The ideal home is one that has the room your family needs for living, working and playing; it is functional and can adapt to your needs as they change. It has plenty of storage space and is wired to take advantage of emerging technologies. It is functional, accessible and adaptable.
The ideal home is comfortable in all seasons without costing too much to light, heat, cool and dehumidify. It may use alternative energy souces. The ideal home is energy efficient.
The ideal home is built to last and resist natural hazards. In Louisiana, the primary threats are flood, wind, and water. In northern parishes, tornados, freezing weather, and hail can also occur. Wildfires are a concern for people living in forested areas. Formosan subterranean termites are a significant threat as well. The ideal home is protected by several lines of defense against these damaging pests. It is durable and hazard resistant.
The ideal home is environmenally conscious. It is designed, built and maintained in ways that reduce pollution and conserve resources. It may qualify as eco-friendly or green. It provides a safe and healthy environment for you and your family. It is healthy and eco-friendly.
To be truly ideal, the home must be practical and convenient.
And, ideally, the home is designed for its geographic region by someone who understands the basics of air and moisture flow and heat transfer. It should be designed for the climate.
When you restore or build a home, keep these ideals in mind and try to integrate and balance the features that are most important to you.
Checklists for the ideal home: