Berd House

CONTRACTOR to do list...

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FOUNDATION // BASEMENT BONES

WATERPROOFING The Inner and Outer Perimeter of the Concrete Foundation and Underneath the Foundation

Option for the basement door to be above ground level in case of heavy rain flooding. When digging, allow for the basement backdoor to be 1' 6" above the perimeter patio walkway, a walkway that will be flush against the basement walls at ground level. Having a patio walkway around the entire house will further protect the basement from erosion. This basement door will have a small landing with a few steps.

Basements are tricky and should be done well. Even if it's done generically, a basement can be built to endure a long, long time without external water damage with a few tricks. You don't want hell to pay.

This video shows one of the components to my waterproofing technique; although they use Rub R Wall, whereas waterproof paint plus poly sheeting should do the job even better. Rubber can break down from water unlike poly sheeting.

Outer perimeter bones that cover the above ground basement walls, which are explained later, will help hold the weight of the upper levels, giving the foundation less weight to hold. The outer perimeter bones and siding will cover and protect the above ground cement walls.You don't want your above ground cement walls to be exposed, especially if they are covered in poly sheeting, that's and eye sore.

What contractor will need to cheaply waterproof the basement...

You will need 2 rolls of 20' x 100' polyethylene sheeting for under and around the exterior perimeter foundation, heat sealing the pieces together.

PLASTIC ROLL SHEETING
https://www.lowes.com/pl/Plastic-sheeting-film-Insulation-accessories-Building-supplies/4294865824?refinement=4053879751

POOL PAINT or BOAT PAINT or RUB R WALL
http://www.insl-x.com/category-listing/poolpaints

Basement waterproof paint, which is similar to pool paint
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/products/exterior-paint-coatings/exterior-masonry-concrete-products/exterior-protective-concrete-coatings-waterproofers

DIRECTIONS for Contractor for waterproofing the basement

Step 1.)

Heat seal all the edges within your workshop, as shown in the picture below. If you can't heat seal these giant pieces at the workshop, then heat seal on site. Heat seal the edges together with a healthy overlap, then heat seal the top layer to the bottom layer as seen in the picture below.

At the 00:22:00 mark of this video they lay down plastic sheeting below the concrete mold; however they do not seal the edges, which must be done to ensure complete protection from water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgOEeSBiefU

The video links below show some ideas on how to heat seal plastic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Zrszp62fwM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwMoOO8NlKY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlr_dN6AxgU

Step 2.)

Lay the sheeting down onto the ground on site as shown in the diagram.

The excess sheeting will remain on the ground around the exterior perimeter of the mold to be used later with secure pulling and taping up and over the concrete walls.

Mock walkways on top of the excess sheeting may help to ensure that the poly sheeting stays in tact to not rip, tear, or be tripped on by human feet while working the area. Keep these walkways stable until the entire basement cement walls and cement floor are complete. (((( The wood sheets, if in good shape after walking upon them, can be used to help build the house. Re-Use ♥ ))))

Step 3.)

Build a mold for foundation on top of the poly sheeting. Inside of the mold... spray with waterproof paint onto the poly sheeting within the mold.

Step 4.)

Pour cement and cure. After removing the mold, paint the cement floor and sides of the floor with waterproof paint.

Step 5.)

Unless the cement walls are poured into molds on site, the foundation walls need to be painted on all sides and edges with waterproof paint. If cement walls are molded on site, then paint the cement walls inside and out including all edges on site, including the cut out area edges for windows, basement door, spigots, (optional) geothermal tubing, and plumbing, with waterproof paint. ******** The basement door should be at least 1' 6" above the perimeter side walk path with a back landing and 3 steps at a 6" rise with the third step being the landing. This will ensure more protection for the basement should there be any major rain flooding that could run into a ground level basement door.

Step 6.)

If using mock pathways, remove mock 4' x 8' pathways.

