or stained wood or stacked stone appearance with square timber accents
• Natural landscaping – no lawn
• Minimize driveway slope, incorporate driveway materials that promote traction and can be easily plowed

Mechanical

• Prefer radiant heat on both main and lower level
• No air conditioning required
• Adequate sized hot water heater
• On-site water storage to be determined based on well production
• Propane tank

Main Level

• Target ~1,500 finished sq ft + 3-car garage, front porch, rear deck(s)
• 10’ ceilings in most areas, higher in the great room

Garage

• Purpose: vehicle storage (1 large pick-up truck, 1 medium SUV or Sedan, motorcycle, ATV), woodworking (saw tables, benches, tools, wood storage), trash storage, additional refrigerator/freezer (if not accommodated in kitchen design)
• Size: large 3-car garage with some additional space for woodworking, ~900 sq ft
• Materials: stained wood grade garage doors
• Mechanical: overhead garage door openers, adequate power outlets
• Furniture: built in cabinets and benches to be added after project completion

Front Porch

• Purpose: transition guest from the outdoor space to the indoor space, protect guests from weather
• Size: small to average, 1-4 person capacity, ~40 sq ft
• Materials: covered porch with exposed square timber truss
• Mechanical: outdoor power outlet, outdoor hose bib nearby
• Furniture: possible outdoor bench

Main Entry

• Purpose: greet guest, store guest coats, shoes, and bags, transition to main living areas
• Size: small to average, 1-4 person capacity, ~50 sq ft
• Materials: stain grade rustic alder wood entry door, wood flooring, at least one window (could be a sidelight for the front door)
• Storage: built-in bench area made from a reclaimed wood beam and reclaimed wood surround, open space below the bench for guest shoes, hooks above the bench for guest coats and bags
• View: prefer a view through the main living area to the rear mountain view windows
• Proximity: connected to front porch and main living areas

Garage Entry

• Purpose: owner entry, store owner coats, shoes, and bags, transition to main living areas, transport groceries to kitchen
• Size: small, 1-4 person capacity, ~50 sq ft including large coat closet
• Materials: stain grade wood doors and trim, wood flooring
• Storage: large coat closet to store owner coats, shoes, and bags
• Proximity: connected to garage and main living areas, prefer connection to main entry

Stairway

• Purpose: transition from main level to lower level
• Size: minimum width 42 in, ~80 sq ft floor space
• Design: prefer landing area between floors
• Materials: prefer open wood treads, metal or wood railing

Great Room

• Purpose: watch tv, converse, relax, laptop use
• Size: average,1-6 person capacity, ~400 sq ft
• Design: features panoramic view with floor to ceiling windows, vaulted ceilings, fireplace focal area, tv should be viewable from primary seating locations, open to kitchen and dining
• Materials: wood flooring, large wood windows (some operable – awning), exposed square wood trusses, stain grade wood ceiling, stain grade wood trim, stacked stone fireplace (to ceiling), reclaimed wood mantle, stone hearth
• Mechanical: in-floor electrical outlets for lighting, ceiling electrical for fan, gas fireplace, tv connectivity, internet (CAT-5) connectivity
• Furniture: 1 sofa, 2 loveseats OR 1 loveseat and 1-2 chairs, 2 end tables, coffee table, sofa table, possible ottoman
• View: panoramic view, primary focal point should be Lion’s Head, do not obstruct mountain tops with horizontal divisions (including deck railings) that are apparent when seated or standing
• Proximity: connected to kitchen and dining areas

Kitchen

• Purpose: preparing meals (daily), cleaning dishes. storing kitchen supplies and food, casual dining, conversation, laptop use
• Size: average to large, 1-6 person capacity, ~250 sq ft + pantry
• Design: large center island (preferred sink location) with counter seating for 3-4, over island lighting, under cabinet lighting, stacked stone hearth around cooktop, open to both dining and great room, only 1 sink required (needs at least 2 basins, possibly 3 if the sink is easily visible to hide dishrack)
• Materials: wood flooring, frosted glass pantry door, stain grade wood trim, rustic alder cabinets, solid surface countertops, cabinet/drawer pulls, stainless steel appliances, stacked stone cooking area hearth, stain grade wood ceilings, exposed wood beams
• Storage: large pantry (walk-in preferred), minimum 4ft upper cabinets, drawer storage for pots, pans, linens, pull-out trash and recycling storage under island
• Mechanical: electric connections for appliances, gas stub near cooktop (for alternate gas connection option), cold water connection for refrigerator, hot/cold water for primary sink and dishwasher
• Furniture: 3-4 stools for island seating
• Appliances: electric smooth-top cooktop, vent hood (stainless or wood), wall oven, wall microwave, dishwasher, in-sink disposal, refrigerator/freezer with integrated ice and water (would prefer space for 1 full size refrigerator and 1 full size freezer – alternative would be to have one side-by-side refrigerator/freezer in the kitchen with an additional unit in the pantry or garage)
• View: through main living area to rear mountain view windows
• Proximity: connected to great room and dining room, prefer proximity to garage entry for grocery transport

