I really enjoy being able to dim my lighting.

Just right off the top of my head...lots and lots of extra built in storage, and a large laundry room with plenty of hanging and folding space. I could think of many more, but that's my top two for tonight!

our build hasn't started yet, but i already know i couldn't live without the large mudroom. it will have an 8' bank of four cubbies, hooks, drawers and shelves plus on the opposite wall: a six foot run of floor to ceiling closed cabinetry for extra pantry space and misc storage. there's also a secondary stackable washer/dryer in there.

We really enjoy our large covered deck. It was a must have when we built and it is our favorite part of the house.

Below is a link to a thread in here that has been posted to for months and months. It has a lot of great ideas and a few not so great ideas that people say they regret.

Here is a link that might be useful: large thread about must haves.

Truly, the one thing in my home I can't live without...the people who live in it with me!!;-) I know that was sappy, but I couldn't resist.

Now honestly, I LOVE my laundry room. Two big windows looking out to the woods, my sound system, cable hookup, integrated ironing board, tons of folding space....can you tell where I spend a great deal of my time? Oh, the other place I spend my time is the kitchen, but right now the laundry room is my favorite. Hopefully as the children grow up that will no longer be my favorite.

Amy

One thing really important to me is recirculating hot water. This is done during the plumbing stages, but how nice is it to go wash your face in the morning/evening and have hot water right there!? I hate waiting for water to warm up, and this gives us instant hot in all sinks, tubs and showers!

Oxygen?

Master bedroom on the main floor. I have a balance disorder that has really gotten out of whack this past year. Stairs=VERY BAD during the most dizzy times!

Can I add one more???

-A 5'x17' pantry. We both love to cook. A lot.

The cubby's as I walk in from the garage.

no wait, the pull out garbage can in the kitchen.

no wait, the reading lights over my pillow/bed so I can read at night

no wait, the laundry chutes!

Without a doubt, the central vacuum with Hide A Hose!

The kitchen counters on my side of the kitchen, plus the center island, are all 3" lower than standard. I'm 5'2'' tall (on a very good hair day) and this makes a big difference. My 6' tall hubby has his own standard height counter for doing the dishes at.