If any tears are found in the remaining plastic sheeting, then patch all or any areas with an acetylene torch by using patches from extra poly sheeting.

Step 7.)

Pull excess poly sheeting firmly, yet gently up along the cement walls and over the tops of those walls and onto the other side of the cement walls, the inner walls. Secure with duct tape.

Step 8.)

On SITE... An acetylene torch or heat gun will be used to seal the polyethylene sheeting at the corners of the cement walls by firmly, yet gently folding the excess around the corners. Use duct tape to hold the sheeting on the walls in place while heat sealing those corners. Make sure that the very bottom of the corners are securely sealed with heat without any penetrations. Kind of like wrapping a present with snug creases.

Step 9.)

The sheeting that will cover the window areas and back door entry way can be cut in the shape of an X from corner to corner, then those flaps will be pulled firmly inward and duct taped and or glued on the inside of the cement wall.

Step 10.)

Any round holes for plumbing or spigots in the cement wall where the plastic sheeting covers those holes, that plastic sheeting will be cut with a box knife with two sets of the X shape, then fold those plastic nubs inward with tape and glue inside the cement wall and then secure with some type of waterproof poly foam spray in a can after the plumbing pipes and geothermal tubing are set in these holes.

Step 11.)

After the poly sheeting is securely in place, use 3 coats of pool paint on the poly sheeting to ensure that the sheeting does not get scuffed with small tears when pouring gravel into the gravel mold.

Step 12.) GRAVEL MOLD, Gravel Fill Around & Underground Cement walls

You will need

use any extra sheeting left over and or buy 6' x 100' Poly sheeting, enough for 120'

1" x 2" x 8' strip boards double coated with pool paint on all sides and cured before assembly.

plenty of cheap gray gravel.

1' WIDTH OF GRAVEL FILL TO BE PLACED AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE FOUNDATION CEMENT WALLS TO ENSURE THE MOST STABLE GROUND FOR THE OUTER PERIMETER BONES TO REST UPON. The PERIMETER PATIO WALKWAY will be flush against the basement cement walls and on top of the gravel fill.

1" x 2" x 8' strip boards with poly sheeting stapled to each ground-driven-strip-board to create a mold to hold the gravel in place. Allow the basement plumbing to go through the plastic sheeting before filling with gravel.

Cut out X shapes within a circle on the plastic sheeting that is the size of the plumbing.

Pull the plastic flaps forward. Crease the flaps to fit snuggly around the plumbing.

Tape and or Glue the flaps down.

Fill with gravel

The mold will remain underground forever until the wooden strips naturally break down over time from rainwater's. This gravel fill will ensure the stability of outer wall bones and add protection to the underground basement walls from rain waters and otherwise the pressure of expanded wet dirt.

Step 14.) OPTION   BERT WILL HAVE TO STUDY THIS OPTION
                                         TO DECIDE IF HE WANTS IT INSTALLED OR NOT.
     This green energy will cost $8 a month for heating and cooling

GEOTHERMAL Energy tubes to be placed on the ground around the foundation/gravel fill. The energy tubing that will go into the house, will come up on the inside of the gravel fill mold before the gravel is filled in and then go up the side of the house penetrating the upper outer wall of the basement, into the mechanical room. These tubes will be covered by outer perimeter bones and siding.

Bert you need to decide if you want geothermal heating and cooling:

Possibility of Geo Thermal Heating And Cooling… How It Works.

I know you have natural gas, but if you choose to go for cheaper heating and cooling then at least research this as a possible option.

This type of heating and cooling is the most efficient and most cost effective green source of energy that you can find. It may cost a lot to install, which you might NOT want to do, but it will pay off in the long run.

This type of ground energy would be a flat system placed around the perimeter of the finished foundation at foundation level underneath the fill dirt.

It's worth looking into.

