This project represented our first original design spec home in nearly 8 years. Though this home was not a custom home, it included several custom touches, one of which was the unique floorplan. Having drawn six sets of custom home plans in the past year for empty nesters, I heard each of them ask for several of the same features. The Laurie Jean includes all the common features that experienced homeowners have determined that they need to have in their last home. 
   Most have lived in several homes and have discovered things they liked and things they did not like. For example, sliding glass doors were viewed as a negative by each customer, where as a back covered concrete porch was a must. They also want plenty of windows to let the light in.This home is a reflection of my experience listening to their experience.  


Examples of these features include:  *no-step entry  *one level, open floorplan  * wide hallways  *3' interior doors 
   
*22'X14' covered concrete back patio    *huge master suite with walk-in shower and soaker tub    *over-sized laundry

*deluxe kitchen with eating bar   *no drive-thru traffic   *fireplace   *designer finishes   *bonus loft   *extra closet space





                                

        I guess that I was right about what empty nesters were looking for because Dick and Lavonne Burdick bought it as soon as it was framed.
  They said they had been looking for three years and had not found one that was just right. That, for me, is the ultimate confirmation.   

   Notice there are no steps at the front door. If you want to learn more on how I did that you can go to this blog entry.







 
          

         A lot of people went through this house during construction and the one thing everyone
    loved was the bonus room above the garage.  Each person that saw it had their own idea of
    what they would use it for.



  




         The back covered porch was also very
      popular. It features no-step access and 
      is has a door to the master bedroom.


















                                                                   


   The kitchen turned out great. Beyond the original layout, Elaine and the Burdicks are responsible for how great the kitchen turned out.  Elaine helped them pick out great finishes and cabinet style. It features a raised eating bar that opens to the living and dining rooms.

                                                            
        


     We made the master bathroom roomy. We put in a walk-in shower and a soaker big enough for a full-grown man to take a candle-lit, aromatic bubble bath in.

                                                                                                         





                           We try to put as many custom 
                       touches in each of our houses as
                       possible even though they are spec
                       homes. When you go into older homes
                       you can tell the builder himself was
                       working on the home because they
                       have several small features that put a
                       little flair and character into the home.
                          I think a bit of glass-block work
                       in a house these days does that. It is
                       just a little touch that everyone who
                       comes to the home will feel.