useless space need help
Deb Mcgrail
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
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Comments (29)
tozmo1
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoRelated Discussions
Architect said buying online plans useless..need to be redrawn??
Comments (36)Ok let's talk about codes. I have found the CABO/ICC building codes to cover the critical design elements of a house very well with only a few exceptions because the minimum is often the optimum for such a lightly loaded short structure. If you designed joists using the formulas you were taught in school they would be the same as you would get using the code tables except in borderline cases the code always rounds upward and doesn't adjust for poorly graded lumber, etc. The IRC requires LVL's and I-joists to be designed by an engineer but in Maine the state law allows a builder to do that if he/she submits the manufacturer's sizing tables and the loading conditions with the drawings for the building permit. The state law was changed to exempt a builder from the prohibition of practicing engineering for a house in 07, so you can imagine what an architect's license means in Maine. I don't think Vermont even has a residential building code yet and there are other states that are similar or where the code is adopted or not adopted by each county and enforcement is not consistent due to lack of staff. Anyway, the biggest deficiency to the codes that I know of is the flexibility of floor joists. The deflection limit at maximum loading is intended to prevent ceiling plaster from cracking and is not very helpful. Many long span joists are legal but excessively bouncy and there are no simple rules of thumb that eliminate this problem. I tried to write one and a week later I couldn't understand it. Unfortunately bridging and blocking have been found to do little to stiffen typical joist sizes. I also find the ICC foundation section to be inadequate but the code allows the option to use ACI318 which is an excellent standard and design guide but any code standard must be limited to a maximum amount of unbalanced fill; an engineer would be needed to design a cantilevered retaining wall. The code deals with typical regional wind and snow loads pretty well but not high wind, drifted snow and earthquake loads. At any rate, I won't design anything without an engineer involved even if he isn't required to stamp the drawings. I like his insurance policy a lot. I think a contractor could use the building code as a defense in court but it would be of less use for a licensed design professional. For me the medical analogies are interesting but not realistic. It is still acceptable in certain parts of the US to build your own house without any oversight or control by anyone (except possibly the local electric coo-op) and this idea is considered a right to many. I think the practice of medicine has advanced considerably farther than the house building industry....See Morehelp! Need help w this space
Comments (4)What is at the other end of your room...opposite the windows? I think a square or rectangular rug would look nice and a couple of lamps on your end tables. As for the coffee table...I think I would center the one couch on the fireplace and put the coffee table in front of that couch. The wood in the center of the table looks like it could be painted or even taken out and glass put in there. Unless you need privacy, I would hang sheer curtains on your windows, or leave them plain....I think curtains make a room feel finished....See MoreNeed help w/ wall color! Need to brighten up the space.
Comments (2)Why not just use Alabaster? If you want to go lighter than Accessible Beige, then you’re heading into whites anyway. I’m not sure I’d want to add another white to the mix with Dover and Alabaster. I’d pick one of them and I like the look of all one white for wall and trim. Aesthetic white is the shade lighter than Accessible Beige. Or you could choose Dover, but I think it’s nice to have some contrast with cabinets. Dover looks yellow against any white that isn’t a creamy yellow....See MoreHelp! Need Design Help on Kitchen Remodel to "warm" space
Comments (2)Warming the space with that charcoal island and cool looking flooring might call for some hot orange or yellow accessories on the shelves. I don't have a housekeeper, so anything that requires additional cleaning isn't my style, but wood would help warm things up. It must coordinate with your flooring though. Best to focus on canisters, small appliances for warmth. Red/orange Yellow Cool, but cool......See MoreDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoanj_p
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoLala
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoanj_p
3 years agoMaureen
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoUser
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoLala
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agotozmo1
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years agoLorraine Leroux
3 years agoMelissa R
3 years agoanna_682
3 years agoLala
3 years agotozmo1
3 years agoDeb Mcgrail
3 years ago
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