ᐅ Building alignment including or excluding garage on a sloped lot

Hello everyone,

Originally, we planned a solid construction house with an architect. Due to the uncertain market situation and potential cost increases with individual contracts, we have now decided to go with a prefabricated house provider and are therefore switching to timber frame construction. The floor plan remains largely unchanged, but the new construction method requires some adjustments:

The architect planned two or three steps as well as a concrete slab with a raised edge in the outbuilding. The prefabricated house provider rejects this, arguing that both buildings must be at the same level. Direct contact between the exterior wall and the foundation/reinforced concrete wall would lead to moisture and long-term damage. The height difference is small and is better compensated through the foundation.

However, the section shows a critical height offset. Possible solutions would be:

• Lowering the house (possibly with disadvantages for drainage, daylight, and appearance),
• Separating the garage and designing the transition with steps,
• Or leveling the front height already and building the garage higher (steep driveway)

What do you think: Is lowering problematic? Would a separate structure with a connection be more advisable? Do you have alternative ideas?

Elevations, sections, and floor plans are attached – I look forward to your feedback!

Thanks in advance!

I'm not really someone who works with floor plans.

But how do you come up with the idea that a prefabricated house is cheap? That's a misconception. Just like the lemon butterfly doesn’t fold lemons.

nordanney schrieb:

But how do you get the idea that a prefab house is cheap? That is a misconception. Just like the brimstone butterfly doesn’t fold lemons.

I assume that the focus of the change here will not be on solid construction versus timber frame construction, but rather on architect versus general contractor, so that you have the turnkey certainty instead of uncertain individual contracts.

nordanney schrieb:

I'm not really someone who cares about floor plans.

Apparently, that’s not really what’s needed here either.

HeinzBosslauch schrieb:

Set the house lower (possibly disadvantages regarding drainage, natural light, and aesthetics),

What do you mean by that? Can you explain the disadvantages you mentioned?

ypg schrieb:

I think the focus of the change here won't be on solid construction versus timber frame, but rather architect versus general contractor, so that you have the turnkey security instead of uncertain individual contracting.

Maybe the original poster should also be told that you can build solidly with an architect and general contractor as well. Also with a fixed price.

nordanney schrieb:

Maybe the original poster should also be told that it is possible to build with both an architect and a general contractor using solid construction. Fixed-price contracts are also an option.

That would definitely be a good option. You should tell them that 😉