Total Energy Concepts

6000 NE 88th St D-101 Vancouver, WA 98665

888-571-7002

https://www.tecgeothermal.com/

The SAVINGS
https://www.tecgeothermal.com/why-geothermal/save-money-with-geothermal

How It Works Video

Geothermal For NEW CONSTRUCTION
https://www.tecgeothermal.com/why-geothermal/geothermal-for-new-construction

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The fill dirt will be compacted in place with tapping tools and or a drivable machine as shown below.

COMPACTING THE FILL DIRT

Not having compacted dirt can eventually cause the perimeter patio to crack and buckle and the front and back steps to sink in the future. Fill dirt for the re-fill should be filled up 1' at a time and compacted each time with compacting tools or a small pressure roller.

PERIMETER PATIO

Lay a perimeter patio that is 3' 6" wide flush against the foundation cement walls. Seven to eight inches of the patio will be underneath the outer perimeter bones and siding. The patio will surround the perimeter of the house to reduce water drainage against the underground basement walls. This patio will also serve as a safe pathway for walking around the entire house.

Gray colored pool paint can be painted on the patio walkways to keep it from eroding and cracking. The patio can be repainted every so often when the owner sees fit to do so.

OUTER PERIMETER BONES & SIDING

Outer perimeter wall bones that cover the cement walls that start at the patio and go all the way up to the roof, will protect the outer cement walls from the elements and will add extra strength to help hold the weight of the upper levels.

All of the outer perimeter bone wall lumber should have waterproof paint applied to all edges prior to assembly. Spray foam should be used in between the outer perimeter bones, the cement foundation walls, and the siding. Spray foam should be used for all insulation of the house including the inner perimeter bones, especially the basement floor bones and wall bones. We don't want cold dampness getting into the basement walls and floor causing mildew. You want a DRY basement.

Stainless Steel Screws For Outer Permimeter Bones and Siding
https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=stainless+steel+screws

Spray Foam Insulation GRESHAM
http://westernsprayfoam.com/

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Generac Natural Gas Powered Automatic Home Generator

http://www.generac.com/all-products/generators/home-backup-generators#?cat=6&cat=214&cat=217&cat=249

OUTDOOR STEPS

OPTION PLASTIC LUMBER FOR THE FRONT AND BACK DOOR STEPS

Decks are often made of plastic lumber these days to avoid weather damage and easy upkeep.
The steps will rest partially on perimeter patio and also on the ground. I assume cement blocks will hold the legs of the front and back steps upon the bare ground.

https://www.trex.com/ <-- Plastic Decking
TREX at LOWES
13631 SE Johnson Road
Milwaukie, OR 97222

The back yard steps should be constructed with plastic lumber at 4' wide; and 1' 6" high with 3 steps at a 6" rise each with the 3rd step as the landing, leading up and into the basement entrance with steps on both sides of the landing, with hand rails on the left and right of each stair. These steps will rest partially on the perimeter patio and on the bare ground. A comfortable sized landing of 4' by 4' wide or these steps can feature a lager backyard deck area depending on how much room there is in the back yard.

Bert, I know you like wooden shingles for siding, the kind they use at the coast on houses, but if not that type of "wooden" siding, then perhaps vinyl-shingle-siding. I wonder if vinyl-shingle-siding is available?

Vinyl siding is very low maintenance. No painting required.

Option: Champion Vinyl Siding

Portland, OR13009 NE. David Cir. Portland, OR 97230 503-213-3820

http://www.championwindow.com/Siding/Vinyl/

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BERT YOU NEED TO DECIDE EVERYTHING BELOW and More still needs to be added by you. You can't expect the contractor to decide all of this for you, these are to your specifications.

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NO Built in microwave niches in the kitchens, especially above the stove that is hard to reach for short people who don’t want to spill their food on their head. Bert will place possible microwaves on counters, if he chooses to have microwaves.

