Great thread, I am building right now and have pretty much everything checked off except the granite countertops. I really liked quartz, but it was seriously expensive.
How does one fix the problem after the fact (please don't say re-nailing or re-screwing, taping, mudding, sanding, painting)?
I thought I had heard putting a piece of plywood over the area and hitting it with a hammer could fix it sometimes. It depends on how bad it is, but usually worst case is you have to touch up the paint after.
Having not read the thread, I would add two kitchen sinks. And by that, I don't mean a double sink - I mean, two separate sinks in two separate locations in the kitchen. We reno'd our kitchen (1960 vintage) and the second single extra-deep sink is fantastic. Dirty dishes can be stashed there staged for the dishwasher without tying up the main double prep sink.
Bonus room window seat with storage. Great place to hide old video game systems, Rock Band gear, etc... plus all the added seating.
Vaulted ceilings. Bonus room and master bedroom.
In-celing speakers (at least on main floor, main bed, and ensuite). I wouldn't do the surround in-wall or in-celing again - you can get really good speakers for this, but it's tough to ever match the sound quality of floor-standing equipment.
Gas BBQ line.
Instant hot water tap in kitchen.
Paint... unless you enjoy re-painting walls instead of being able to wipe them down.
Upgraded hardwood - I went with an antiqued floor (the dents and scratches I've put in it over the past 4 years don't even matter - they're not as bad as the ones the floor originally came with!!!!)
Nails are still used for hanging the drywall, and then secured with screws usually.
Apologies for the bump but I left my daughter unattended for 2 minutes last week and she proceeded to peel the plaster bubble off the wall exposing the fastener beneath. Yes, indeed, these are screws that are popping out.
