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?
Yes, dealing with the construction company is quite an issue. Unfortunately, the plot is the only one in the area that is affordable and well located, and it comes with a builder restriction :-/
“The clear floor-to-floor height is approximately 2.625 meters (8 ft 7 in),” the exterior walls are 34.5 cm (13.6 inches) thick, and the interior walls… yep… “according to structural requirements” (I would also like to have a specific value for that ;-) )
The plot size is roughly 19 by 28 meters (62 by 92 feet), possibly also 20 by 28 meters (66 by 92 feet).
We don’t have any precise details about the staircase yet. What would be the minimum requirements so that later on, moving normal furniture won’t be a problem?
“The clear floor-to-floor height is approximately 2.625 meters (8 ft 7 in),” the exterior walls are 34.5 cm (13.6 inches) thick, and the interior walls… yep… “according to structural requirements” (I would also like to have a specific value for that ;-) )
The plot size is roughly 19 by 28 meters (62 by 92 feet), possibly also 20 by 28 meters (66 by 92 feet).
We don’t have any precise details about the staircase yet. What would be the minimum requirements so that later on, moving normal furniture won’t be a problem?
Manu1976 schrieb:
I would also place the shower in the basement if you are making the guest room there. For your information: there are now complete shower units that already include the lifting equipment.
Also, if you need lifting equipment for the shower, you will likely need it for the washing machine and the sink in the utility room, and possibly even for the heating and ventilation systems.
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 larger than the pantry, as already suggested by BeHaElja. Our guest bathroom on the ground floor has interior dimensions of 1.80 x 1.80 meters (5 ft 11 in x 5 ft 11 in) and it is sufficient.
I would keep the recess in the hallway next to the stairs. Otherwise, the hallway becomes too cramped. But I would add a skylight for better lighting.
???? The bathtub has been moved inward and you can see the 2 meter (6 ft 7 in) line!
Do you really need the hobby room in the basement? You already have a large living room for gatherings. I’d consider splitting that space into two rooms.Good point about the shower and lifting equipment!
What is labeled as a hobby room in the basement is actually a home office and guest room.
The idea about the staircase is also a good one. Skip the turn at the top!
From all floors? With underfloor heating on the ground floor, it would result in a ceiling height of about 2.45 m (8 feet) – for example, we have a floor buildup of 19 cm (7.5 inches). I would ask if it’s possible to go higher here.
What material are the walls made of? Is this a prefabricated house?
Regarding the stairs, there are the well-known three stair formulas. A comfortable tread (T) is at least wide enough to fit a foot comfortably – so anything above roughly 27 cm (11 inches); the riser (R) should be a height that doesn’t feel like exercise – so anything under about 19 cm (7.5 inches).
According to the internet:
Formula: 60 ≤ T + 2×R ≤ 66 (i.e., average around 63)
Formula: 45 ≤ T + R ≤ 47 (i.e., average around 46)
Formula: T − R = 12 (i.e., average 12)
If in doubt, try walking through a show home park to get a feel for it – it may also depend on personal preferences.
What material are the walls made of? Is this a prefabricated house?
Regarding the stairs, there are the well-known three stair formulas. A comfortable tread (T) is at least wide enough to fit a foot comfortably – so anything above roughly 27 cm (11 inches); the riser (R) should be a height that doesn’t feel like exercise – so anything under about 19 cm (7.5 inches).
According to the internet:
Formula: 60 ≤ T + 2×R ≤ 66 (i.e., average around 63)
Formula: 45 ≤ T + R ≤ 47 (i.e., average around 46)
Formula: T − R = 12 (i.e., average 12)
If in doubt, try walking through a show home park to get a feel for it – it may also depend on personal preferences.
The walls are made of hollow bricks on the inside and Poroton plus insulation on the outside.
Is 2.45 meters (8 feet) too low? That’s roughly what we have now. We are building the basement higher than recommended, but I’m not sure what to do with 2.20 meters (7 feet 3 inches) minus the floor thickness. I can hardly stand upright in that space *g*
Is 2.45 meters (8 feet) too low? That’s roughly what we have now. We are building the basement higher than recommended, but I’m not sure what to do with 2.20 meters (7 feet 3 inches) minus the floor thickness. I can hardly stand upright in that space *g*
B
Bauexperte27 Sep 2015 16:18@Manu
No lifting unit is needed for the washing machine in the basement; a simple masonry base will suffice. However, the shower and washbasin require a macerator pump system. If a toilet is added, a grinder unit inside the lifting station is also necessary ;-)
Regards, Bauexperte
No lifting unit is needed for the washing machine in the basement; a simple masonry base will suffice. However, the shower and washbasin require a macerator pump system. If a toilet is added, a grinder unit inside the lifting station is also necessary ;-)
Regards, Bauexperte
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