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Expensive yet GREEN OPTION: TESLA SOLAR ROOFING
MADE OF TILES THAT LOOK LIKE NORMAL ROOFING TILES
With LIFETIME Warranty
https://www.tesla.com/solarroof

OPTION: SLATE LOOK ALIKE RECYCLED ROOFING

Western Pacific Roofing · Portland: (503) 659-7663

There are slate look-alike roofing materials fabricated from recycled rubber and plastic. At only about one-third the weight and cost of slate, these shingles can be installed using standard tools and techniques. From the street, the discerning eye might be able to tell the difference between engineered and the real McCoy, but most of us would be very house-proud with one of these roofs on our homes. Plus, these roofing shingles are guaranteed to last for as long as 50 years.

OPTION: ROOFING

http://www.westpacroofing.com/slate-roofing/

No Option Must Have GUTTER HELMET
The best gutter is the helmet gutter. There's a gutter guard shop in Tigard.
https://www.gutterhelmet.com/

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LAZY SUSAN CORNER CABINETS FOR 1st LEVEL KITCHEN

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FLOOR PLAN OPTIONS: Basement, Fisrt level, Second Level

The floor plans do not show the interior perimeter wall depth, or the foundational-cement-perimeter wall depth, or the exterior perimeter wall depth. I'm guessing all 3 walls will be at least 6" each or a little more resulting in 1.5' up to 2' for all of the perimeter walling depths added together.

Exterior perimeter walling is needed to cover the exterior cement basement wall, going all the way from the perimeter patio up to the roof of the house for a clean, protected finish.

Painting all wooden bones of the house with pool paint will help secure wood from termites and moisture. Painting all inner walls of the house with pool paint will make for easy cleaning of walls and protection from moisture.

Basement OPTION

All inner wooden bones of the basement should be painted and cured with 3 coats of pool paint before assembly.

Basment floorboards will not have plumbing going under the floor boards, (I explain how to do basement plumbing that goes through walls and through bottom cabinets in the picture, the basement has a wall mounted toilet with all plumbing leading directly to the mechanical room through the bathroom and or out the side of the house for refuse plumbing).

Insulation spray will be sprayed on the cement floor in between the 2" by 4" 's and underneath the 8' by 4' 's.

Insulation spray will be used in between the cement walls and the inner bones of the basement.

DO NOT BUILD A MICROWAVE NICHE IN ANY OF THE KITCHENS.
Home owner will buy and place microwaves on counter tops.

STAIRS and Railings

Basement Water Heater & Basement Bath Plumbing Access

Water heater for basement should be under the stairs in the mechanical room. There won't be any wall on the lower half of the steps inside the mechanical room for easy open access under the highest part of the stairs and the landing. Basement shower/bath plumbing access will be accessible next to the water heater with an 'open' wall beneath the stairs. This wall will be composed only of bones and the basement bathtub plumbing.

Kitchen Plumbing & Kitchen
Kitchen sink plumbing needs to go through the wall into the bathroom under the bathroom sink counter and then into the mechanical room. All basement plumbing will be above the floor boards.

ELECTRICAL PANEL

The basement will have it's own electrical panel for the basement's electricity, with in the mechanical room. (having a huge electrical panel can be confusing, another panel will be in the first level laundry room for the first and second levels.)

25" HIGH WALL MOUNTED TOILET IN BASEMENT

25" high wall mounted toilet in the basement bathroom to keep all the basement plumbing from penetrating the basement floor boards for easier access to plumbing from within the lower kitchen cupboards and the lower bathroom cupboards that lead into the mechanical room.

WALL VENTS & HEATING VENTS

Make enough room for a wall mounted fan vent in the basement bathroom, plus a heating duct on the bathroom wall. Wall mounted fan vents are a must for all bathrooms and kitchens. Wall mounted fan vents should be above the stoves and on the wall, not the ceiling.

