Homeplanning Information
http://www.constructiontrends.com/articles/4/1/Homeplanning-Information/Page1.html
Bob Goodman
Bob Goodman attended LSU School of Architecture in the 60's, and pioneered computer aided design in the 70's. He has designed many buildings and homes in the Baton Rouge area, and is still active in the business. Visit the HouseplanZ Website for more homeplanning and homebuilding information. By Bob Goodman
Published on 08/15/2005
Several factors must be considered to properly select a home site: Location, Environment, and Lot Size directly affect the planning process.
Location
Is the neighborhood accessible and convenient to your work, shopping, and schools? Research zoning ordinances and restrictions on the lot and neighboring properties, including allowed uses, size of living area, styles and materials. Are water, sewer, electricity, gas, phone and television cable available?
Environment
How is the lot oriented? Its relationship to the sun, north wind and prevailing breezes should influence the location of windows and outdoor areas. Research soil conditions and possible flooding or drainage problems. Note the lot's characteristics, such as slopes, trees, good or unsightly views, privacy, the styles of adjacent houses and how your home will relate to them.
Lot Size
What is the size of the lot? Also, building lines, setbacks, servitudes, and easements must be considered to determine the buildable area. It's important that your house "footprint" does not exceed the lot's buildable area. The footprint is the width and depth of the space the home and its outbuildings will occupy.
To determine your needs, factors such as Building Cost and Size, Lifestyle, Rooms, Layout, and Style must be considered.
Building Cost and Size
How much money can you spend? Consult lenders to determine your mortgage limits. What size house can you afford? Size is important, but the type of construction, materials and interior finishes of your new home also affects its final cost. Consult builders in your area to determine construction costs. These factors will establish the size and quality of your home.
Lifestyle
Examine your lifestyle. Note the daily routines of your family from morning to bedtime. How your family eats, communicates, recreates, and relaxes will affect your home design. How does your present home serve your needs? What are its shortcomings? Try to anticipate future needs. Young children rapidly become young adults. Work situations may change.
Rooms
Determine the type, size, and number of rooms you need. How many bedrooms and bathrooms are required? Do you need a formal dining room or living room, a den or game room? What size kitchen will serve your family? Should it include an island, serving bar, breakfast area, keeping room, or walk-in pantry? What facilities should be included in your utility room? What closets and storage areas will you require? What hobbies do your family members have? Will a darkroom, sewing room, or workshop be necessary? Will a home office be required now or in the future? What size garage or carport will you need, keeping in mind that future drivers may require a car for work or school? Also consider outdoor areas, such as porches, patios, and storage for lawn and garden tools.
Layout
One method to develop a floor plan is to cut scaled shapes of your rooms from paper or cardboard. Measure the rooms in your present home to get an idea of sizes. Don't concern yourself with detailed drawings or exterior style; but concentrate on the relationships and placement of rooms that fit your lifestyle. Visualize each room, its function, and how it relates to other rooms. Cut scaled shapes of furniture and play with possible arrangements. Be aware that long hallways and rarely used formal rooms waste space.
Do you want one or two stories? Your lot may dictate this. If the footprint of your home and outbuildings exceed the buildable area of your lot, you will have to build upwards. Another reason for two stories is to separate the master suite and children's bedrooms for privacy. Of course, this can be accomplished by placing the parents and children on opposite sides of the house in a "split-plan" arrangement.
There are many software packages on the market to help you develop your plans. One easy-to-use program, SmartDraw, allows you to draw floor plans without the hassle of learning CAD -- a free trial version is available.
Style
Your visitor’s first impressions will be dictated by your home's exterior appearance. Choose a style that compliments both your personality and the neighborhood.
Since style affects planning, your initial layout may change to fit the style you choose. For instance, traditional designs are often symmetrical, while modern designs are free and open.
Visit model home sites; they offer the latest in style and decorating ideas.
Create an idea file. Browse magazines and save photographs, articles, floor plans, and information on products that appeal to you. You can get free design and construction magazines online. Prepare a wish list of everything you'd like in your new home. Naturally, you can't incorporate every item; so, prioritize your list. But, don't let priorities alone dictate; be sure to include a couple of those special items that will give your home a unique personality.
Once your plan is developed, you're ready to contact an architect or designer, or select from the multitude of available stock plans. Stock plans may be the less expensive option and many companies offering them have staff available to make modifications. Computers should make these changes relatively easy and inexpensive. But, be aware that excessive revisions to stock plans could end up costing as much as custom designs. Make sure you understand all the costs involved before purchasing a set of stock plans and contracting with the seller or a local designer to make changes. And be aware that changing stock plans without the express permission of the original designer is considered a derivative work and in violation of the copyright laws.
