Floor Plan Critique Request
Sandra Nicholson
8 years ago
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Comments (9)
cpartist
8 years agoSandra Nicholson
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Requesting Critique of this plan
Comments (38)No worries Ian. We are going ahead with the permits and such assuming that this is the final design BUT we will continue to work on the design and not get into building till we are totally satisfied with the design. We do have to deal with the permits now because of some deadlines with DEP permissions. I will look forward to your ideas if you are able to find time. Renovator8 - I had studied the sites suggested by you. This design indeed doesn't adhere to significant number of solar design principles. What we have so far is the fact that the front of the house is wide, south facing, enough overhang to prevent summer sun from hitting the windows, but, let in the winter sun. I talked to the Architect about concrete floors but didn't get a clear response as to its feasibility due to crawl space. I have to bring it up again. So, it definitely lacks a major component, i.e. storage of solar heat. We still should be able to use the sun's heat during the day. I will continue looking for more ideas/more aspects of solar heating to incorporate in the design. I was hoping to retain some high deciduous trees near the front of the house, so that they don't shade the house in winter but provide shade in summer. Due to solar panels, I don't think I will be able to do it. BTW, Ian - Garage can not be detached from the house due to condition imposed by the township at the time of subdivision....See MoreRaison d'etre & a request for a kitchen plan critique
Comments (43)Here's my two cents for a similar kitchen layout remodel in Eastern MA (also land of too much snow this year!). Our dimensions are slightly different but we had same discussions about swapping cooktop and fridge, prep space etc. Our final layout is similar to your latest plan but we're getting a bigger window installed with sink centered underneath and dishwasher to the left. We'll have our wall/speed micro ovens to the right of the cooktop. Fridge on the short wall with tall pull out cabinetry to the left where you have a doorway. I've been using our island as primary prep (without an add'l prep sink) and the pull-out trash will be relocated to the island to keep the mess contained there. That gives a decent triangle from sink to prep to cooktop. My only small worry is water drips over wood floors, but figure a runner will negate some of that. For me prepping under a window isn't a priority since who's looking straight ahead to a view when handling a knife--not me--and daylight isn't all that by the time I'm prepping dinners. I like the big expanse of the island so I can interact and prep with DH/guests and then any dirty stuff not dealt with immediately can "hide" in the sink and have the island clear for drinks, appetizers, buffet serving etc....See MoreHouse Plan Critique Requested (Michigan)
Comments (13)I agree with the comments to work with your professional architect and their process for determining your needs and wants. That said, being a homeowner with some familiarity of design principles is a definite plus! If you have the time and interest, I recommend the “Not So Big House“ books by the architect Sarah Susanka. The essential point is to focus on good quality design that suits your actual needs and that works for “human scale” day-to-day living. This is not a tiny house book, many of the featured homes are well over 3,000 SF. The point is to plan your space wisely and not default to the “bigger is always better” mindset. For example, she provides ideas for the open concept/great room floor plan that greatly improve the livability and usefulness of the space. With your need for hobby and work-at-home spaces, I think you might find her approach quite illuminating. Best of luck to a fellow Michigander!...See MoreFirst draft floor plan critique?
Comments (62)Just a little backstory, my dream since I was a kid has been to design and build a house. My dad was in real estate so I’ve always been fascinated by houses. I asked an architect and he flat out told me to just bring my design to a builder because it would be a waste of his time to design it if I’m the one who wants to do the designing. I just want someone to make sense of my design, if possible. To fill the gaps and tell me if something isn’t practical. Which is why I’m asking you guys first, I guess 🤣 I’ve gotten a lot of great ideas, and they’re all much appreciated! Not just taking them with a grain of salt, I really am taking them into consideration 😁 If you work with a good architect, you will be part of the design process. It is not a case of the architect saying do as I say. But a good architect will also tell you NO when you need to hear it and will suggest some better ways to create what you want and need. The big problem is there is so much more to creating a liveable house than moving boxes around on graph paper. Even if you have a design background, it's a case of Not knowing what you don't know. And even after you get a plan from an architect, there are still close to 1000 decisions that need to be made to make the house a home. Everything from what type of moldings, floors, lighting, doors, windows, to what kinds of hinges to use....See Moremrspete
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoSandra Nicholson
8 years agocpartist
8 years agoBuehl
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agochisue
8 years agochelwa
8 years ago
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Sandra NicholsonOriginal Author