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Rocksteadyeddie
Original Poster
6,659 posts
96 months
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I have a mate who is looking at building a large "executive" 5 bed house in the South East commuter belt. What would the fine building minds our there describe as the must-haves spec wise for a top-end build firmly with resale in mind?
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worsy
1,266 posts
44 months
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Top Quality Kitchen Quality doors and fittings Oak staircase or similar Quality Shower Cubicles or even better wetroom Top Quality Kitchen Top Quality Kitchen Top Quality Kitchen Top Quality Kitchen Top Quality Kitchen 
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blueg33
10,731 posts
93 months
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Go and look at an Octagon showhome as an example. The list is huge. These are some of the things that went into our top Charles Church units:
Kerb appeal - all important, good design, symetry, details like heads, cills, eaves, small plain clay tiles
Hall - high ceilings, vycaima doors, plenty of downlights, oak staircase as a feature preferably with a flared lower end, gallery landing, led background and detail lighting
Solid floors and walls up and down
Kitchen - granite, island units, top brand appliances, quality floor and wall tiles, plenty of space for a table to seat at least 6
Family room - you need one
Bathrooms - 1 per bedroom, large shower trays, drencher shower heads, body jets, shower head on a flexi, large baths, quality tiles and floor tiles (be careful to choose neutral colours for resale), led lighting, TV?, pressurised water system (no noisy pumps), quality heated towl rails, lots of space, lots of light, large (full wall) heated mirrors, his and hers basins, granite or marble countertops.
sound system installed, speakers etc, wet underfloor heating, double doors to sitting room and dining room.
triple garage typical garage space 30% greater than standard, electric doors
The list goes on and on and some of it depends on the price point for the unit and what the competition are doing
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Rocksteadyeddie
Original Poster
6,659 posts
96 months
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Thanks Blueg33. Poked around a few Octagon showhomes last weekend. There was some curious omissions on the spec front:
White plastic switch plates
Partially softwood staircase
Windows above garage but no access to space - not even a loft
Lack of tiling in some of the bathrooms
Kitchen didn't feel as hewn from granite as I felt it should have done
Water tanks in storage room which was carpeted but the tanks not boxed in.
Numerous other bits and bobs. I was of the view that these guys were the diamond standard, but the overall impression was that the accountants had been at the spec a bit.
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blueg33
10,731 posts
93 months
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Rocksteadyeddie said: Thanks Blueg33. Poked around a few Octagon showhomes last weekend. There was some curious omissions on the spec front:
White plastic switch plates
Partially softwood staircase
Windows above garage but no access to space - not even a loft
Lack of tiling in some of the bathrooms
Kitchen didn't feel as hewn from granite as I felt it should have done
Water tanks in storage room which was carpeted but the tanks not boxed in.
Numerous other bits and bobs. I was of the view that these guys were the diamond standard, but the overall impression was that the accountants had been at the spec a bit. They may have left scope for extras with 100% plus margin. Attic trusses on the garage are worth doing, I am surprised they missed this, but they are pricey and maybe the market in that location didnt need them. Maybe they are cutting costs, we all spec for the site at the top end and if you can get away with less and still hit top price then thats what you do. 1980's Charles Church houses were masters at this, great kerb appeal, cheap bland rear elevation, high ceilings, cheap shallow skirting boards etc Housebuilders are all about profit, so that means best price for smallest house and smallest spec possible. its a fine balancing act which everyone even the top end builders get wrong 90% of the time. That's how hard it is to do. At Berkeley, we used to look at every plot for every site, redesigning layouts and specs. That was done by the directors, occasionally inviting the land buyer and sales manager for their input. TBh I love housebuilding, every aspect is a challenge to do well
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Rocksteadyeddie
Original Poster
6,659 posts
96 months
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I guess that's the nub of the issue Nick. It's about which bits make the difference, and get the punter's wallet out!
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JimmyJam
1,521 posts
88 months
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Look at some Royaltons for high spec.
Definitely need a super room....living/dining/kitchen. His and hers ensuites and 2 dressing rooms if poss. annex/studio over garage? Get those main things right and the supplementary gadgets become less important in the selling process.
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anyideas
155 posts
62 months
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I work with a few other builders currently developing in the same areas as octagon with a better level of specification,it is well worth having a look round a few.
I can only speak from experience of the bathrooms and kitchens in the development but the perceived value of certain brands does differ a little depending on where about's the development will be.
If I can be of any more help let me know.
