New build plan would like some feedback
We are working with a local architect for a new house. I am open to suggestions, I do not think I like the 2nd story open to below, for energy efficiency and trying to get a simpler roof. But I want to hear what the experts think of. Thanks
Comments (32)
Bri Bosh
5 years ago
PROMark Bischak, Architect
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoThere are a lot of corners that seem to add interest but also complexity. Make reach-in closets 2'-3" deep, walk-in closets either 5'-1" wide (single loaded) or 7'-1" wide (double loaded). Make reach-in closet door width not more than 12" narrower than the width of the closet. Do not turn corners with hanging clothes.
Locate the mud room closet on the north wall and shift the cubbies south to allow the path from the garage between the two.West elevation needs more windows in master closet (which needs to be larger) and guest bedroom.
If the stair is going to be open to the living room, make it a feature.
Make all the roof pitches the same.
Put the guest you don't want to stay long in the upstairs bedroom.
Add clouds to the exterior elevations.
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would love some feedback on house plans
Comments (25)It can take a lot of time to learn about the choices available, and then make the choice. Then order, wait for delivery, sometimes wait for the installation. Right there is one reason for knowing what you want before the build begins -- if you want an item x in mocha, it's better to know in advance that it might take 3 months before it can be delivered. Unfortunately, even in the best of plans, there can be totally unforeseen delays from late delivery, unexpected weather, unavailable work crews, or even theft [which can take time to replace the stolen material]. But with pre-planning, at least the crew won't be sitting around waiting for you say which faucet you want. You will have last minute decisions in approving the color/size/cut of stone or brick should you be using those items, for the reason that samples are always approximations and you won't know what you get until you get it. However, stone/brick is just about the only category that has a last-minute decision built into it. The next reason for getting specific in advance is that it can be difficult at best and overwhelming at worst to make a lot of important decisions in a very short period of time. Unless one is already a professional designer /builder /carpenter /tiler /plumber /electrician / decorator /et cetera, one is going to have make choices and decisions about things we just have never even thought about! It's an exhausting process, and that's a major reason for stress for the builder. Another reason for making as many decisions as possible in advance is actually the simplest: budget. And there is no way to have a budget without knowing what numbers are in it, and what those numbers represent. Unless you have an endless supply of money, there will be a limit as to how much can be spent. A pre-computed budget lets you know that if you spent $30,000 on kitchen counters then you won't have $20,000 for lighting. It gives you a chance to determine which is most important to you -- waiting to the last minute decision might find the counters installed but leave only $1000 for lights when in real life you don't cook much and it is the lighting that's important. Keep in mind that every time the owner changes his/her mind *during* the build, it is money wasted. Cosmetic changes [such as finding the "blue" paint is really brown when on the wall] can usually be fixed at once and during the build. However, changing the placement of a window or door is in the same category as changing a ceiling height or where the staircase is located -- the structural integrity of the whole house can be affected, and changes from blueprint shouldn't be done without approval of a structural engineer (ahem: $ and time), and the change may require re-inspection to be sure codes are still being met (ahem: lost time -- and $ while the crews wait). And another page of the budget is simply that there is difference between what the average GC thinks you'll be satisfied with and what you actually are satisfied with, in terms of quality, uniqueness, and customizing. Sometimes the difference is even more -- I've seen kitchens put together from the local discount-mass produced store and I've seen kitchens where every detail from crown molding to toe-step was handmade by a craftsman. Not going to say that one is better than the other, but IMO the wallet-holder should know -in advance- that there really can be tens of thousands of dollars difference in the final bill. The same is true of almost every detail on a home: you can get mass-produced in all levels of quality as well as getting custom-made or handcrafted. But if you didn't get specific on the contract, the odds are pretty good that you will be getting the least expensive whatever. On this same page is simply that item A can be the same or very little difference from item B, except in the price tag. Many builders are going to use the less expensive because they have figured a set price which includes their [or the subs] labor -- and the cheaper item will give them a bit more profit. And the last thing is, if it isn't written in detail in the contact, you shouldn't expect to automatically get what *you* want. The builder must make a profit -- and that's fair. But there is flat-out no way to reasonably expect the builder to know what you want if you don't already know, and finding out during the build is the most expensive way to go -in terms of time and money and stress-building....See MoreWould like some feedback on my master bedroom (pics)
