Windows, Doors and Lighting- How many windows are in the home? How are they positioned toward the sun and the weather?
Kitchen Lighting Designed for Counters and the Island
If the home has large windows facing directly east or west the sunlight will heat up those rooms of the home more than the others.
Take a look at what type of window coverings are already installed or might be available to reduce the heat and glare. This is one of the easiest steps you can take to reduce your energy bill.
The photo to the left shows kitchen lighting designed not just for the counter tops, but also for the island bar and sink area.
Kitchen Door Opening to Patio
Where are the doors placed? Are their steps to the doors or does the house accommodate universal design features for older folks or those with disabilities?
Is there access to the yard from the garage, or how far is the front door from the parking area?
The lighting in or around a home can have a significant impact on your activities. For example, if there is a large backyard - how far will the outdoor lighting reach out at night? Or, inside the home you may want to look for where ceiling lights are installed in bedrooms or kitchens. Are there lights in the garage or parking area? It is always a great idea to visit the home you are considering after dark. Sometimes the neighborhood and home interior can seem quite different from during the daylight.
Noise - Indoor and Outdoor Sound Generators - Are you sensitive to noise or easily awakened by inconsistent noises from the street or appliances? Is a quiet environment around your house or just your bedroom a high priority for you to be comfortable? If you have small children this may be important or if you are moving to a completely different area you may want to notice the things which may generate noises you are not accustom to.
Ventilation Systems - what type of heating and cooling systems are installed? And where are the air ducts placed? Have you ever looked up or down to see what direction the air in a room might blow or where the thermostat is located?
If sunlight from a window heats the area near a thermostat your air conditioning may run more often and cause higher utility bills!
It always seems like the air ducts blow straight on your head or your feet when you are laying in bed. Do you like that? Or would you need to position your furniture differently?
Most people never think to look up or notice that in older homes there may be base board heating strips along the wall.
Some new ventilation designs are what contribute to an energy-efficient home.
Storage Space - You can never have too much storage space! And, think about all of the places where you need to store things in a cabinet or closet.
Pantries for food, linen closets near bathrooms for towels, cleaning supplies, and more. Don't make the mistake of only looking at the closet space for your clothing! What about tools, electronics and games? Gardening tools and sports equipment --- this list can get very long.
These are just a few of the comfort features and systems in a house we will be exploring to help you make the best home choice!
What comfort features are you looking for in your next home?