Hello dear house building forum ;-)
We have been planning to build our single-family home for some time now, and after some back and forth, it seems like things might finally work out.
We have communicated our wishes to the construction company to the extent that the following floor plan has been created. Since this is our first house (and ideally the last one as well), we are open to any suggestions regarding what might be impractical or could be improved. So far, the construction company hasn’t provided much feedback—they probably just build what they are told.
In general: as you can see, it’s a fairly conventional “standard” single-family house. The basement is a result of the limited plot size and the need for a not-too-small office, which can also serve as a guest room and retreat, combined with the need for storage space ;-). Since the plot slopes slightly towards the garden, we want to try to extend one side a bit and include a reasonably large window there.
We plan for two children, although one of them already likes to add their opinion with some shouting.
In the large living room, we need a corner where we can set up a nice screen for projector movie nights and also have some seating. We’ll see if that works out...
As mentioned, we are grateful for any input, and if you have any questions: just ask! In general, I think the house could be a bit longer to avoid sacrificing too much garden space. Do you think this would be practical or feasible?
We have been planning to build our single-family home for some time now, and after some back and forth, it seems like things might finally work out.
We have communicated our wishes to the construction company to the extent that the following floor plan has been created. Since this is our first house (and ideally the last one as well), we are open to any suggestions regarding what might be impractical or could be improved. So far, the construction company hasn’t provided much feedback—they probably just build what they are told.
In general: as you can see, it’s a fairly conventional “standard” single-family house. The basement is a result of the limited plot size and the need for a not-too-small office, which can also serve as a guest room and retreat, combined with the need for storage space ;-). Since the plot slopes slightly towards the garden, we want to try to extend one side a bit and include a reasonably large window there.
We plan for two children, although one of them already likes to add their opinion with some shouting.
In the large living room, we need a corner where we can set up a nice screen for projector movie nights and also have some seating. We’ll see if that works out...
As mentioned, we are grateful for any input, and if you have any questions: just ask! In general, I think the house could be a bit longer to avoid sacrificing too much garden space. Do you think this would be practical or feasible?
- Dimensions, please!
- Why is the shower on the ground floor? Without the shower, you could design the WC to create a usable entrance area with a coat rack and so on... if it’s just about having a second shower, put that in the basement.
- Nice plot, I would add more windows facing the garden to the house.
- I always find the niche next to the stairs on the upper floor a pity (usually it just collects dust with an old armchair or something).
- Consider whether you really want to do laundry in the basement.
- What is the knee wall height of the house? The bathroom looks like there might be none at all.
- How is the house positioned on the plot? The rectangle doesn’t really match the square-shaped house.
- "Limited plot area" – that doesn’t look limited on the site plan... how big is it?
- Why is the shower on the ground floor? Without the shower, you could design the WC to create a usable entrance area with a coat rack and so on... if it’s just about having a second shower, put that in the basement.
- Nice plot, I would add more windows facing the garden to the house.
- I always find the niche next to the stairs on the upper floor a pity (usually it just collects dust with an old armchair or something).
- Consider whether you really want to do laundry in the basement.
- What is the knee wall height of the house? The bathroom looks like there might be none at all.
- How is the house positioned on the plot? The rectangle doesn’t really match the square-shaped house.
- "Limited plot area" – that doesn’t look limited on the site plan... how big is it?
Thanks for the quick response!
Measurements of what exactly?
- Why is the shower on the ground floor? Without the shower, the toilet could be designed to allow a usable entrance area with a coat rack and so on... if it’s just about having a second shower, put that in the basement.
- Nice plot of land, I would add more windows facing the garden to the house.
- I always find that niche next to the stairs on the upper floor a bit of a waste (usually it just collects dust with some old armchair in it or something).
- Consider carefully whether you really want to do laundry in the basement.
- What is the knee wall height of the house? The bathroom looks like there might not even be one.
- How is the house positioned on the plot? The shape of the plot doesn’t really match the square shape of the house.
- "Limited plot size" – that doesn’t look limited on the site plan… how large is it?
BeHaElJa schrieb:
- Please provide measurements!
Measurements of what exactly?
- Why is the shower on the ground floor? Without the shower, the toilet could be designed to allow a usable entrance area with a coat rack and so on... if it’s just about having a second shower, put that in the basement.