I sincerely hope these guidelines help you plan that dream home.
Good luck with your project,
Bob Goodman
ABGoodman HouseplanZ
copyright © 2003 Bob Goodman - all rights reserved
Guidelines to help you plan a home that fits your particular needs and lifestyle.
Homeplanning Information
Home Site
Location
Is the neighborhood accessible and convenient to your work, shopping, and schools? Research zoning ordinances and restrictions on the lot and neighboring properties, including allowed uses, size of living area, styles and materials. Are water, sewer, electricity, gas, phone and television cable available?
Environment
How is the lot oriented? Its relationship to the sun, north wind and prevailing breezes should influence the location of windows and outdoor areas. Research soil conditions and possible flooding or drainage problems. Note the lot's characteristics, such as slopes, trees, good or unsightly views, privacy, the styles of adjacent houses and how your home will relate to them.
Lot Size
What is the size of the lot? Also, building lines, setbacks, servitudes, and easements must be considered to determine the buildable area. It's important that your house "footprint" does not exceed the lot's buildable area. The footprint is the width and depth of the space the home and its outbuildings will occupy.
Requirements
Building Cost and Size
How much money can you spend? Consult lenders to determine your mortgage limits. What size house can you afford? Size is important, but the type of construction, materials and interior finishes of your new home also affects its final cost. Consult builders in your area to determine construction costs. These factors will establish the size and quality of your home.
Lifestyle
Examine your lifestyle. Note the daily routines of your family from morning to bedtime. How your family eats, communicates, recreates, and relaxes will affect your home design. How does your present home serve your needs? What are its shortcomings? Try to anticipate future needs. Young children rapidly become young adults. Work situations may change.
Rooms
Determine the type, size, and number of rooms you need. How many bedrooms and bathrooms are required? Do you need a formal dining room or living room, a den or game room? What size kitchen will serve your family? Should it include an island, serving bar, breakfast area, keeping room, or walk-in pantry? What facilities should be included in your utility room? What closets and storage areas will you require? What hobbies do your family members have? Will a darkroom, sewing room, or workshop be necessary? Will a home office be required now or in the future? What size garage or carport will you need, keeping in mind that future drivers may require a car for work or school? Also consider outdoor areas, such as porches, patios, and storage for lawn and garden tools.
Layout
One method to develop a floor plan is to cut scaled shapes of your rooms from paper or cardboard. Measure the rooms in your present home to get an idea of sizes. Don't concern yourself with detailed drawings or exterior style; but concentrate on the relationships and placement of rooms that fit your lifestyle. Visualize each room, its function, and how it relates to other rooms. Cut scaled shapes of furniture and play with possible arrangements. Be aware that long hallways and rarely used formal rooms waste space.
Do you want one or two stories? Your lot may dictate this. If the footprint of your home and outbuildings exceed the buildable area of your lot, you will have to build upwards. Another reason for two stories is to separate the master suite and children's bedrooms for privacy. Of course, this can be accomplished by placing the parents and children on opposite sides of the house in a "split-plan" arrangement.
There are many software packages on the market to help you develop your plans. One easy-to-use program, SmartDraw, allows you to draw floor plans without the hassle of learning CAD -- a free trial version is available.
Style
Your visitor’s first impressions will be dictated by your home's exterior appearance. Choose a style that compliments both your personality and the neighborhood.
Since style affects planning, your initial layout may change to fit the style you choose. For instance, traditional designs are often symmetrical, while modern designs are free and open.
Tactics
Create an idea file. Browse magazines and save photographs, articles, floor plans, and information on products that appeal to you. You can get free design and construction magazines online. Prepare a wish list of everything you'd like in your new home. Naturally, you can't incorporate every item; so, prioritize your list. But, don't let priorities alone dictate; be sure to include a couple of those special items that will give your home a unique personality.
Once your plan is developed, you're ready to contact an architect or designer, or select from the multitude of available stock plans. Stock plans may be the less expensive option and many companies offering them have staff available to make modifications. Computers should make these changes relatively easy and inexpensive. But, be aware that excessive revisions to stock plans could end up costing as much as custom designs. Make sure you understand all the costs involved before purchasing a set of stock plans and contracting with the seller or a local designer to make changes. And be aware that changing stock plans without the express permission of the original designer is considered a derivative work and in violation of the copyright laws.
I sincerely hope these guidelines help you plan that dream home.
Good luck with your project,
Bob Goodman
ABGoodman HouseplanZ
copyright © 2003 Bob Goodman - all rights reserved
Article source: GreatPossibilities.com