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Part 2: Plan ahead

Furniture arrangements are often left until moving day. However, arranging the furniture before building can result in a more successful project.

This pre-planning should result in spaces that are neither too big nor too small, and may save you money as well, since you'll better fit the size of the home to your exact floorplan needs.

Here are more items to consider before building or remodeling...

Built-ins
These add both architectural interest to a home and extra functionality. Where can you use a window seat, built in bookcase, desk area, banquette seating, corner china cabinets, or display shelves? Can you carve 15" from a wide hallway for a wall of storage cupboards? Is there room next to the fireplace for a wood storage shelf? Do you want a TV niche in a kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom? Plan ahead for built-ins and incorporate them into the drawings.

Electrical outlets -- Planning ahead for sufficient electrical outlets can save major frustration. If your furniture arrangements will be in the center of the room, floor outlets are a necessity. Would it be a safety consideration as well as a convenience to have an outlet under the bathroom sink for a hair dryer, on the kitchen island for appliances, or near the front door for holiday lighting? Think about where you'll plug in a vacuum, an iron, a fan -- then add outlets where they'll be handy.

Closets Galore -- Do you prefer walk-in closets or a straight wall style? Do you need space for winter coats near each exterior door? Do you want a cedar closet? Do you have a lot of holiday decorations, serving pieces, sewing supplies, or craft projects to store? Do you want a linen closet in the hall or in the bathroom? Do you want a separate pantry closet or more kitchen cabinets? Make lists of your storage needs and wants. For more on creating storage areas in new homes, see "7 Secrets for More Storage" from About's Architecture site.

Window height
Window sizes and placement may need to be adjusted if built-ins, beds, furniture, or countertops will be directly underneath them. Windows might be larger and set lower to the floor to take full advantage of a view. Planning possible furniture arrangements may give you insights into proper window positioning.

The Wired Home -- Now's the time to figure out where you want a TV, intercom, home theatre, or sound system. Wiring during construction can be relatively simple, while adding it later can sometimes be difficult.

Special Functions -- Do you have any hobbies, projects, or special interests? Will you require a darkroom, gift closet, potting bench, sewing room, library, home office, workbench, craft area, studio, artists loft, or playroom? Consider space and storage needs and whether these functions can be incorporated into other spaces -- such as a sewing area in the laundry room, a library in the dining room, etc.