If you are over 50, these things are important:

1. Do NOT build a house with stairs. As you age, stairs become
a serious safety problem, even when you are relatively healthy.
Ranch style homes are also easier to heat and cool; the second
story either gets too hot or too cold vs the bottom level.

2. Get a walk-in bathtub. Getting in and out of bathtubs is another
serious safety problem. We own a walk-in tub that has built-in
high pressure jets. The result is a relaxing yet safe bath. These cost
3x normal tubs, and they are worth every dime.

Otherwise:

1. Install piping for solar water heating. Much gas/electricity is wasted by
heating water for washing. It is also the easiest and cheapest way to
utilize solar energy.  It will pay for itself in no time, and has very 
little
maintainance.

2. If you have a fireplace, be sure to install heat exchangers. Otherwise,
fireplaces USE more heat than they provide.
 
3. Always wire all the rooms for background music, to drown out the
sounds of neighbors..., even if you don't have any now. I regretted this
twice.

4. Use double-pane windows and doors.

--Bob
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