|
DesignHouse Plan
Revisions
How to Choose a
House Plan
Storage - You had
better Plan on it.
DesignHouse Plan Revisions
What if I like one of your homes but just want to make
a few changes?
First before we get started there are somethings that your
contractor can do "on-site"
- if your building code dept. will allow on-site changes.
Your builder can create a basement foundation from a crawlspace foundation.
- Just remember to find a place for the stairs.
Your builder can change window styles, sizes and locations.
Your builder can change your exterior building finish for you - if you
want brick and the plan shows siding - he can add a brick ledge without
any problem.
Your builder can enclose a porch for a sunroom or breakfast area.
Here is just a small list of some of the things we can
change.
1. Design a new Exterior. - Just say we have a home
that has a country exterior and you would like a more formal exterior.
2. Making rooms Smaller. - We can make rooms smaller
but it depends on where they are located. Generally it is easier to
make a home larger than smaller. But if you want one smaller just le
tus know and we'll see what we can do!
3. Changing the roof style. - Maybe we have a home
that you like but instead of a gable roof you would like it to have
a hip roof.
4. Add a room. - Maybe you need an extra room added
onto the home to make it just perfect. 5. Got another request? - Just
let us know and we will let you know if it is possible.
Please include your email address or phone number so we
can get in touch with you. Email us for modifications to one of our
plans or Fax your requests to 1-601-928-7575.
COST? It depends on what we have to do.
The less changes we have to make the less we will have to
charge you. Just remember what you do now will affect how you enjoy
your home for years to come. It is often less costly to get the home
built the way you want it now than if you have to remodel or add on
in a few years.Try to picture how you want to use your home when and
if your family changes... the birth of a new child, children going off
to college, starting a home business or just having that extra space
to call your own...
How to choose a house plan.
1. Make a list of everything you want in a house. Go ahead
and list it all... reality will scale it back soon enough.
2. Decide what would "be nice" and what you absolutely can not live
without.
3. If your not sure on a style, take a look around you. If your furnishings
(even your clothing) are casual or formal that will give you an idea
of what your most comfortable in.
4. Think, really think about how you live. What would make your life
more enjoyable in your new house? Would an extra bath be nice? Would
it be better if the kitchen were close to the master bedroom (for late
night snacks)? Would a split plan work better for you and your children?
5. How big is your lot? The house of your dreams will not do any good
if it will not fit on your lot.
6. How much room do you need or want? It is often easier to picture
sizes when you know what you have already. If you have to, get that
measuring tape out and see what you need.
7. There are several decorating books out there but please build your
home for the way you live not anyone else.
Storage - You had better plan on it.
I have never heard anyone say, "This house would be perfect
if it had less storage... what a waste of space".
The best way of making sure you have enough storage is
to include it in your plans before you build. However, some of the following
tips may give you ideas, even if your home is finished.
1. Taller ceilings - If you can't go out, try going
up! Tall ceilings can be used to carve out more storage in several rooms.
In your closets, several rows of higher shelves can be placed above
your normal rod for items that are out of season. Kitchens and Great
Rooms can also benefit from higher ceilings because you can use taller
cabinets. Don't forget the open area above the wall cabinets, which
can house anything from a basket of books to speakers.
2. Stairs - If you have stairs, putting deep drawers or cabinet
style doors on the side can help you get the most use out of an otherwise
waste of space. Note - Please check with your local building department
on locating anything under your stairs, some codes do not allow this
area to be used without making special provisions.
3. The Attic - If you are going to have a steep roof, take advantage
of this extra storage space. When you build make sure the ceiling joists
are sized large enough to carry any extra load created from your storage
items. ONE TIP - If you install "real" stairs instead of pull down stairs,
getting that Christmas tree down every year will be much easier!
4. Built-in Seating - A mudroom is the perfect place for built-in
seating. If you build the seating with a hinged top or deep drawers,
you get the perfect place to store your shoes. In a bedroom you have
the perfect place to read a book and hide extra blankets at the same
time.
5. Cabinets - Linen cabinets with a built-in hamper are perfect
for creating extra space in your bath. Everything is located in one
place and does not take up extra floor space.
6. Islands - They can be great in a kitchen for extra storage
but have you tried one on wheels? If you need more room in the kitchen,
you simply roll it out of the way. Have you thought about an island
in your closet? If you have a large walk-in closet ,why not take advantage
of that extra floor space? A small island makes a perfect place for
extra storage and you maybe able to free up some floor space in your
bedroom by not having an extra dresser.
7. The Garage - With the popularity of SUV's it is very important
you make sure your new garage will be big enough to hold the family
car. For example the GMC Yukon has a length of 198.9" and the Yukon
XL has a length of 219.3". If you plan on walking around it after you
park, that garage better be deeper than 20'-0".
Copyright 2004 - Debra Purvis, AIBD
President DesignHouse Inc.
Please contact us if you would like permission to use this article on
your website, email or newsletter. Thank you
I hope I gave you a few ideas to think about for your new
home and best wishes on your next building project...Debra
| 
