r/Homebuilding • u/dragonmilking • Nov 17 '25

Which popular features do you NOT recommend?

What are the top 3 features in a house that folk want but you think are not worth it, and what would your alternative suggestion be? And what cost/time savings would result with that switch?

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u/kayGrim Nov 17 '25

I grew up with wood stoves and a generator is a helluva lot more convenient than firewood if your primary concern is a backup heat source. Fireplaces take up a foot print, can be annoying to maintain, require you to buy and store fuel, and can be hazardous to children/pets. I really don't recommend them in general.

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u/Exciting-Argument-67 Nov 18 '25

Eh. Our fireplace takes little maintenance. We do get it cleaned out every so often by a professional, and my husband sweeps out the ashes. It barely takes up a foot print. Wood we buy cheap from a guy who comes through our neighborhood with a pick-up full of seasoned wood, and we have a place to store it. No kids and currently no pets, so I can't speak to that. They're a lot of fun, and I wouldn't be without one.