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stanwan
876 posts
95 months
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blueg33 said: Go and look at an Octagon showhome as an example. The list is huge. These are some of the things that went into our top Charles Church units:
Kerb appeal - all important, good design, symetry, details like heads, cills, eaves, small plain clay tiles
Hall - high ceilings, vycaima doors, plenty of downlights, oak staircase as a feature preferably with a flared lower end, gallery landing, led background and detail lighting
Solid floors and walls up and down
Kitchen - granite, island units, top brand appliances, quality floor and wall tiles, plenty of space for a table to seat at least 6
Family room - you need one
Bathrooms - 1 per bedroom, large shower trays, drencher shower heads, body jets, shower head on a flexi, large baths, quality tiles and floor tiles (be careful to choose neutral colours for resale), led lighting, TV?, pressurised water system (no noisy pumps), quality heated towl rails, lots of space, lots of light, large (full wall) heated mirrors, his and hers basins, granite or marble countertops.
sound system installed, speakers etc, wet underfloor heating, double doors to sitting room and dining room.
triple garage typical garage space 30% greater than standard, electric doors
The list goes on and on and some of it depends on the price point for the unit and what the competition are doing I always keep an eye on your posts regarding these matters as you see mto know your stuff. I've googled vicaima doors and they seem to do some pretty nice stuff and reasonable prices!!! Prior to that I tried urban front - beautiful, but the front door alone was around £8000 & VAT  AS for internal doors - I didn't even think of asking!!! Looks like Vicaima might be getting a look in! How do you think Vicaima stacks up with say , slide robes in terms of price and quality?
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tonker
43,845 posts
117 months
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I am chopping a house in the SE around at the moment. To BlueG33s list, if your future buyers will be foreign, you can add air conditioning to the list - far better to fit now, than later (to at least principal rooms).
I am more sceptical on the multiplex entertainment stuff - it is great when new, but will look ridiculous when it's old hat - and isn't the vibe that it's all going wireless.
Environmentally, people are going for ground heat pump thigies, and the best rated glass. I would also add in a lot of storage space - the sort that is behind stud walls and doored off .... far too many larger houses have less storage than a Victorian terrace.Good quality bifolds everywhere too, and an ability to open out the space (not cheap to do after, but when building/planning, easy).
I'd endorse top quality kitchen (but a good fitter and the right amount of bling in the right places, can make a good kitchen look superb, a poor fitter can make a top end one look like it was exdisplay in Wickes) at least as many bathrooms as bedrooms (plus an extra main bathroom if possible), bling wants tellies in the enormous oversized monsoon shower and the bath, I also not that Octagon's recent finish seems to have slipped a bit, from what I've noticed - kit's there, just been a bit sloppy, especially in woodwork and plastering.
BTW, how much is the Vicaima stuff (ballpark for their Exclusive range.... inc fittings and handle if I am cheeky). We need 26 of those I think, plus a decent manufacturer for an extra wide, solid (not plastic or plastic coated) no stupid woodgrain, traditional Georgian front door....
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VEX
1,706 posts
115 months
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A good lighting design, led's and a top end lighting control system (Lutron) coupled with at least a good wiring scheme for automation, audio, video and cinema. That at least allows the client to chose what to put in.
The properties I am working in at the moment have the most atrocious wiring scheme that is a real pain to rework to clients requirements.
V.
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toxicnerve
5,276 posts
46 months
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VEX said: A good lighting design, led's and a top end lighting control system (Lutron) coupled with at least a good wiring scheme for automation, audio, video and cinema. That at least allows the client to chose what to put in.
The properties I am working in at the moment have the most atrocious wiring scheme that is a real pain to rework to clients requirements.
V. +1. How top end is the OP talking though and has consideration been given to these things in their budget? I would: 1. Pre-wire for ceiling speakers in all major rooms and en suites (run the cables back to a central location if at all possible). 2. Pre-wire a room for surround-sound assuming one lends itself the treatment. 3. Install plenty of cat5e cabling (or cat6 is you're actually going to install it to spec and certify it) around the place. By plenty I mean at least 2-4 double outlets per major room, a minimum of one double outlet in minor rooms (they're handy for sticking in wireless access points etc) and a minimum of 4 outlets (either 2 doubles or a single quad) at TV locations along with a double coax outlet. Don't skimp on the cat-whatever though. Cabling is cheap and it can be utilised for a multitude of uses other than just network data. For example it can take data/video/audio/telephony/control signals. 4. If you're going down the lighting control system route then I would say the following. Lutron is expensive. There are cheaper products. However, any saving you make by going for a cheaper product will likely be wiped out when the cheaper product suffers equipment failures or other "issues". Yes, Lutron is expensive but it's by far the most robust product. 5. Lots of other stuff that I am sure I am forgetting because I'm tired.
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VEX
1,706 posts
115 months
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Standard design and wire for me is 3 x Cat6 and 2 x Coaxes at each TV point, with a duct feed to a single gang plate for local additions (if NHBC allow it!). Then a second pair of Cat6 cables somewhere on the other side of the room.
Wifi boost points and music boosters (depending on the system) get hidden in ceilings, under or in cupboards and wardrobes. 'cause they are ugly buggers!
Obviously key rooms demand a little more, but this is more than enough for general rooms. But that comes with the custom design service.
Lutron is rock solid and one of only a few options at this end of the Market. I have two houses to do with Crestrons new(ish) midrange system and I am also really liking the look of Élan G as a midrange AV and control solution.
V.
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toxicnerve
5,276 posts
46 months
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VEX,
You and I should get together sometime for a beer and a chin-wag...
I'm London/Essex based, whereabouts are you?
EDIT:
I didn't mention local equipment positions in my original posts (one of the many things I forgot about) but I wire those pretty much the same as TV points. As you say, further details come with the paid for design service.
