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.

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.

What kind of walls for the basement? Poured concrete or mfg panels. Superior Walls is one for mfg panels. Poured concrete? I don't know enough To advise you but I understand the state of Al has a requirement for the Concrete. Maybe the density? You can choose your windows, doors, flooring, paint, of course light fixtures, Bath fixtures. He should give you an allowance for some of these also for Window coverings if you wish. Brick or siding you choose. Paint you choose color and quality. He may buy From the back room if you let him. 2by 4 studs or 2 by 6?for walls. Front door? Do you want to choose? Do you need one bath to be accessible Easier and less costly to have a wide bath door put in now.. I'm rambling? Start at the front door of your plans and walk through the house and see what you like and what you would change. Jo

I am very open to anything even empty cards. I love Christmas cards and I think we got 2 last year. Lol I love edibles (especially tomatoes, beans, winter squash and melons). I had a bad year last year and lost most of my herbs ( I have chives, Italian Basil and Parsley) and a lot of my flowers for some reason I have mostly yellows left. I live in East Tennessee, zone 7-8 depending on who you ask, But I also love houseplants and things I bring in the winter. I have acres to fill and welcome anything that you recommend. I am especially looking for odd and unusual edibles and flowers, especially black ones my daughter is working on a Gothic garden. Flowers: Zinnias Amaranths Bee balm coreposis cosmos marigolds I have yellow Dainthus Phlox Poppies Coleus Columbines Daturas or Brugmansia Lantana ( I loved this and mine died) Celosia Red hot Poker Anemones Hollyhocks Nasturtiums Lilys Any bulbs ( I only have yellow daffodils) Edibles Herbs: Basils (I have Italian), Anise, Sage, Thyme (especially wooly or creeping), lemon grass, any I missed Beans: Lima, Fava, Lentils, the long ones, Good Mother stallard, Jacobs Cattle, Calypso, Fort Portal Jade, Runners (Especially Sunset or Painted Lady), Mayflower, Painted Pony Melons: Jenny Lind, Collective Farm Woman, Valencia Winter Melon, Apple, Banana, Bidwell Casaba, Kajari, Tigger and Amish Melon, Mother Mary's Pie White Wonder Watermelon, Golden Midget, Navjo Winter Watermelon, Orange Tendersweet, Moon & Stars. Early Moonbeam Watermelon. But I'm open to any cantaloupe or water melon types. Tomatoes: Any Bumblebee, Isis, Dr Wyche, Pink Accordion, Black Icicle, Chocolate Pear, Paul Robeson, Violet Jasper, Reisetomate, Jersey Devil, Brad's Atomic Grape, Blue Beauty, Cream Sausage, Red Pepper, White Cherry, But I am open to any. I just love tomatoes. Peppers: Orchid, Black Pearl, Fish Varigated and Purple Beauty Pepper. Again I'm open to anything. Squash: Ronde de Nice, Gelber Englischer Custard, scallops, Yugoslavine Finger Fruit, Turbans, Red Warty Thing, Galeus D'Eysines, Candy Roaster, Acorn, Butternut, Cushaw, Iran, Sweet Dumpling, Thelma Sanders Brussel Sprouts Broccoli Cauliflower Lettuces: I have black seeded simpson and Bibb Goji Berry Ground Cherry Prickly Pear Cactus Pumpkin on a Stick Walking Onions Garlic Leeks Spinach Fennel Peas Cucumbers: crystal apple, sikkim cucumber, armenian yard long, Boothebys Blonde, little potato Eggplants: I have Black Beauty Carrots: Odd colors, good growers, Parisienne Gourds: I have Birdhouse wheat rice quinoa Orange Jing Okra Star of David Okra Peas Spinach corn: Any unsual or popcorn types, Indian Berries, Mini Blue or Pink Popcorn, Bloody Butcher, Cherokee White Eage, Oxcacan Green, Bear Paw, Hop McConnell Speckled Please don't let this list give you the opinion that I'm picky. I'm not and I'm very grateful for anything received for the Holidays, even just a kind thought as you read this note. Merry Christmas to everyone. Now I'm off to grant some wishes myself.