So, My dad wasn't worried about the efficiency or the comfort of 2-stage etc. His concern is that he wants the furnace in the basement and the builder doesn't want to do it. He says the basement will be too cold (which someone here said it will be colder). He is concerned with frozen pipes and I guess the coldness of the space in general. Frozen pipes might be a very small chance, but once he knows of a potential problem he doesn't take chances. He wouldn't buy the house they saw that had two sump pumps...... I explained to mom that the hvac contractor has probably engineered (or whatever it's called) the model with the unit in the attic and moving it would involve changing more than just the location of the unit. I suggested that maybe they can run a duct down into the basement for a couple of vents or maybe look into a gas fireplace down there that they could run when there is a vicious cold snap or he is doing stuff down there. Maybe they make a wall heater of some type that would be effective and would be less $ than an actual gas fireplace as they don't plan to finish the space. Not sure if a few vents or a separate heater, or getting them to actually move the furnace would be cheaper and/or most effective. They are extending their attorney review period until they get this sorted out, so it's a big deal to dad. If we can come up with a solution the builder will do that doesn't break the bank it would be great! Thanks for everyone's input.

WantToRetire, I appreciate your input, but the thought of renting an apartment (kids and other unruly types) is abhorrent at my age. But you are correct about retirement developments being expensive. Even "independent living" facilities apartments (1+1) start at over $2300/month rent only. Some 55+ developments in Southern Maine where one might buy a stand-alone condo charge low six figures as a buy-in fee, then there's the cost of the actual condo itself - from the high $200Ks to over a half million. HOAs and remaining utilities are extra of course. One 55+ development I investigated charges two monthly fees for those who buy stand-alone condos: the first is a "land rent" fee of $500/month, then there's the usual HOA fee of $300 to $400/month for utilities, outside maintenance, etc.

Papercrane & MClarke, what a small world--we're neighbors ;) My mother is still down the street from there in the home I grew up in but we're going to be selling it sometime in the next year or so since we're moving to NC. The home we're building will have an "in-law's suite" on the lower level so she'll have her privacy and independence. I'm still nearby in Villanova so only a stone's throw away from my childhood home. Fortunately, they can't split the land up due to township ordinances. If I remember correctly, existing properties in certain areas must remain intact so in this case, it can't be split into several single family homes. There are so many homes like this in the Main Line area, 70 to 80 years old or more, that are in need of repair and updating. Although there are many people in this country with accumulated wealth who could afford the initial costs, the upkeep on a property like this is tremendous, not to mention the utility costs. My mother's gas and electric bill in the winter is close to our mortgage payment. And I'll never be able to imagine writing a check for a $27k a month mortgage payment unless we hit the lottery. Glad so many people enjoyed the tour and thanks for sharing the other great links with us. I really enjoy looking at these grand old homes. To answer a few questions posed, no, it's not haunted though there are a couple in this neighborhood that are rumored to be. There are some nearby properties on which the Revolutionary War battles were waged and some are said to be frequented by spirits, LOL! As far as the AC goes, it may be cooler than some homes in the summer due to its construction but not enough that AC isn't needed. Central AC is a necessity as far as I'm concerned, not a luxury. Plus with the size of the rooms in that home, you'd need two window units for each room. The home was being lived in by a woman whose children all live out of state now. Much too big for one person, and all though she recently remarried, I imagine they were ready to move on to something that required a lot less upkeep and time. It would be wonderful to see a family with lots of children move in and renovate and enjoy the home.

Hmmm, Ben. I think your next most important question to your mentors/instructors is to determine how often and to what extent they personally use a kitchen for other than the assembling of a ham sandwich. I have often found that if the designers of "women stuff" are men with little hands-on experience, they come up with products/procedures that leave the target audience rolling their eyes. The same may be said of women who aren't really kitchen users either. Here is an example of excellent design for actual usage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnVOympznlI The first time I saw this video, I thought, "That's how I use a kitchen!" I now own one of those sinks. I expect when I'm 80 I'll still be chopping onions in the same way. Although I don't use the white accessories so often, I do use the cutting board several times a day plus lighter weight substitutes for the bowls. I would never use a rolling cart thingy for this type of prep - on hand water is essential. I do have a 4 x 5 island, but I don't use it for cooking prep. I use it for baking prep. Baking prep essentials, mixing bowls, measuring spoons, spatulas, etc., are in the island drawers. The island is 40" from the oven and 40" from the pantry with flour, sugar, etc. An essential part of this type of island is being able to thoroughly clean it after use. Anything built in to the surface would be a cleaning issue, as well as being in the way of usable surface space. If at 80 I were still up for baking cookies and cakes, I can't see how this space usage would change. Wait, maybe one. I have a mixer lift in the island that is not as easy to use as one might wish. A better mixer lift could be useful.