Hello everyone,
I have been following this forum for some time now and would like to share a preliminary floor plan for discussion.
Here is the starting point: We want to start building this year. Our goal is to submit the building permit / planning permission application in the next few weeks and begin construction as soon as the weather allows, so that we can move in by the end of the year. A few weeks ago, we signed a contract with a local builder and are now working together on the final floor plan. Unfortunately, the builder doesn’t have their own architect, so the creativity in terms of proposals is somewhat limited, in my opinion. We have now received an interim version of the floor plan. The design is based on our wishes, which are:
I have attached all the documents we have (file names starting with "Entwurf02"). At first glance, this floor plan seemed quite okay. However, I am now not happy with it at all. The following points bother me:
I have now considered whether it could be done a bit better. After many hours and attempts, I have a preliminary result, which I have attached. The file names start with "Haus." The staircase is the same as the builder’s design but rotated 90° clockwise. The arrows indicate the walking direction. What I think I have improved in my design:
Of course, I had to make compromises and redistribute the space. The dining/living room might be too small for four people (at some point). The office is quite small. But I think we can live with that. The single-panel window in the office might make the room too dark. Upstairs, what bothers us most is that the bedroom can only be accessed through the walk-in closet. What is still missing is the chimney flue. So far, I haven’t found a good spot for it.
What do you think about all this? How do you find the original design? How about my revision? Is it going in the right direction? Is there a smart way to solve the issue with the walk-in closet and the bedroom? Any other suggestions for improvement? We are open to any kind of feedback.
Best regards,
Alex
I have been following this forum for some time now and would like to share a preliminary floor plan for discussion.
Here is the starting point: We want to start building this year. Our goal is to submit the building permit / planning permission application in the next few weeks and begin construction as soon as the weather allows, so that we can move in by the end of the year. A few weeks ago, we signed a contract with a local builder and are now working together on the final floor plan. Unfortunately, the builder doesn’t have their own architect, so the creativity in terms of proposals is somewhat limited, in my opinion. We have now received an interim version of the floor plan. The design is based on our wishes, which are:
- approximately 160 m² (1,722 sq ft) for four people in the future, no basement
- ground floor and first floor
- standard layout: common areas downstairs, private rooms upstairs
- no modern architectural style, more like a half-hipped roof or gable roof
- bay window
- office
- separate walk-in closet
- rooms as spacious and bright as possible
- kitchen facing east
- dining/living area facing south or west
- children’s rooms facing west
- semi-open kitchen with a sliding door to the dining/living area
- utility room reasonably sized
I have attached all the documents we have (file names starting with "Entwurf02"). At first glance, this floor plan seemed quite okay. However, I am now not happy with it at all. The following points bother me:
- entrance area too narrow, you stand directly in front of the staircase upon entering
- no cloakroom
- utility room too small and not very spacious
- would prefer a smaller office and a larger utility room instead
- guest toilet probably too small
- upstairs hallway could be smaller, with the rooms larger instead
- upstairs hallway feels like a corridor
I have now considered whether it could be done a bit better. After many hours and attempts, I have a preliminary result, which I have attached. The file names start with "Haus." The staircase is the same as the builder’s design but rotated 90° clockwise. The arrows indicate the walking direction. What I think I have improved in my design:
- larger and more spacious utility room
- larger and more spacious entrance hall with cloakroom
- larger and hopefully cozier guest toilet
Of course, I had to make compromises and redistribute the space. The dining/living room might be too small for four people (at some point). The office is quite small. But I think we can live with that. The single-panel window in the office might make the room too dark. Upstairs, what bothers us most is that the bedroom can only be accessed through the walk-in closet. What is still missing is the chimney flue. So far, I haven’t found a good spot for it.
What do you think about all this? How do you find the original design? How about my revision? Is it going in the right direction? Is there a smart way to solve the issue with the walk-in closet and the bedroom? Any other suggestions for improvement? We are open to any kind of feedback.