Dining Room

• Purpose: casual dining, formal dining, view will be enjoyed most readily from this room
• Size: average, 1-8 person capacity, ~140 sq ft
• Design: features panoramic view from most of the seating locations, incorporates a chandelier above the table, possible window wall that opens to simulate outdoor dining
• Materials: wood flooring, wood windows, stain grade wood trim, stain grade wood ceiling, exposed wood beams
• Mechanical: ceiling electrical for chandelier
• Furniture: rectangular or round table large enough to seat 6 to 8 people
• View: panoramic view, primary focal point should be Lion’s Head, do not obstruct mountain tops with horizontal divisions (including deck railings) that are apparent when seated or standing
• Proximity: connected to kitchen and great room, access to rear deck

Powder

• Purpose: guest and owner bathroom use on main level
• Size: small, 1 person capacity, ~30 sq ft
• Design: outhouse style
• Materials: reclaimed wood walls and ceiling, wood flooring, stain grade wood door and trim, electrical lantern lighting
• Storage: small storage space for minimal bathroom supplies
• Mechanical: toilet plumbing, sink plumbing, wall electrical for lighting fixtures and outlet
• Furniture: wine or whiskey barrel sink, toilet
• Proximity: easy access from main living areas with enough privacy to ensure discretion

Master Bedroom

• Purpose: sleeping, reading, relaxing, watching tv, laptop use
• Size: small to average, 1-2 person capacity, ~200 sq ft
• Design: mountain or wooded view from bed, built-in mountain view window seat, sliding barn doors for access to remaining master suite
• Materials: wood flooring, stain grade wood door, wood windows, stain grade wood trim, stain grade wood ceiling, exposed wood beams
• Mechanical: ceiling electrical for fan, electrical outlets near night stands, possible in-wall electrical for wall lights near bed, tv connectivity, internet (CAT-5) connectivity
• Furniture: king size bed, 2 night stands, tv (wall mounted)
• View: mountain view, do not obstruct mountain tops with horizontal divisions (including deck railings) that are apparent when seated, lying down, or standing
• Proximity: connected to master closet and master bathroom, possible access to private deck

Master Bathroom

• Purpose: owner bathing/showering, hair/make-up application, bathroom use, hygiene care, relaxation
• Size: average to large, 1-2 person capacity, ~180 sq ft
• Design: spa like feeling; large walk-in shower (1-2 person capacity) – multiple shower heads and built-in bench, window, limited use of glass (door only if required, not in direct contact with shower spray), consideration for retaining heat, and logical towel access; dedicated make-up vanity with good lighting and seating; bathtub is not essential but goes a long way to provide a spa feel if space allows – stacked stone surround with candle niches, at least one picture window over tub, could be claw foot tub – large walk-in shower should be prioritized over sacrificing shower room for a tub; toilet should be semi-private – doesn’t need to be in a its own room with a door, but shouldn’t be out in the open either
• Materials: reclaimed wood for accent wall, rustic alder cabinets, wood or tile flooring, solid surface countertops, tile shower walls, smooth rock shower flooring, stacked stone tub surround (if applicable)
• Storage: drawer storage for bathroom supplies, prefer small linen closet, but not essential if adequate storage can be accommodated in cabinets, shelving, or master closet
• Mechanical: plumbing for sinks, toilets, shower (with multiple heads), outside vent, electrical for wall mounted lighting at vanities, electrical in drawer storage for charging toothbrushes, electrical for make-up mirrors, hair dryer, and curling irons
• Furniture: bench for make-up vanity, 2 sinks, toilet
• View: mountain view preferred from shower and/or tub areas
• Proximity: connected to master bedroom and master closet

Master Closet

• Purpose: owner clothing storage, dressing area, clothes folding, ironing
• Size: average, 1-2 person capacity, ~ 80 sq ft
• Design: walk-in closet – could be his/hers split, should incorporate dressing area and facilitate laundry functions that can’t be accommodated in the laundry area
• Materials: wood flooring, stain grade wood trim, stain grade wood door, wood windows (if applicable), wood shelving or closet storage system
• Storage: built-in storage for folded clothing and shoes
• Mechanical: built-in overhead lighting
• Furniture: full length mirror, possible upholstered bench
• Proximity: connected to master bedroom and master bathroom, prefer connection or close proximity to laundry

Laundry

• Purpose: wash and dry all household laundry
• Size: small, 1-2 person capacity, ~60 sq ft
• Design: can be part of the master closet to save space or be its own room, needs to support a full size washer and dryer and a laundry sink, need area to hang wet clothing to dry and to sort dirty clothing
• Materials: solid surface counters, wood or tile flooring, single basin farmhouse or undermount sink, stain grade wood trim, stain grade wood door, wood window
• Storage: area to store cleaning supplies and equipment (vacuum, broom, mop, etc)
• Mechanical: electric dryer connection, plumbing for washing machine, plumbing for laundry sink, electrical to charge cleaning equipment
• Appliances: full-size washer, full-size dryer (could be stacked to save space)
• View: window over laundry sink (wooded or mountain view)
• Proximity: connected or very close to the master closet

