Converting a barn into a guest house-- architect needed?
Greta Interiors
3 years ago
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Greta Interiors
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Shed converted into a guest house (landscape ideas needed)!
Comments (11)Well Im not sure what "style" but this is kinda what I have had in mind as far as style (maybe but Id like your ideas)! The little ugly shack looks like a mini mansion on the inside (all the extras, hardwood floors, custom cabinets etc.) so Im looking for maybe something sophisticated, rich but with natural/neutral , bare minimal of plants (because of the snakes). The house will be painted a natural lovely rich greenish/tan to blend in with the landscape. I have a huge stack of taxes flat rook stones so I thought Id make a walkway with them? I found a very cute evergreen type small shrub (#2 picture) I just love it! So I wanted to use those on each side. I think I liked the big rocks (mirror image on each side of the walkway in the front). I wanted to use stone work for the rest of the foundation because the rocks are free & it really makes the place look nicer. Can anyone tell me if they make a a-symmetrical conifer tree that doesn't get to large (maybe 12 ft or smaller)? Iv been to a bunch of plant stores & Im having trouble finding interesting small trees. Iv got several large japans maples in pots but everyone uses them now so Im not sure if thats what I want. I really like the look of small pines more so then maples & I think the maples will look out of place? Id set some of them around in pots & see if I can find a spot for 1 or 2 of them. Also any cool looking unique small trees I could put in pots on either side of the front steps? It wouldn't have to live in a pot I could plant it next to the concrete. Im not looking for comen plants. Id like it to be interesting & rich looking (this poor shack needs a BID face lift so I need to spend some on the exterior). We live way out in the woods so low maintenance is a must & Im not big on flowers at all. The Clemet's in the front adds a little (I think but what do I know) it really looks nice when the yellow rose type tiny flowers bloom. There's also another vine in that mass of greenery. Its a white flowering fine, Im sorry but I dont know the names of either? The circle drive way is where Im standing in the 1st picture (Im taking the picture). So the walkway goes to it & then in picture #3 the patch leads up the hill to the chickens coop & the orchard. I visit both areas all day long as you can see from the dirt patch but Im hoping to make a pretty tx. flat rock path soon. Funny thing is the chickens have there 8x8 house completely done, insulated, painted inside & out with an arbor on the side of the house with a nice grape vine on it. Our house isnt done & the guest house looks like this! So if you want to see what color Ill be paining house & all the buildings, I can go out & take pictures of the hens house. LOL I really like the wide walkway in the picture & I like the idea of the bushes on the left hand side. Also I really like the idea of not having steps on the porch but its used allot but I need to enclose it soon to keep the snakes & the (too friendly) yard bantams off....See MorePERMIT KNOWLEDGE NEEDED! Permitted carport converted to guest cottage
Comments (7)Some places, you need a permit to even change a faucet. You always need to check with your local AHJ before you start any project. Especially if you are new to the area. Although there are national building codes in place, enforcement of them varies a good deal. What flies in one area won't in another....See MoreFoundation question; converting a horse stable to a guest house.
Comments (12)Before talking to the building inspector you should review the requirements of the residential building code and the local supplement since the building inspector isn't going to design the house for you. Here are the codes. As mentioned above, foundations are a critical issue in Colorado so pay close attention to the Foundation Compliance Form at the end of the Residential Supplement. The Quick Code Check feature is very helpful. When you think you understand the basics and have investigated the existing conditions, meet with the building inspector and go over what will be required. Here is the online version of the 2015 IRC. If you are serious about building the house yourself, I recommend buying the soft cover version of the 2015 IRC and marking the sections that are revised by the Supplement. You can buy it from the county for $108; the ICC sells it for $134....See MoreNeed help with roof, siding, window colors on pool/guest house
Comments (2)Nice that you are willing to pay for good advice, it saves in the long run I've found out. Have you checked through house for a pro in your area? That's how I found my architect several years ago and she was fabulous! i loved her work shown on Houzz....See Moreres2architect
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