Hello everyone,
I have a lot of small questions but don’t want to open a new thread for each one. I hope that’s okay? Basically, it’s about our floor plan and the related decisions. We’re almost done – except for these remaining questions.
1. BATHROOM LAYOUT: Toilet and Shower
Current version: The toilet is in the far corner. The plan is not to build the wall all the way up. The architect suggests a wall high enough to just barely block the person sitting on the toilet. Then glass panels would continue up to the ceiling. Another idea from my husband, which would be more cost-effective: build the wall all the way to the top but leave a gap at the top, without glass.
Another idea:
Swap the shower and toilet to save costs, as glass shower walls wouldn’t be needed. On the other hand, I think it’s a pity if the window light is even further away from the shower. Actually, it’s better if the toilet is somewhat hidden. My husband pointed out that the toilet is used more often than the shower.
>> Which option do you think is better?
2. GARAGE: Double Garage or Single Garage with Carport
In the last couple of days, we had several discussions with the contractors who made us a bit unsure.
We initially wanted a single garage with a carport. Reasons:
- More natural light on the ground floor since we face southeast. This would gain us additional light. A double garage would block the middle window.
- We were willing to accept a smaller garage. There was supposed to be a small shed behind the garage for bikes, etc. We also have a basement.
Now the sheet metal master said the garage is too small for him and he recommends a double garage. He added that with a carport it would be too dark anyway.
3. GARAGE: Prefabricated Garage vs. Masonry Garage
The plan was for a prefabricated garage. Reasons:
+ Gains a few extra centimeters (inches) in width
+ Cost-saving factor
Now the argument was made that we should build a masonry garage because…
- It would expand over the years. The leaks (from snow buildup etc.) would cause damage over time.
>> What are your experiences?
I’m looking forward to your feedback! 🙂 It’s always interesting to hear what others think.
Edit: I can’t upload the pictures right now. You’ll find them in the next post.
I have a lot of small questions but don’t want to open a new thread for each one. I hope that’s okay? Basically, it’s about our floor plan and the related decisions. We’re almost done – except for these remaining questions.
1. BATHROOM LAYOUT: Toilet and Shower
Current version: The toilet is in the far corner. The plan is not to build the wall all the way up. The architect suggests a wall high enough to just barely block the person sitting on the toilet. Then glass panels would continue up to the ceiling. Another idea from my husband, which would be more cost-effective: build the wall all the way to the top but leave a gap at the top, without glass.
Another idea:
Swap the shower and toilet to save costs, as glass shower walls wouldn’t be needed. On the other hand, I think it’s a pity if the window light is even further away from the shower. Actually, it’s better if the toilet is somewhat hidden. My husband pointed out that the toilet is used more often than the shower.
>> Which option do you think is better?
2. GARAGE: Double Garage or Single Garage with Carport
In the last couple of days, we had several discussions with the contractors who made us a bit unsure.
We initially wanted a single garage with a carport. Reasons:
- More natural light on the ground floor since we face southeast. This would gain us additional light. A double garage would block the middle window.
- We were willing to accept a smaller garage. There was supposed to be a small shed behind the garage for bikes, etc. We also have a basement.
Now the sheet metal master said the garage is too small for him and he recommends a double garage. He added that with a carport it would be too dark anyway.
3. GARAGE: Prefabricated Garage vs. Masonry Garage
The plan was for a prefabricated garage. Reasons:
+ Gains a few extra centimeters (inches) in width
+ Cost-saving factor
Now the argument was made that we should build a masonry garage because…
- It would expand over the years. The leaks (from snow buildup etc.) would cause damage over time.
>> What are your experiences?
I’m looking forward to your feedback! 🙂 It’s always interesting to hear what others think.
Edit: I can’t upload the pictures right now. You’ll find them in the next post.
Winterkind22 Oct 2016 10:32Hm. We spent hours discussing last night and thought the "carport" only existed on paper. For us, it would be used as a passageway or storage area for children’s toys and such. The requirement from the local authority is: 2 parking spaces. The area in front of the garage/carport does not count, so there must be two adjacent spaces *sigh*. We definitely do not want to build a double garage because we would then have to give up the kitchen window. We just can’t bring ourselves to do that.
A double carport was also mentioned. My first thought was: if I go on vacation, the car will just sit there for weeks. Sometimes you’re glad to be able to hang winter tires and other things in the garage. Or have you had different experiences? This whole thing is new territory for us.
A double carport was also mentioned. My first thought was: if I go on vacation, the car will just sit there for weeks. Sometimes you’re glad to be able to hang winter tires and other things in the garage. Or have you had different experiences? This whole thing is new territory for us.
Just a few thoughts: People in cities park outside all year round. The money saved by not having a garage can cover many years of storing and changing winter tires.
But if you want the garage, that’s understandable. However, a 3 x 6 m (10 x 20 ft) garage doesn't offer unlimited space.
If you decide on a garage, I’d suggest consulting a professional about a carport or canopy design that possibly doesn’t require support posts (those would reduce the already narrow space by another 18–24 cm (7–9 inches)).
But if you want the garage, that’s understandable. However, a 3 x 6 m (10 x 20 ft) garage doesn't offer unlimited space.
If you decide on a garage, I’d suggest consulting a professional about a carport or canopy design that possibly doesn’t require support posts (those would reduce the already narrow space by another 18–24 cm (7–9 inches)).
Winterkind schrieb:
A double carport was also mentioned. My first thought was: if I go on vacation, the car will just sit there for weeks. Sometimes it’s actually convenient to hang winter tires and other items in the garage. Or have you had different experiences? This is all new to us.For the local authority, a double carport counts as 2 parking spaces. How you use them afterward (as a passageway or a covered breakfast terrace) no longer matters. Seeing a car in the carport signals that the house is occupied. Sure, GPS systems and airbags are often stolen from cars, but 1. only from popular brands, and 2. the (personal) damage from a break-in at the house is more serious.
Storage, garden shed, basement...
I would suggest keeping it airy with a carport in your case. Later, you can close off the sides of the carport if needed, or possibly add a shed to the side of the carport when planning.
Best regards
Similar topics