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caziques
977 posts
37 months
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Don't forget the underfloor heating (actually it should be in all new builds not just top end).
If air conditioning is involved make sure the design is correct, sticking up a couple of high wall indoor units looks horrible, they need to built in.
Essential to have a high pressure hot water cylinder for multiple tap use, one cylinder with small bore pipe to each outlet to minimise waste.
(I would fit a heat pump hot water cylinder in NZ as it's so much cheaper than bottled gas)
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Ilikebeaver
960 posts
50 months
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stanwan said: blueg33 said: Go and look at an Octagon showhome as an example. The list is huge. These are some of the things that went into our top Charles Church units:
Kerb appeal - all important, good design, symetry, details like heads, cills, eaves, small plain clay tiles
Hall - high ceilings, vycaima doors, plenty of downlights, oak staircase as a feature preferably with a flared lower end, gallery landing, led background and detail lighting
Solid floors and walls up and down
Kitchen - granite, island units, top brand appliances, quality floor and wall tiles, plenty of space for a table to seat at least 6
Family room - you need one
Bathrooms - 1 per bedroom, large shower trays, drencher shower heads, body jets, shower head on a flexi, large baths, quality tiles and floor tiles (be careful to choose neutral colours for resale), led lighting, TV?, pressurised water system (no noisy pumps), quality heated towl rails, lots of space, lots of light, large (full wall) heated mirrors, his and hers basins, granite or marble countertops.
sound system installed, speakers etc, wet underfloor heating, double doors to sitting room and dining room.
triple garage typical garage space 30% greater than standard, electric doors
The list goes on and on and some of it depends on the price point for the unit and what the competition are doing I always keep an eye on your posts regarding these matters as you see mto know your stuff. I've googled vicaima doors and they seem to do some pretty nice stuff and reasonable prices!!! Prior to that I tried urban front - beautiful, but the front door alone was around £8000 & VAT AS for internal doors - I didn't even think of asking!!! Looks like Vicaima might be getting a look in! How do you think Vicaima stacks up with say , slide robes in terms of price and quality? You don't want Vaicama doors, you want some fully bespoke doors by Graefe of Oxfordshire. Their doors go into the most luxurious of residences. No more expensive but much better quality, hand built in England by true craftsmen.
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tonker
43,845 posts
117 months
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Go on, how much would a standard oak veneer with inlays be (back of a fag packet) from them. Upset me....
Oh, for top end, make sure there is the right plumbing in and separate staircase either above garage or ptherwise for the live in nanny/housekeeper/grannyflat/somewhere for the kids to escape when older.
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stanwan
876 posts
95 months
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Ilikebeaver said: You don't want Vaicama doors, you want some fully bespoke doors by Graefe of Oxfordshire.
Their doors go into the most luxurious of residences. No more expensive but much better quality, hand built in England by true craftsmen.
Thanks for the advice. I do have to stay within a sensible budget though - no point blowing half of it on fancy doors instead of adding square footage..... I'm torn between horizontally laid dark wood (walnut/smoked oak) or that minimalist white door with a few horizontal v grooves. 6 panel traditional style doors are a definite no-no....
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blueg33
10,731 posts
93 months
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stanwan said: I always keep an eye on your posts regarding these matters as you see mto know your stuff. I've googled vicaima doors and they seem to do some pretty nice stuff and reasonable prices!!! Prior to that I tried urban front - beautiful, but the front door alone was around £8000 & VAT AS for internal doors - I didn't even think of asking!!! Looks like Vicaima might be getting a look in! How do you think Vicaima stacks up with say , slide robes in terms of price and quality? Thanks, I have been doing it for a few years many hundreds of homes both niche and volume. Vicaima doors are good but there are also others around as mentioned in this thread, it really depends on price of the door, the market you are targetting and delivery times. trust me when I say that hand mades doors will invariably be late on site especially of you are ordering quite a few for a big house. Your best bet is to go and see a supplier and look at the doors they have. Vicaima were consistent in quality and we generally used them in houses up to about £2m. It would be useful to know the size of the house and the expected selling price as this will give a better steer. Last house I did with a mate (I did the land he did the build as he is an ex MD and construction director) currently has a value of £8m (land was £2m and build about £2m). The big thing on that house was a proper basement, 4 car agarage with apartment/office over and £200k worth of stabling. The rest of it was as per my list above, plus conservatory. Its his own house so got the best, his eye for detail is remarkable so the house is stunning without being blingy
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Cheib
6,232 posts
44 months
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As someone that has been looking to buy a house like this....as well as all the things listed here I would say making sure the house has a good fucntional layout is something over looked. It's amazing how few houses have a decent layout....quite often if they get the downstairs right they make a mess up of the upstairs.
One thing we have also noticed is poor ceiling height in a lot of houses...I have no idea how much it costs to add a foot to the height of a house but it makes a massive difference to the feel.
Good use of natural light is absolutely key too.
Very rare a house has all of these but with some good design there's no reason why any house of this scale can't have all of them.
Boot Room
Dressing Room
Upstairs Laundry Room (why the do people want to carry their washing and ironing up and down stairs)
None are expensive to do.
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