Rear Deck(s)

• Purpose: outdoor access, relaxation, conversation, outdoor cooking, outdoor dining, possible tv watching, hot tub (future)
• Size: large, 1-8 person capacity, ~600 sq ft
• Design: outdoor stacked stone wood fireplace (could share same fireplace chimney with indoor fireplace), covered outdoor living area, area for future built-in outdoor kitchen, possible private deck for master suite with hot tub area
• Materials: low maintenance decking and railing, possible tile flooring dependent on cost, exposed square timbers, stain grade wood ceiling in covered area
• Mechanical: ceiling electrical for fan, outdoor electrical outlets, in-wall electrical for wall lights, low voltage lighting for covered area?, possible tv connectivity, internet (CAT-5) connectivity, electrical and plumbing for future outdoor kitchen, hose bib, electrical for future hot tub at private master deck
• Furniture: outdoor sofa, loveseat, 2 chairs, 2 ottomans, dining table and chairs for 6-8 people (if indoor dining does not open up to outdoors), grill, smoker, small built in outdoor kitchen (future), hot tub (future at private master deck)
• View: panoramic view, primary focal point should be Lion’s Head, do not obstruct mountain tops with horizontal divisions (including deck railings) that are apparent when seated or standing, maintain privacy from neighbors
• Proximity: main deck easy access from main living areas, possible private deck access from master suite area

Lower Level

• Target ~1,100 finished sq ft + patio/deck, unfinished utility and storage
• 10’ ceilings preferred, 9’ acceptable

Rec Room

• Purpose: watching tv, playing games (ping pong OR pool), conversation, relaxing, laptop use, bar area with light food prep (future) and casual dining
• Size: large, 1-8 person capacity, ~600 sq ft
• Design: large open area with dedicated tv viewing area and gaming area, rustic bar area to be added after project completion
• Materials: less expensive wood flooring, stain grade wood door, stain grade wood trim, stain grade wood ceiling, exposed wood beams, wood windows
• Mechanical: built-in overhead can lighting, ceiling electrical for fan, tv connectivity, internet (CAT-5) connectivity, possible electrical for wall lighting, electrical and plumbing for future bar area
• Furniture: wall mounted tv, sofa or sectional, chairs, ping pong table OR pool table, bar stools (future), built-in bar (future), small desk?
• Appliances (future): mini refrigerator, microwave, single basin sink, small dishwasher?
• View: mountain or wooded

Guest Room

• Purpose: primary sleeping area for guest adults
• Size: average, 1-2 person capacity, ~140 sq ft
• Design: possible built-in window seat
• Materials: less expensive wood flooring, stain grade wood door, stain grade wood trim, stain grade wood ceiling, wood windows
• Storage: average size storage closet for guest clothing, built in closet storage
• Mechanical: ceiling electrical for fan, lighting
• Furniture: queen bed, 2 night stands
• View: mountain or wooded
• Proximity: close to guest bathroom

Bunk Room

• Purpose: primary sleeping area for guest children
• Size: average, 1-4 person capacity, ~140 sq ft
• Design: built-in bunk beds, sliding barn doors for closet access
• Materials: less expensive wood flooring, stain grade wood door, stain grade wood trim, stain grade wood ceiling, wood windows
• Storage: average size storage closet for guest clothing, built in closet storage
• Mechanical: ceiling electrical for fan, lighting
• Furniture: built-in bunk beds (added after project completion)
• View: wooded or mountain
• Proximity: close to guest bathroom

Guest Bathroom

• Purpose: guest and owner bathroom use on lower level
• Size: average, 1-2 person capacity, ~80 sq ft
• Design: standard bathroom with sink, toilet, and bathtub w/shower curtain
• Materials: solid surface countertops, tile or wood flooring, stain grade door, stain grade trim, vanity lighting
• Storage: small linen closet
• Mechanical: toilet plumbing, sink plumbing, bathtub plumbing
• Furniture: single sink vanity with some additional counter space and drawer storage
• Proximity: easy access from bedrooms and rec room

Stairway

• Purpose: transition from lower level to main level
• Size: minimum width 42 in, ~80 sq ft floor space
• Design: prefer landing area between floors
• Materials: prefer open wood treads, metal or wood railing

Patio/Deck

• Purpose: outdoor access, relaxation, conversation
• Size: large, 1-6 person capacity, ~200 sq ft
• Materials: patio or deck dependent on land characteristics, materials tbd
• Mechanical: outdoor electrical, nearby outdoor hose bib
• Furniture: seating for 4 to 6 people
• View: mountain or wooded
• Proximity: connected to rec room

Unfinished Utility

• Purpose: access to utilities for maintenance and repair
• Size: average, 1-2 person capacity, ~120 sq ft
• Mechanical: gas hot water heater, radiant heating system, possible water storage (if needed), electrical panel

Unfinished Storage

• Purpose: open storage – could also serve as a woodworking area if garage is not large enough (would need outdoor access)
• Size: average, 1-2 person capacity, ~250 sq ft
• Mechanical: lighting, (adequate power and additional lighting if used as a woodworking area)