Most real estate decisions acknowledge the school quality and crime rate but many aspects of neighborhood culture are important. Neighborhood –it’s not well recognized in America how much our neighborhoods define our lives. Use a checklist such as the following even if you know all this anyway! Mistakes here are not allowed! Winter is often a good season to buy because the lack of foliage often allows for a better sense of the land. Often the time of day affects the site significantly and you should visit the site a few times before buying. Keep a close eye out for site issues that aren’t obvious. A Winnebago in Yosemite is better architecture than a Victorian by the freeway. No decision in building a home is as important as site selection. If you’re a first time owner-builder you might want to get a subscription. Also, start looking carefully at existing houses! Collect photographs from magazines! Fine Homebuilding is an excellent source for general notions and also specific ideas. Process note: If you’ve got a parcel and building site already skip down to Room Placement or maybe read through so that the issues are fresh in your mind at the beginning of the design process. Do a lot of scribbling but drafting is still a long ways off. Take out only scratch paper at this point, not the good stuff. Towards the end of this guide there is a section with drawing tips and standards. Drafting is a large job however and your time might be more important than a draftsman’s wages.
For code compliance order a UBC (Unified Building Code) handbook (check on ) –or get a good relationship going with your local planning official! They know everything, and that’s backed by law. Before you start drawing, drop by your planning department and ask what drawings they’ll require. If you leave out an important detail they’ll call and ask for it. A clear planset is important but as long as the compliance is clearly stated they can do their jobs. The planning department will be looking for code compliance. You can draft the plans yourself by hand or with a computer, or you can hire a draftsman. As this is the age of quick information, I’ve tried to use as few words as possible. You can use this guide to stimulate ideas or as a checklist, to make sure you haven’t missed an important point.
When the building starts, you won’t even have time to decide between a medium or a large coffee in the morning. Architecture is about thinking –and re-thinking. Even the most experienced designer must search through the logic of what might work better. Architecture is about making the most out of the opportunities at hand, it’s a constant search for a better layout. This is a quick guide to help you get the most from what you build.
Fitzpatrick Keller Studio Architecture, Home Design Sandpoint, Idahoĭrawing the plans Site Selection Building Placement Room Placement and Optimal Sizes Symbolism in Design Windows and Doors Ceilings and Roofs Utilities Designing for your budget Sustainability Designing a very small house Designing a large house Drawing the final plan set