ᐅ First impression: layout and questions regarding the upper floor walls

Hello everyone,

We are planning to build a house next year in the fall. The detailed planning will probably start in winter or spring. However, I am already thinking about the basic floor plan and layout.

I have sketched some initial drawings and an important question regarding structural engineering came up: How many walls can a ceiling that is load-bearing underneath support on the upper floor? More specifically, I’m asking in general about the upper floor, especially the living room and dining room.

Could someone take a quick look and give a brief opinion on whether this would be feasible at all?

Thanks in advance!

Best regards,
XxTankerxX

Hello,

yes, of course that is possible. That is actually how most houses are built nowadays.
Another question is what costs arise from the higher structural requirements.
But there's not much more to say about that, as everything else depends on the details — construction method, roof structure, etc.

Just one more thing, because I think you have a wrong assumption or I misunderstood you. Not every wall on the upper floor is or has to be load-bearing.

Thank you very much in advance.

With interest, just asking: Do you already have the plot of land?

I’m asking because some people start designing floor plans before they actually have the land. That usually doesn’t make much sense.

But since you have already marked the cardinal directions, it seems like you do have a plot.

If that’s the case, I recommend reading more through the land-related threads.

I won’t say much about your layout because there isn’t enough information.

Just from an approach perspective: depending on who will build it later, planning a finished floor plan can be more or less practical.

If you are going to an architect, forget the sketch. Handwritten notes about what’s important to you are enough. Otherwise, they will just redraw the floor plan for you, which would be a shame and would limit creativity.

If you are going to a prefab home manufacturer, you should be aware that they might not be able to offer exactly what you want because it doesn’t fit their catalog, or they can customize it—but that will cost extra.

The same applies to a general contractor, but that depends on the contractor.

Sure. The property is already owned. 850 m2 (9140 sq ft).
Completely unobstructed view to the east.

I understand your objection. This is just meant to be an example of the layout I roughly imagine (open living area, separate bathroom for our bedroom, etc.).
I plan to build with solid construction and probably subcontract the trades individually, apart from the shell construction... that is quite certain.

But thanks again for your thoughtful suggestions.

Best regards,
XxTankerxX

We haven’t started building yet. When we asked many people what they would like to change, two things came up frequently:

1. Everything on one level (no, they were not over 60 years old ).
2. A larger storage room/utility room if there is no basement.

The rest of what I could "critique" is more subjective. So it wouldn’t really help you.