In addition, he wants to have a fairly large workshop so we were planning on using half of the third car (separate) garage for that and the other half in front for a golf cart or an electric car.

That separate garage is 14'9" x 25'9" minus the bump out for the fireplace. What type of workshop does he want? I you are talking about a woodworking shop, half of that space would not be considered a large workshop, unless he plans on making most of his equipment moveable so he can move out the golf cart and use the whole space when he is working on a project. But, if you put your pantry storage in that garage you will further cut down on the space.

I really like your plan too. I also require a HUGE pantry. We're in the process of a new build and I've got my pantry/storage staked out. [ie; no negotiating]. I'm putting an extra fridge and freezer in my pantry/storage.

Have you considered using that closet space as part of your pantry... the closet as you enter from garage. You could leave as designed in this layout but just put shelving in instead of clothes rod. The door could be used for additional storage if you hang an organizer rack on it. It's not as convenient as being IN the kitchen but I think better than a garage location. I don't think it's a good idea to have your food items in an unconditioned area.

edited to add: Ah... just re-read that you are considering 'conditioning' the garage. I still think the closet would be more convenient... however maybe not big enough ..??...

This post was edited by jannz77 on Sun, Mar 24, 13 at 11:40

That's a good idea Jannz77, I will look into that. I may even have them include that space completely into the pantry. We have a large freezer, too, but looks like it will be going into the garage at this time. That would be ok. I would have loved to be able to have it inside, though and have seen plans that include a freezer in the pantry. The area next to the laundry room behind the door to the garage I am thinking of having the builder put in an entry to the cat box where they climb through a hole (higher than my toy poodle can get through) and enter a box that is contained in the garage or that can be pulled out from the garage side to empty. I also am looking for an enclosed mop/broom/closet maybe in the laundry area. Since we don't have any youngsters at home any longer I may have him use the wall opposite the washer/dryer for more storage even though I like the idea of a bench...and a few hooks to hang sweaters or a jacket. We don't need a whole cubby section. But a bench is nice for dropping off stuff on the way into the house.

Hi Zoe.... yes, I thought of having that closet accessed through the pantry BUT you'd lose that 2ft [?] of shelving area that's already IN the pantry. And if you leave the closet as a separate closet...then down-the-road you'll still have a closet as an option.

In our design process I've got my tape-measure out measuring all the appliances etc. I've learned that on paper a design layout LOOKS like it should be enough space but then it fills up so fast you think '....how could I have misjudged this..??!!" I want my pantry/storage to have a counter with deeper, open shelving above & below the counter that can house all my 'gadgets' ie; Vitamix, food processor, Seal-a-meal... etc. I want to be able to just walk up and take off shelf. I hate to dig into cabinets to dig those out. With the counter in the pantry I'll have to option to USE the appliance right there also. I cook a lot and when everything's left out on counter it really does end up looking so cluttered..although truthfully I'm NOT one of those that HAS to have everything hidden. We LIVE in our house.

I looked at your laundry room and thought that the wall with the bench could have more storage options. If you used a pocket / sliding door on the hallway side of the LR you could have some deeper storage come out a 24-30" -- Mop/broom closet etc.

The plan doesn't indicate dimensions but do you think there could be room for a small, portable table in the LR..??.. Fold clothes, drop things off as you walk in. That's what I have in our current house. My husband had handyman make one for me out of some beautiful wood. Just looks better than a plastic folding table.

Looks like there's room next to the sink to have that 'cat door' installed. I think that's a GREAT idea.

Isn't this FUN?!

Jannz, thanks for all your ideas. I will be considering them when I get this plan altered. BTW you are my kind of cook! We own similar appliances. I LOVE my seal a meal and Vitamix blenders. They have always been on my counters bc I use them a lot. I will be removing them while my home is on the market though. I have a ton other appliances that I cannot live without. Including an electric pressure cooker. I am also considering buying a juicer. Along with the slow cooker and a large Kitchen Aid Mixer, and a Keurig cofffee maker they all take up space in the kitchen. (I store my slow cooker since I don't use it half as much as my pressure cooker, however). I will definitely be looking at some of your ideas for appliance storage. A counter with plug molds sounds like a good solution in the pantry to carrying them out to the kitchen counters.

Yup -- you and me run the same type of kitchen!

I just bought a Breville juicer... replacing my ol' Jack Lalane. I watched the documentary / movie 'Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead' by an Australian 'Joe Cross'. Inspired me to get back into juicing again. I over-planted my spring garden with juicing in mind.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002VAFVG/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That is indeed a Frank Betz plan, one of my friends built this exact plan about 18 months ago and it has a wonderful flow to it. The attic space at the top of the front stairs is more than adequate for storing seasonal items and extends out along across the front study and master bedroom below.

Here's a link to pics of their house just before it was finished.

http://www.danelam.com/Property/424-Eclipse-Dr-Murfreesboro-Tennessee

Here's another house currently on the market that looks to be the same plan - the only change I see is they added a doorway from the living room to the breakfast area.

Here is a link that might be useful: House for sale

Thanks, paronse. Good to know that it is a Betz plan. Your summage on the attic space helps me a lot bc the attic space on my plan doesn't say how big it is. The pictures you showed are beautiful! Your friend added some square footage somewhere as it doesn't match the plan exactly. I wonder where that would be? The second home looks a bit different from the plan, too, but is still lovely.

This post was edited by zoe52 on Sun, Mar 24, 13 at 19:05

They didn't add square footage anywhere that I can think of. I've found that stated measurements tend to vary according to whomever is holding the tape. Her tax records, that listing and her appraisal all show different figures with a 400 sq/ft variance - it can be very frustrating!

The closet under the family room stairs would make a great additional pantry, too. The pantry as shown is on the smaller size.