- According to the builder, we would then need an additional sewage pump system. Also, the idea was ideally to stay in the house until someone literally carries me out, so having the option to sleep on the ground floor in old age would be nice.
- Nice plot of land, I would add more windows facing the garden to the house.
- Sounds good!
- I always find that niche next to the stairs on the upper floor a bit of a waste (usually it just collects dust with some old armchair in it or something).
- True! But right now I don’t really know how big the attic will be or where the folding staircase will go.
- Consider carefully whether you really want to do laundry in the basement.
- We would definitely like to hang laundry in the basement. It would be good if the washing machine is down there too.
- What is the knee wall height of the house? The bathroom looks like there might not even be one.
- Good point! We said it should be at least 1m to 1.5m (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 11 in). I’d be surprised if it’s higher. Let’s just say getting information from the company is a bit tedious, but it’s a development project...
- How is the house positioned on the plot? The shape of the plot doesn’t really match the square shape of the house.
- My fault. I actually wanted it positioned more rectangularly, but we received a square design as a draft... The entrance faces north (ok, the carport needs to move further to the left! 🤨)
- "Limited plot size" – that doesn’t look limited on the site plan… how large is it?
- Still a bit unclear, but it’s between 530 and 560 m² (5700 to 6000 ft²).
- Dimensions of all rooms and walls, so you can assess clear widths, furniture placement, etc.
- What ceiling height is planned? What are the stair dimensions? These are all details you should clarify before signing.
- Where do you plan to sleep? In the pantry? 😉 - just kidding, it’s clear you want to separate something from the living room.
- If you don’t get this kind of information, consider building with someone else...
- If you don’t like the floor plan, ask for revisions. You shouldn’t have to live in a house you don’t like – you’re paying too much for that.
- Okay, the plot looks a bit bigger on the drawing ;-)
- What ceiling height is planned? What are the stair dimensions? These are all details you should clarify before signing.
- Where do you plan to sleep? In the pantry? 😉 - just kidding, it’s clear you want to separate something from the living room.
- If you don’t get this kind of information, consider building with someone else...
- If you don’t like the floor plan, ask for revisions. You shouldn’t have to live in a house you don’t like – you’re paying too much for that.
- Okay, the plot looks a bit bigger on the drawing ;-)
I would also place the shower in the basement if you plan to use that space as a guest room. For your information: there are now complete shower units available that already include the lifting system.
Also, if you need a lifting system for the shower, you will likely need one for the washing machine and the sink in the utility room, and possibly even for the heating/ventilation system.
I would try to design the staircase with only one turn. Having a turn at the top is unnecessary and takes up the same amount of space.
The entrance will be tight. I wouldn’t make the guest toilet any larger than the pantry, as BeHaElja already suggested. Our guest bathroom on the ground floor measures 1.80 x 1.80 meters (6 x 6 feet) inside and it’s sufficient.
I would keep the niche in the hallway next to the stairs. Otherwise, the hallway becomes too cramped. However, I would plan to add a skylight for better lighting.
???? The bathtub is recessed, and you can clearly see the 2-meter (6 feet 7 inches) line!
Do you really need the hobby room in the basement? You have a large living room for gatherings. I would consider splitting this room into two instead.
Also, if you need a lifting system for the shower, you will likely need one for the washing machine and the sink in the utility room, and possibly even for the heating/ventilation system.
I would try to design the staircase with only one turn. Having a turn at the top is unnecessary and takes up the same amount of space.
The entrance will be tight. I wouldn’t make the guest toilet any larger than the pantry, as BeHaElja already suggested. Our guest bathroom on the ground floor measures 1.80 x 1.80 meters (6 x 6 feet) inside and it’s sufficient.
I would keep the niche in the hallway next to the stairs. Otherwise, the hallway becomes too cramped. However, I would plan to add a skylight for better lighting.
BeHaElJa schrieb:
What is the knee wall height of the house? The bathroom looks like there might not be any
???? The bathtub is recessed, and you can clearly see the 2-meter (6 feet 7 inches) line!
Do you really need the hobby room in the basement? You have a large living room for gatherings. I would consider splitting this room into two instead.
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