This is one of those things that really does take a lot of research and most GCs won't even bring it up (unfortunately for home owners who are then stuck with the energy bills). Since we wanted (and could do on this site) passive solar, we went a step further than most. For those who might be building a new home, here are just a few of the things we did for energy-efficiency. We have Low-E squared , which is more advanced than Low-E, having to do with the layers of silver, reflective capabilities, etc. We have a passive solar design and the Low-E squared is so important for hot summer climates. It may not be as important in cooler zones. There is a slight green tint on our windows which you won't have on Low-E. Energy cost savings in monitored field testing have shown a 30%-50% improvement over regular double pane windows. In addition to zoned heat (upstairs and downstairs), we have a dual-fuel system. The electric heat pump is used until the outside temperature drops below 38%, then the natural gas kicks in. We use programmable thermostats so that we have automatically set heat and a/c for "wake up" "leave" "return" "night" temps. We never go above 71 degrees on the heat or below 75 on the a/c and are very comfortable. We also have insulation that is Guardian, Green Guard Certified, SuperCube II fiberglass. Energy efficient and green certified. We are currently replacing most incandescents with CFLs. The kitchen and master bath are 100% CFL now. Our energy bills are half the cost of previous, much smaller homes that we have owned. We happen to have the cheapest electricity provider around here, too. That helps. I hope this information will help someone. I'm happy to provide more details in an email if needed. Cameron

If it is cupping, it looks pretty slight to me. Cupping--unless it's evident shortly after installation--is usually the result of moisture imbalances which are due to environmental conditions outside the contractor's control. Cupping is more evident the wider the flooring width which is why I recommend engineered hardwood for widths greater than 3" As a point of calibration, the performance standard published in NAHB's Residential Construction Performance Guidelines for Professional Builders and Remodelers is: "Cupping or crowning in hardwood floor boards will not exceed 1 /16 inch in height in a 3-inch maximum span measured perpendicular to the long axis of the board. Cupping or crowning appearing after installation may result from fluctuations in the moisture conditions in the house, causing a noticeable curvature in the face of the floor boards. Cupping or crowning caused by exposure to moisture beyond the contractor’s control is not the contractor’s responsibility." If the OP wants to minimize cupping, they'll need to control the relative humidity in the living space as well as the space below the floor. If it's a basement or crawl space, moisture controls need to be in place and some amount of conditioning may be required.

You could always grind the surface down (the ENTIRE lot). The prints are now 'in' the concrete. I'm guessing the weight of the foot/body caused a slight change in the SURFACE of the concrete. This would have shifted the direction of the surface aggregate to have a different look. Kinda like vacuum lines in a carpet. The direction change of the pile changes the appearance of the carpet. When finishing concrete the pros sweep it or 'brush it' to give it a specific look. I'm guessing your body weight disturbed this brushing enough to cause a visual change. Technically there is nothing wrong with the concrete...but it is an eyesore.

I think master shower at 10'7" x 3 too large for comfort & not very proportional "feel good" sort of space. I would shorten it by 3-4' & put a large linen closet in that corner as handy place for suitcases as well as linens. And then there could be more generous surface area at vanity, which is definitely "feel good" when two people are getting ready at the same time. I don't see why master closet needs two doors, but perhaps his & hers entrances? And if that is the case, dividing the closet into two separate closets would have more hanging space &, more importantly in my household, limit counterproductive marital commentary. I can't quite figure out the guest apartment orientation, but I would think that in your climate they would appreciate at least a little balcony with a small coffee spot? Perhaps simply extend the entrance landing at the top of the stairs to include a small sitting area...and that would make that entrance more attractive as well. I do like the service pathway from the garage to the service entrance & backyard. Not a dog person, but that looks to me like a fenced in safe space for dog play area? Or a salad & herb garden. In either case, please put a water spigot there, and maybe even a foot-& dog washing basin...or even a planting bench. Depends partly on the age of your children and guests, but I question safety of children's play yard directly abutting the pool. Suggest you work out backing & turning radius required for a car entering or leaving the carport. Optimally, the drive can be designed to allow both easy access for the carport and also surplus parking for guests. But is that carport also going to be parking space for kids bicycles, strollers, wagons, etc? Your garage doesn't seem to be any too generous in size for that as well as general storage & garden equipment. What is function of family room? Kids toys? Another tv? Poker night? All those things look to me like they would combine well with a media room. As could a gym, or so it appears from my local. At least create a passthru type interior window so exercisers could watch/hear the big screen. There appears to be sufficient room to enlarge that powder room to include a shower & a closet, which might make your gym more functional for both the gym & guests, and also make it a potential guest room for overflow. Take that kitchen to a kitchen forum, as it looks like very tight work area in a very large kitchen space. I would want a window over my prep area to look out into the adjacent garden. I would want one less breakfront & put that space into a more generous pantry. Many people don't use a "kitchen desk" & instead prefer to do homework at the breakfast bar. But maybe it is really a printer/charging station, not a desk? Do you have garden designers and specialist nurseries and garden services on your island? I am so envious of all the possibilities on your site plan.