Best regards,
Alex
milkie schrieb:
If there is a lake to the east and you actually want to divide the property, I would also build further toward the east. But first find out whether dividing the plot is even possible and, if so, what needs to be considered.Who can tell you something like that, the building authority or a notary?
milkie schrieb:
As a basic idea, I have this one. Terrace on the east side facing the lake and on the west side (evening sun).We have that plan as well.
milkie schrieb:
Carport next to the utility room on the west side. But that was just a quick sketch. Whether it really fits like that needs to be checked by a professional.Thanks for the suggestion, I will have it checked. Are you suggesting the carport on the west side because the utility room is there, or are there other reasons as well?
ypg schrieb:
If it is already your property, then it will be a general contractor (GC) that you have commissioned to build your house.I always confuse the terms, sorry.
ypg schrieb:
I’m surprised that a) there is no architect employed there and b) you have awarded a contract to someone like that.a) surprises me too. However, I heard that there used to be one employed. Regarding b) I already said the offer was very good. The contract is based on the initial floor plan drafts. We basically liked them, which is why we signed. Quality also played a role. We checked with other homeowners who built with the company and also with an expert who has supervised several projects from this firm. There really wasn’t anything negative to report.
ypg schrieb:
What types of standard houses does the GC offer?The typical houses that basically every building company offers. Our design is ultimately based on one of those.
ypg schrieb:
I can imagine that a custom design is not desired or that you should orient yourselves to grids or existing dimensions so that the calculated structural engineering can be used...A custom design is absolutely no problem. The company has someone responsible for the structural calculations.
ypg schrieb:
I see it the same way: house with lake view, windows to the west for the sun, maybe east-facing living area... if you can see the lake at all??No, the view isn’t that spectacular. Better to orient the living area toward the south and west to get as much natural light as possible.
ypg schrieb:
For snow shoveling you should probably hire a seasonal service agency; otherwise, you won’t get to work on time.I am afraid that’s what it will come down to in the end.
Best regards,
Alex
@milkie, but also in general.
In your basic layout, you placed the bathroom next to the master bedroom. Aren't you worried that you might hear bathroom noises at night when your kids come home from the disco or similar?
The same applies, by the way, if the master bedroom is next to a child's bedroom. You end up hearing "everything," don't you?
In your basic layout, you placed the bathroom next to the master bedroom. Aren't you worried that you might hear bathroom noises at night when your kids come home from the disco or similar?
The same applies, by the way, if the master bedroom is next to a child's bedroom. You end up hearing "everything," don't you?
The upper floor can also be arranged differently. That was just an example.
However, I can report that in our cramped terraced house, we still have the bathroom next to the master bedroom (toilet on the bedroom wall), and we have never been disturbed by toilet flushing or similar noises. So, with good quality workmanship, this should not be an issue.
However, I can report that in our cramped terraced house, we still have the bathroom next to the master bedroom (toilet on the bedroom wall), and we have never been disturbed by toilet flushing or similar noises. So, with good quality workmanship, this should not be an issue.
But you can hear it, right?
We currently live in a ground-floor apartment, and our bathroom is next to the bedroom, so I can hear the flushing.
One room further is the bathroom (so bathroom–toilet–bedroom), and when my roommates in the apartment above us shower or, for example, turn on the tap, I can hear that!
We currently live in a ground-floor apartment, and our bathroom is next to the bedroom, so I can hear the flushing.
One room further is the bathroom (so bathroom–toilet–bedroom), and when my roommates in the apartment above us shower or, for example, turn on the tap, I can hear that!
To be honest, I haven’t really paid attention to that yet. Probably yes, but I don’t notice it consciously.
And in the era of bathrooms next to the bedrooms for parents: does it really make a difference whether the partner or the child uses the toilet?
As I said, I don’t hear it and it doesn’t bother me. However, this may vary depending on personal sensitivity.
And in the era of bathrooms next to the bedrooms for parents: does it really make a difference whether the partner or the child uses the toilet?
As I said, I don’t hear it and it doesn’t bother me. However, this may vary depending on personal sensitivity.
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