[LWJ]

I am a habitual remodeler. Some of the best things I have done are:

1) Natural gas drops for everything I can imagine. Dryer, range, BBQ, Fireplace, outside firepit.
2) In house theater space. The components are not expensive on the grand scheme. I have mid++ stuff and the whole set up was about 5K for the gear. I did put extra insulation - blown in? Something dense that is very sound resistant. It is a fantastic addition and can be a multi-use room as well.
3) Kitchen design. Make certain that the kitchen is useable for at least two people to cook / clean without bumping into each other. Example: last night my wife and I cooked Italian food / drank a bottle of wine and had a nice time preparing the meal. It was as much fun to cook as it was to eat. Design let that happen.
4) I am a big advocate of having a family room / great room off the kitchen so that the cook can interact with others while cooking. I don't have this and really wish we did.
5) Outdoor living with weather protection. We have a nice patio and will probably add a wood-fired pizza oven. It is lovely. However, it would be better if we had a lid on the patio so that we could enjoy it for the 1/2 year or more that it rains here! Figure this out with out killing the light into the house and you have it made.
6) Light bulbs. Lots and lots of them. I am in a 28 x 15 kitchen now and it has 6 different light switch options - some small spaces and at least 30 different light fixtures. This is Oregon however. It gets dark here!
7) Light again. Plan big windows, reflective surfaces, light paint, etc. Light can always be brought down but never added! Hardwood floors are great for this - Maple is VERY light adding but shows some dirt if you have a dog.
8) Light yet again. I was in a U shaped Rancher recently. I never understood until I realized that every room had windows and was well-lit. It also allowed for a noise separation from one end of the U to the other. A nice plan.
9) That brings me to noise. I lived in a tri-level in my prior home. There was not a quiet place to be found in that house. A rancher needs to spread out to be quiet.
10) Resale. Make your decisions based on what you desire but always look to the final sale. This may be your most valuable asset and if you raise the counters 6 inches (for example), you may throw off potential buyers.

Have fun! I think you will do well as you are research oriented.

Larry