BACK DOOR BASEMENT ENTRANCE STEPS WITH A DECK to further protect the basement from possible ground level flooding, which means the BACK DOOR will have to be 1' 6" above the perimeter patio, which means adjusting how deep to dig and how high up the basement ceiling comes from the ground, and how high the perimeter patio will be likely 2".

The back yard steps should be constructed with plastic lumber at 4' wide; and 1' 6" high with 3 steps each at a 6" rise with the 3rd step as the landing, leading up and into the basement entrance with steps on both sides of the landing, with hand rails on the left and right of each stair. These steps will rest partially on the perimeter patio and on the bare ground. A comfortable sized landing of 4' by 4' wide or these steps can feature a lager backyard deck area depending on how much room there is in the back yard.

FRONT and BACK STEP Decking
Composite decking is the best for low maintenance and long life.
http://decksby3rivers.com/projects/composite/

3 Rivers Custom Composite Decking
(503) 632-8777
4321 SW Stephenson Street
Portland OR 97219

First Level OPTION

DO NOT BUILD A MICROWAVE NICHE IN ANY OF THE KITCHENS.

Home owner will buy and place microwaves on counter tops.

Kitchen Island Needs a 6" Lip / Dinning Room Needs Cat Door at Porch Railing Level Within the Wall

The kitchen island should be 2' 6" wide with a 6" lip nearer to the fridges. There should be a cat door built into the wall at the front porch railing level leading from the dinning room onto the porch railing. This cat door should also have a built in tiny wooden door on the inside that is lockable for when the cat door is not in use. Having a cat door up high will keep out rats, raccoons, and opossums. Squirrels can be ran off by the cats if squirrels get in the cat door.

STAIRS and Railings

FIRST & SECOND LEVEL WATER HEATER
The 2nd water heater will be in the laundry room. If you have 3 1/2 baths and 2 kitchens then 2 water heaters would be beneficial.

OUTDOOR SPIGOTS
The front yard spigot should come out and underneath the front stoop via the basement kitchen wall, then along the underside of the front door landing, then come down on the other side of the landing nearer the yard to keep the spigot from releasing right next to the house. The spigot pipe can be bracketed to the underside of the landing. The back of the landing opposite the steps will be open for storage.

WALL FAN VENTS & HEATING VENTS

Make enough room for a wall fan mounted vent in the laundry/bathroom, plus a heating duct somewhere on the laundry/bathroom wall. Wall mounted fan vents are a must for all bathrooms and kitchens. Wall mounted fan vents should be above the stoves and on the wall, not the ceiling.

FRONT and BACK STEP Decking
Composite decking is the best for low maintenance and long life.
http://decksby3rivers.com/projects/composite/

3 Rivers Custom Composite Decking
(503) 632-8777
4321 SW Stephenson Street
Portland OR 97219

Second Level OPTION

STAIRS and Railings

Six inch rise on all stair steps within and without the home. Stair rails should be on the outer walls of the stairs within the home, in other words stair rails should not be in the middle of the U stairs. Outdoor steps should have rails on both sides of steps. All rails should be cylindrical rails to accommodate the best grip for all types of people, whether they're old, young, disabled or intoxicated.

PLUMBING ACCESS
Plumbing access to bathtubs on outer walls of both bathrooms with small access doors. Master bath access would be on the wall of the stairs at the landing. A step ladder would be needed on the landing for access to master bath plumbing via the small wall door access.

WALL VENTS & WALL DUCT HEATING
Wall mounted fan vents in all bathrooms and kitchens. Heating and possible cooling ducts in all 2nd level bathrooms.

ATTIC PENDING

with a one sided pitch,

with the lowest pitch end at 5.5' furthest away from stairs

with the stairs nearest the highest side of the pitch

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Wall Mounted Fan Ventilation For Bathrooms & Kitchens

http://www.portlandgaspiping.com/services/ventilation-services/

Phone:
503.395.4997
Email: portlandgaspiping@gmail.com
Mailing Address:
3439 Northeast Sandy Boulevard #2610, Portland, OR 97232, USA

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FLOORING Vinyl OPTIONS

If you want generic flooring these are probably the best. If not then find some wood and tile.

