The Basic House Design

The Basic House Design Chapter 2

Four Main Designs for Residential Homes • One Story (Ranch) • One-and-one half story • Two story • Split

The One Story Ranch Design • Living space is located on one level • Lends self to beautiful indoor and outdoor living • Absence of stairs…unless it has a basement

The One Story Ranch • Low pitched roof with wide overhangs • Outside is easy to maintain due to one story • May be built with full basement

Disadvantage of Ranch Design • More costly to build • Requires more roof area • Requires more foundation

Disadvantage of Ranch Design • Requires a larger lot • Maintainace costs may be more expensive due to large roof and exterior wall surface

One-and-One Half Story Design • This home is often called the Cape Cod • One story with steeper roof which allows for expansion of the attic • Dormers

Advantages of 11/2 Story • Economy • Built in expansability • Bedrooms and bath are generally built into attic space • Second floor is about ½ the size of the first floor.

One-and-One Half Story • Could be left unfinished at first • Heating costs are minimal • Rooms must be planned for the ultimate number of occupants

The Two Story • More economical to build than Ranch or the 1 ½ story designs • Requires smaller lot • Heating and cooling is economical

The Two Story • Not as popular today as when it was introduced. • Usually traditional in style

Disadvantages of Two Story • Maintenance may be difficult and more costly • Does not lend itself to variations in style

The Split Design • Designed for the sloping or hilly lot • Takes advantage of troublesome elevation.

The Split Design • Lowest level houses heating and cooling equipment, storage and shop or washroom • Basement occupies 40-60 percent of house space.

The Split DesignThe Intermediate Level • Generally houses garage and recreation area • Ground level • Patio • Porch • Terrace

The Split DesignThe Living Level • Also located at grade level • Kitchen, dining room, living room, Full or half bath, • Foyer, mud room, wash room may also be located on this level. • Patios and terraces

The Split DesignThe Sleeping Area • The highest level of the house • The half-level difference between the living and sleeping levels affords greater privacy and quietness

The Split Design • Often more expensive than two story but cheaper than a ranch • Heating tends to be a problem but is resolved by different thermostats

Variations of Split-Level Design • Side-by-Side • Front-to-Back • Back-to-Front Depending on the way the lot is sloped

Traffic Circulation • Primary consideration • Moving from one room to another • Planned with maximum efficiency

Traffic Circulation • Distance from garage to kitchen should be short and direct • Foyer should be centrally located • All bedrooms need to be close to a bath • Few rooms have traffic patterns • Family room and eating nook are exceptions

Chapter 3 Primary Considerations

What to consider: • Neighbors • Climate • Shopping • Transportation • Room for Expansion

Cost & Restrictions • Costs • tree removal • grading • drainage • The deed

Zoning and Codes • Zoning Ordinances • Commercial or Residential

Topographical Features • Slope • Contour • Size • Shape • Elevations • Trees • Rocks • Soil/Water Conditions

Family Needs • Find/Build a home that fits needs of family • Eating • Sleeping • Laundry • Hobbies • Studying • etc.

Other Considerations • Planning the home not only from inside-out.

Modular Aspects • Modular homes • Factory build homes • Utilize materials • adding extra foot around house not big expense

Modular Aspects • Material Size • Plywood - 4’ X 8’ • Paneling - 4’ x 8’ • Concrete Block • Modules of 4” • Lumber 8’, 10’, 12,’ 16’ To reduce waste

Drawings include a set of plans • Plot Plan • Foundation Plan • Floor Plan • Elevations • Electrical Plan • Construction Details • Pictorial Representation

Chapter 3 Primary Consideration

What to consider: • Site Consideration • Community • Cost • Zoning restrictions • Style • Location • Schools