Spec Homes

Objectives:

Design traditional-style homes with the goal to maximize the area of the house on each site. Provide a basement in the more affluent neighborhoods to add additional space.

Outcome:

Exteriors of these traditional-style homes typically feature brick, stone, and siding, with wood-clad doors and windows. Interiors feature wood floors throughout, except for the bath and laundry rooms.

The ground floors usually consist of a foyer featuring a grand, two-story high staircase, living and dining rooms, gourmet kitchen with furniture-quality cabinets and an island, a breakfast room, family room, study, guest room, powder room, and a two or three-car garage.

The upstairs levels are typically comprised of four bedrooms (including a guest room) with separate bathrooms and closets, a children’s study or playroom, and a laundry room. The master bathrooms normally include two vanities, a tub, a shower, and one or two master toilet rooms.

The basement levels often consist of a media room, gym, large gathering space, playroom, craft room, wine cellar, maid’s quarters, storage space, and laundry room, with an elevator serving all three floors.