Comments (17)jejvtr: Thanks for the complements on my bedroom, though it's still in the "getting the bones right" stage--as is the rest of my house. This forum has been so helpful--you cannot imagine! I can see a rug working in this room as well. I remember your lovely dining room drapes and I also like pinch pleats on a decorative rod. For so long I was thinking I had to use a double rod and I did not want 2 rows of rings--plus I do not like clips. However, a salesperson told me at RH that I can use loop rings (or simply remove the clips and use them as loop rings)--which then got me rethinking the rod setup. Then today I was looking at a website that mentioned a layered treatment with a traverse rod below and a decorative above--which again got me thinking as that way I won't have 2 layers of rings and I have much more choice of rods! Regarding the mirror, I don't think I will have room for both it and the TV, plus we also put in 2 mirrored closet doors in the room (not in the pics). What do you think of Les' suggestions for a vase and table lamp? I'm really not sure what would be better--center or off to the side. Hope some others chime in on that one--or perhaps squirrel will kindly do a few mock ups for me--pretty please....See MoreWould like some feedback please
Comments (8)I focused mainly on the General Description area. You may want to take a try at re-writing the text to get people excited about the house - right now it is too much of a "just the facts, madam" approach, and is for some reason hard for me to visualize (maybe not enough coffee yet). I don't like phrases like, "and has many desirable features." It takes up space without telling me anything. I started playing with your text to put it in a framework that seems more logical for me. This casually-elegant [rustic-elegant] light-filled 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home is located in a quiet family-oriented neighborhood of xxx city. It sits on a large, extensively landscaped lot with mature oak and walnut trees, and has two decks and a front porch to enjoy outdoor living [or is there a view of something?]. The main level living room has a vaulted ceiling, a brick wood burning fireplace, and oak hardwood floors that carry into the dining area. [Describe the kitchen] including a breakfast bar. [Sentence about the family room] First floor laundry and powder room have slate tile floors. Upstairs, the master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, large walk-in closet and full bath with deep soaking tub. Two additional bedrooms and a bath upstairs [anything special about them?] The lower level features a large bright family room/rec room with walk out, two additional finished rooms (possible bedrooms), and ample storage. 2 car garage with built-in storage cabinets and access to additional attic storage. Walk to neighborhood park or bike along the Military Ridge Bike trail. [Name] State Park and [ name] county park [distance or something particular that they offer]. Tyrol Basin ski area is nearby. Easy 20 minute commute via 4 lane highway to Madison at Midvale, or Dodgeville. Blue Mounds is part of the Mount Horeb Area School district. Call and set up an appointment to view this home for yourself!...See MoreKitchen plans. We would love some feedback
Comments (11)Seattle, Thanks very much for the drawings- they look great! Sochi: Thanks for the notes about the island. We are considering between 42-50 inches, leaning more towards 42 now though. We love your idea of no uppers, would bring so much more light into the kitchen. buehl: Great questions that brought up some good discussion. Here is more info. 1. The sink does not have to be under the window and does not have to be centered. We strongly considered putting it and the dishwasher in the island, but were worried it would mean we would want a wider island and it would be less walking space between the island and kitchen table. At this point we are still up for other considerations though! 2. We are very flexible, although my husband only wants to move the plumbing to one location (not split the sink and dishwasher between the island and window for example). 3. Sink in island: We were a little concerned that the sink may seem too close to the open front door under the window, however there is quite a bit of clearance. 4. Unfortunately our budget does not permit us to put in headers and make more window's. We are doing this all ourselves. We just replaced window 2 so a counter will fit underneath it. 5. Yes to considering sink in island! 6. Basement underneath the kitchen is unfinished. We would have to run plumbing through a small finished bathroom in the basement though. My husband thinks it is feasible for both the under window 2 location and also in the island. 7. Cooking, cleaning, parenting... everything happens at the same time in our kitchen!! We discussed having two sinks, however have decided that we want a little more counter space and also less plumbing work. 8. That is a great idea to put a layout. I will sketch one and attach it. Thanks! 9. Our family: Two preschoolers, I am a stay at home mom (for a couple more years at least), we are very active, cook most of our meals from scratch. The kids are always in the kitchen with us. They love to stand on chairs and "help". We expect to use the island seating for homework when they get older. So I would say all of the above for kitchen use! eating, entertaining, baking/cooking projects with the children, homework 11., 12. Yes, we are almost always in the kitchen together. Dinner prep we are often two (myself and DH) We are re-doing the kitchen for ourselves! We plan to be here 5+ years. Thanks to all for the feedback so far. Excellent things to consider....See More
just_janni
5 years ago
PROVirgil Carter Fine Art
5 years ago
beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
5 years agochisue
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoMrs Pete
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoEh, I don't particularly like this house.
