How to build a home that can grow up as you live in it:
- Build smaller, with an eye towards a future addition. Perhaps you don't need all the space you think you do.
- Build space that you can leave unfinished initially. An attic can become a bedroom or play room later.
- Use quality materials where possible, especially for hard to replace items like windows and doors.
- Omit trim where possible or utilize non-profiled square stock. You can always add crown molding or a shoe molding later.
- Start with floor coverings that can be replaced later- carpet is easily replaced with wood.
- Plan for niches and alcoves where you can add built-in cabinetry, shelving and storage later.
- Dig the foundation a little deeper for an unfinished basement. This is cheap square footage for storage or future living space if a walk-out is possible on your site.
- Plan for the garage, but build it later.
- Have your electrician pull wires for future decorative lighting, and install cover plates initially.
- Spend some savings on trees and plantings so that when you have money to finish the house, the plantings will be mature.