Lumber Liquidators has vinyl wood lookalike waterproof flooring...

Lumber Liquidators

Milwaukie #1373

10872 SE Oak Street

Milwaukie, OR 97222

Phone: (503) 420-3097

Email: Store373@lumberliquidators.com

Distance from center of search: 2.71 miles

This is the cheapest waterproof wood lookalike vinyl plank flooring that can be used in every room, including bathroom, kitchen.

http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ll/c/Malted-Oak-LVP-Tranquility-3MLO/10040991

Here's a video of Tranquility Vinyl Wood Lookalike Flooring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=84&v=Jbpul02bcNM

Here's the home page

http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ll/home

This Linoleum Flooring store is 2 miles from your house.
http://linoleumcitypdx.com/contact/

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COUNTER TOPS>> 5 OPTIONS

I wonder if your contractor would consider making granite replica counter tops like the ones at the link below at your request. All of the items needed to make these counter tops are at the website below with project recipe instructions. Making granite replica counter tops could be very simple by using thick wood, like cherry, that’s stained and then epoxied. That would give your home a cabin feel with shiny wooden counter tops for bathroom and kitchen, cozy.

So you would get the simple look of wood, not granite, yet you’d get the shine of granite. Also, the best way to do this would be for the contractor to cut out the counter tops first to fit in the house, then stain and epoxy both sides and all edges inner and outer to ensure the counter tops are entirely coated so not to be exposed to any water on the raw wood. These are heat and stain resistant counter tops. This is an aesthetic option, for a cabin feel.

Here’s the gallery of wooden counter tops that look like granite made by customers and the guy who created the web site.

https://www.stonecoatcountertops.com/

https://www.stonecoatcountertops.com/stone-coat-gallery

What ever you do for bath and kitchen counter tops, never do tile and grout, unless it's completely smooth without grooves. Grooves are hard to clean. It’s a pain in the butt. My brother DJ had white tile counter tops that I cleaned when they moved out of their house. Having to wipe with my finger with a rag down every groove going side-to-side and front to back is not my idea of EASY cleaning, especially when cat hairs would not leave the grooves or get easily wiped from the tiles. It’s a major pain. Flat, smooth counter tops are easy to clean.

Laminate is good for bathroom counter tops.

Solid-surface counter tops are better for kitchens. Going generic is good, but laminate is not the best for kitchens, so solid-surface counter tops should be considered for kitchens. Laminate is okay as long as you don't put hot pans on them or they will melt. Buying second hand heat resistant protectors like a 1 inch thick wooden chopping block or crocheted doily’s with thick yarn can protect laminate counter tops from hot pans, which is something we use on our laminate counter tops after we had melted parts of it. Laminate will get melted and burnt from hot pans. Solid-surface counter tops won’t.

Specs of Generic Laminate Counter Tops BATHROOM & Possibly KITCHEN

These laminate counter tops look really nice actually

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=laminate+countertops

Laminate counter tops consist of sheeting glued to plywood or particleboard substrate. The result is a beautiful, affordable counter top that’s quite durable. Laminate counter tops resist water, are the easiest surface to clean and maintain and come in hundreds of color and style options.

Keep in mind that they sometimes have visible seams and edges and are susceptible to cuts and scratches. Laminate countertops are less heat-resistant than solid stone, so be sure to use a trivet

Specs of Generic Solid-Surface Counter Tops KITCHEN

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=solid-surface+countertops&sortMethod=sortBy_priceHighToLow

Solid-surface counter tops are made of nonporous acrylic material for a visually seamless appearance. They are available in a range of colors and patterns, including some Eco-friendly options, and offer the option of an integral sink and back splash. Solid-surface counter tops resist water, bacteria and stains, providing a low-maintenance option for your home.
Solid-surface counter tops are susceptible to scratching and less heat-resistant than quartz or granite.