- It's overdone ... complicated for the sake of complicated ... lacking in elegance and simplicity. This is evident from the excessive jigs and jogs driving up the cost of the perimeter to the out-of-proportion roof. It'll cost more than is necessary for the function provided.
- Foyer is large and gracious. Three small closets? Why so many?
- Dining room looks nice, and the adjacent wet bar will be handy ... half bath placement is unfortunately close to the dining room (though I understand it's in that spot because it's convenient to the garage entrance).
- What's the thought process in placing a bedroom adjacent to the master? Typically people want privacy in the master. This bedroom could have a window on the side wall; windows on two walls are always nicer.
- If you flip-flop the bedroom-next-to-master's closet and bath, you could have natural light in the bathroom. If you're against a bathroom window opening onto the front porch, I'd suggest a small octagonal window with seed glass.
- I'm not sure you'll be able to bring large furniture down the L-shaped hallway to the master bedroom.
- The mudroom door will always be open, making it a perfect spot for a pocket door. Not that people entering from the side will be able to avoid entering the mudroom.
- The washer /dryer are quite deep in the house. How will the dryer vent? The answer: Not as cheaply or as safely as a machine on an exterior wall. It'll be difficult to clean the vent, so it'll likely go undone.
- The study is nicely place, but I'd bump that small closet like this. Why? Because it removes problem of closet-door-bumps-into-study-door ... and because it now occupies space that's difficult to reach /use in the laundry.
- Note that the laundry is not convenient to any of the bedrooms.
- The pantry location is less than ideal. Consider the long walk -- right through the kitchen -- from the garage to the pantry. Am I reading correctly that the pantry is just barely over 3' wide? You want 1' on each wall for the shelves ... this doesn't leave you space for a reasonable walking aisle.
- You have a pocket door blocking off the two corner secondary bedrooms? That's a nice feature.
- A 6' vanity in this bathroom can support two sinks ... but it will have no drawers for storage, and this bathroom has no storage elsewhere. You'd be better off with one sink and a nice bank of drawers. Note, too, that the door swing makes the toilet-tub room uncomfortable. Think about it: You enter the room ... where are you going to stand to close the door? In the shower?
Overall, I don't care for it. It has a lot of negatives and no real strengths.
Suru
5 years ago- PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years ago stars26
5 years agobeckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
5 years agoBri Bosh
5 years agoBri Bosh
5 years agostars26
5 years ago
PROAnglophilia
5 years agoBri Bosh
5 years agostars26
5 years ago
bpath
5 years ago
cpartist
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agozorroslw1
5 years ago
One Devoted Dame
5 years ago
Jennifer Koe
5 years agostars26
5 years agocpartist
5 years agoBri Bosh
5 years agoUser
5 years agochispa
5 years agostars26
5 years agoWe signed a contract and paid 50% up front, but I will not stop until I get a decent plan. My husband is desperate and wants to start building, he is not very happy that I am starting over again. I never liked the plan, one of the reasons I posted is to show him that I was not alone in disliking the plan.
this is a rough draft of lot. 2 acres but is near the lake and there is an easement. This sketch was used just to apply for the septic, but It gives you an idea of the size.
stars26
5 years agobeckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
5 years agostars26
5 years ago
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