If the house you are looking at has room for a nursery and is sitting in a good school district, many parents would believe this house is good enough for their family. However, there are a few small things you should check to make sure this dream home really does fit the dream.
Bedroom Placement
When looking for a new place to call home, new moms can find themselves only caring about the space inside the nursey. You have to make sure that all that furniture will fit in the room. However, you may miss that the master is on the main floor while all the bedrooms are on the next floor up. So, as you are running up and down that flight of stairs, you may find yourself muttering to yourself “In our next home, all the bedrooms will be on the same level!”
While parents know to find a house with plenty of bedrooms for their kids, they can’t forget where those bedrooms are. Many parents prefer a layout where their kids’ bedrooms are close to the master, to keep their kids within earshot at night. Nonetheless, bedrooms on separate floors or on opposite sides of the house, work for parents who prefer more privacy.
Sidewalks
Many parents are wary of buying houses on busy streets so many often opt for a home on a cul-de-sac. However, sidewalks are often a feature that is overlooked. They offer an extra layer of safety since they provide a buffer between cars and kids at play. Likewise, sidewalks are crucial during the stroller/trike/wagon phase.
Open Floor Plan
While bonus rooms are nice for corralling kids, they’re not so great for toddlers who must be constantly supervised. Therefore, the “great room” concept with the kitchen, dining, and family room all opening onto one another is ideal for many families. When your kids are young, they need to be in clear sight while you are working or preparing dinner. So, make sure the home has enough space on the main floor for kids to play, where you can still go about your chores.
Easy Sightlines to the Backyard
All parents know the importance of having a yard, but unless you plan to go outside every time they do, you will also want to check how viewable that yard is from indoors. Are the kitchen windows situated so you can cook and clean while the kids play out back? Or, if you work from home, does your desk have a clear view of your kids’ sandbox or swing set? Trust us, a backyard won’t give you much peace of mind if you can’t keep an eye on your kids.
A Flat Lot
In Florida, this isn’t much of a problem. However, you would be surprised how many baseballs you will lose even with the gentlest of slopes. If you add an extreme hill, that can put a serious crimp in any bike riding or skateboarding your kids want to do.
Hot Spots
How a home is heated can present certain problems, too. Radiators can get piping hot and although gas fireplaces are cozy they are also dangerous. Within three minutes, the glass doors can become hot enough to cause third-degree burns, and it takes about 45 minutes for the glass to cool down sufficiently.
Amenities Within Walking Distance
While most people love the option of being within walking distance of stores and restaurants, this desire is particularly heightened for families with young children who quickly realize how burdensome it gets to pack up the car with strollers and bags. So, check the surrounding area to see what’s walkable.