Specs of Expensive Granite Counter Tops

Granite counter tops are crafted from beautiful, durable, natural stone. Visually rich and dynamic, they're highly heat-resistant and can stand up to stains and bacteria when properly sealed. And, thanks to their ultra smooth texture, granite is phenomenal for baking preparations, like rolling dough.
Granite counter tops do have visible seams.
To maintain your granite, seal it yearly.
Use caution around stress points as the stone can split.

Specs of Expensive Quartz Counter Tops

Quartz is another nonporous natural stone counter top option that is the most durable option available. Like granite, quartz resists heat, water, bacteria and stains, but is easier to maintain because you never have to seal it. Quartz counter tops have more consistent colors and patterns and are very easy to clean.
With quartz, there are fewer shades to choose from and you will have to contend with visible seams, but with so many other benefits, quartz is a wonderful choice for counter tops that last.

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Instant HOT Water Device
http://www.rewci.com/whhohotwaci.html

HOUSE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
https://www.homedepot.com/c/how_to_install_a_whole_house_water_filter_HT_PG_BM

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CHEAP Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink, Basic Double Sink
(home depot had expensive and weird shaped kitchen sinks, but Lowes has the right price for the basic style)
https://www.lowes.com/pd/KOHLER-Toccata-22-in-x-33-in-Stainless-Steel-Single-Basin-Basin-Stainless-Steel-Drop-in-4-Hole-Commercial-Residential-Kitchen-Sink/3616122

DUAL KNOB KITCHEN FAUCET
Kitchen Faucets with dual knobs are easier to maneuver and are less likely to drip, whereas a singular knob that controls both hot and cold is a pain in the butt to turn off perfectly without dripping. It’s like maneuvering a crappy joystick for an Atari video game. We have that kind in our kitchen sink and I do not like it. Get a faucet that’s easy to maneuver and easier to clean.
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Kitchen-Kitchen-Faucets-Standard-Spout-Faucets/N-5yc1vZarg1/Ntk-Extended/Ntt-faucet?Ntx=mode+matchpartialmax&NCNI-5

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Bathtub Shower Combo's for all bathrooms containing a bath.
Vikrell, Acrylic, or Porcelain Tubs?
When tubs are shipped to stores they often crack during shipping,
either in the tub or on the wall paneling. Be wary of chain hardware stores.

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CHEAP Bathroom Faucet
Bathroom Faucet should also be a dual knob faucet. This was the cheapest.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-Teapot-4-in-Centerset-2-Handle-Low-Arc-Bathroom-Faucet-in-Chrome-67092W-6001/206428529

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CHEAP Under Mounted Drop In Bathroom Sinks
http://www.homedepot.com/p/KOHLER-Archer-Drop-In-Vitreous-China-Bathroom-Sink-in-White-with-Overflow-Drain-K-2356-8-0/100604965

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Dual Fuel Range
Gas stove top with electric oven. Gas ovens do not cook properly.
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Appliances-Ranges-Dual-Fuel-Ranges/N-5yc1vZc3q2?Ns=P_REP_PRC_MODE%7C0

Gas vs. Eelecrtic OVENS

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WALL ACCESS PET DOOR
This small pet door would be good next to the front door, yet high up the wall leading onto the railing of the front landing so other animals can’t get in. It would lead into the dinning room, where a small table could be placed for cats to jump up onto for access to this tiny door. It's manufactured to be in the wall, not the door.

https://m.lowes.com/pd/PetSafe-Wall-Entry-Small-Brown-White-Plastic-Wall-Pet-Door-Actual-7-5-in-x-5-25-in/1000095283

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Do It Yourself Multiple Roof Gutter Water Barrel System,

but this is just a project that could be done anytime if you're into DIY.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC7A3621_hg