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zuke1025
Joined: 10 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:38 pm Post subject: I need some advice (architects please!) |
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I've always been interested in residential home design...I took a couple of drafting classes in high school and learned enough to make sense of a floor plan. As an adult, I've always thought the opportunity to have a hand in designing my own home would be extremely cool. I feel like I'm very close to being able to afford to build for the first time in my life, and I'd like to know how realistic it is to think I could actually have one of MY designs built. I've attached some pics of a design I've been working on and I'm really just wondering 2 things:
1. How close is the design to something that could actually work structurally and in compliance w/ general building codes?
2. How much more would it cost to attempt to have a custom design like this built vs. a builder's ready-made design (I live in the mid-west and homes in my state are easily being built for around $100/sq ft right now...so, in other words, how much more per sq ft might I expect a design like this to cost...I've estimated the sq footage to be around 1700)
I apologize ahead of time for the crudity of the plan and would definitely appreciate any feedback some of you out there might have...thanks! |
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:54 am Post subject: |
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I think you have a nice start. You should be able to take this to either a local architect or residential designer for completion.
You might have trouble finding an architect to take your design and finish it.... ego gets in the way for some people. AND not many architects do houses..... we do and have helped people develop their vision. But just realize - not everyone will. Our opinion is that design/architecture is very visual, therefore photos and drawings help our clients communicate their desires to us. Sometimes I get hundreds of clippings from people.  and yes, we look at all of them.
There will be some changes made to make the structure work out and the elevation will probably need some changes to make things work internally. Only seeing the front elevation, I wonder about headroom upstairs.
I don't see anything glaring about building code or structure. Structure takes some time to study and lay out, but I don't see anything out of the question.
You might actually spend more money on this house because it is a 1 1/2 story rather than a straight 2 story house. If you have a builder in mind, you might be able to discuss the issue of cost with them.
There are little things our office would review and discuss with you. Which is why you come to a professional. We might want to discuss the location of the furnace (long runs to the Master), the addition of a basement (great for future expansion and location of utilities. Location of the master tub.... not sure I want to be using it if someone comes in and leaves the bedroom door open .... and how about a double vanity for the Master. Little things that will make the house more livable.
You might enjoy reading Sarah Susanka's Not So Big House or visit her website . You might find some more ideas to make your house even more enjoyable and how to utilize space to its fullest.
Good luck and have fun. |
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zuke1025
Joined: 10 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:18 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks so much for all of your advice...I actually have worked up elevations for the other 3 sides of the house, I'll post them soon and maybe you could let me know if they better help to visualize the upstairs space (I've tried to take into account head-room but I know that I could have miscalculated)...we have a local builder here who promotes custom designs w/ their clients so I'm hoping, once I feel totally ready to take the leap, they might be a good fit for what I'm wanting to do...thanks again for taking the time to take a look and I'd love to know what you think once I get the other elevations posted. |
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csintexas
millennium club
Joined: 06 Feb 2006
Posts: 2174
Location: USA
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:39 am Post subject: |
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Your elevation is so dark I can't really make out what is happening.
There may be a few problems that need correction but nothing major. The cost varies greatly with how you finish it so there is no way we can look at this and predict the cost. Start talking to builders.
_________________
-Chris Stewart
http://bcshdb.blogspot.com >
The B/CS Home Design Blog |
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zuke1025
Joined: 10 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:53 pm Post subject: |
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| Ok, I've taken all of the color out of the elevations so that they're a little easier to make sense of...also, I realized the title of the post kind of indicates I only want the input of architects...I'm actually interested to hear what anyone has to say about the plan...any advice from some builders out there would be great also! |
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csintexas
millennium club
Joined: 06 Feb 2006
Posts: 2174
Location: USA
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| Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:53 am Post subject: |
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Oh I didn't notice that but in light of your subject line I would qualify that I am not an architect.
Briefly looking at your plan I would say you have done well fitting everything together and I don't see anything which is not possible. (although a local designer may) Aesthetically I would have made other choices but this design is overall inline with the typical builder house.
_________________
-Chris Stewart
http://bcshdb.blogspot.com >
The B/CS Home Design Blog |
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:09 am Post subject: |
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To follow-up with Chris.... most states do not require you to have an architect or be an architect to design single family residences. There are a number of talented people who provide residential design services, but are not architects. In fact - most architects do not design houses - as I stated before.
But you can be just as well-served if you find a residential designer locally who has experience. Since Residential Designers are not licensed and there are no education requirements, there are a wide range of abilities with Residential Designers. You need to look at their work, get references, and discuss with local builders who they might recommend - if you choice to use a residential designer. And you should do the same for selecting an architect.
You might also consider talking to the builder and see if they will not complete your design for you. Most builders have a standing relationship with either an architect or a residential designer. The disadvantage with this approach is that you will not have final control of the design and many of the materials. You need to realize the drawings should be part of the contract and if there are things not shown in the drawings or properly specified..... that might mean they are not included in the construction cost. |
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Andrei63
Joined: 03 Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Location: Atlnata. GA, USA
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| Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject: Re: I need some advice (architects please!) |
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I can help you if you will send to me your plans , elevations, site plan and all requirements from you local codes.
andrei63@msn.com www.a-idi.com |
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Andrei63
Joined: 03 Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Location: Atlnata. GA, USA
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| Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject: Re: I need some advice (architects please!) |
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I can help you if you will send to me your plans , elevations, site plan and all requirements from you local codes.
andrei63@msn.com www.a-idi.com |
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