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?
B
Bauexperte27 Sep 2015 19:32Müllerin schrieb:
A silly question: what does a lifting station have to do with a shower or washing machine? I thought you only need one when the sewer line is higher than or level with the house connection?
So, no matter what kind of water ends up in the basement...? Almost every construction project below the backflow level requires drainage. This means that every shower, sink, or toilet in the basement needs a SANIBROY lifting system.
Basically, the SANIBROY lifting system pumps the water from the basement upward, only to discharge it back down into the sewer. 😉
Regards, Bauexperte
BeHaElJa schrieb:
- Nice plot, I would add more windows facing the garden to the houseYes, the plot looks good. What can be found nearby? Are there houses there, or is construction still ongoing? Where exactly are the garages? How tall is the nearest tree?
The design of the house, especially the placement of windows and rooms, should be planned based on these conditions.
The house you have chosen is quite a standard model available in various sizes. Your size is already quite large 😉 If you plan to stay in the house for a long time, I would suggest giving the bathroom a) an accessible size suitable for seniors and b) planning an additional bedroom. Alternatively, consider a staircase design that can accommodate a stairlift.
The building company likely offers other standard models that could be upgraded accordingly, right?
Tip: other companies also have their standard house designs, usually quite similar, but often include small special features that you could adopt.
I believe a more elongated house shape offers more satisfying possibilities.
tlactar schrieb:
The idea about the stairs is also good. Skip the spiral stairs upstairs!A quarter-turn staircase will probably take up a bit more space.
But as mentioned before: given the size of the house, consider a different layout, as no one wants to carry dirt from the entrance up the stairs on their socks.
BeHaElJa schrieb:
- I always feel that the niche next to the staircase on the upper floor is a shame (usually it just gets dusty with an old armchair in it or something)I actually find this niche quite cozy. But that might be because I have never lived in a conventional house with such a stairwell opening myself 😉
BeHaElJa schrieb:
That was the question. Is that the 2m (6 ft 7 in) line? Often the bathtub is pushed further under the sloped ceiling. Now there is dead space behind the bathtub.No, this area is usually built up with a wall (installation pipes are often hidden behind it).
Regards,
Yvonne
Bauexperte schrieb:
In almost every construction project, drainage below the backflow level is required. This means that every shower, sink, or toilet in the basement needs its own sewage lifting unit or pump system. So, every fixture (in the basement) requires an individual pump unit, and there isn’t just one for all wastewater combined. OK, that’s clear now.
B
Bauexperte28 Sep 2015 08:57Good morning,
Actually, it’s the other way around: the shower and sink (in the basement) must be connected to a single macerator pump unit. If a toilet is also installed, since waste solids need to be ground up first, the pump system must include a macerator. This means that the more fixtures connected, the larger and more complex the single pump system has to be designed.
Best regards, Bauexperte
Müllerin schrieb:
So, does every fixture (in the basement) require its own pump, and there isn’t just one for everything? OK, that makes sense.
Actually, it’s the other way around: the shower and sink (in the basement) must be connected to a single macerator pump unit. If a toilet is also installed, since waste solids need to be ground up first, the pump system must include a macerator. This means that the more fixtures connected, the larger and more complex the single pump system has to be designed.
Best regards, Bauexperte
ypg schrieb:
Yes, the plot looks good. What can be found nearby? Are there houses or ongoing construction? Where are the garages located? How tall is the nearest tree?
You should plan the house layout and window placement according to these conditions.
The house you have chosen is quite a standard model that comes in various sizes. Yours is already a pretty large one 😉 If you plan to live in the house long-term, I would recommend making the bathroom a) senior-friendly in size and b) also including a bedroom on the ground floor. Alternatively, you could plan a staircase that can accommodate a stairlift.
The builder probably offers other standard house models that might be upgradable?!
Tip: Other companies also have their model homes, which are usually quite similar, but often include small special features that you can incorporate.
I think a more elongated house shape offers more satisfactory possibilities.
A quarter-turn staircase will probably be a bit longer?
But as I said: with a house this size, consider a different layout, because no one wants to track dirt from the entrance onto the stairs on their socks.
I personally always find this niche very cozy. Maybe it’s because I have never lived in such a conventional house with this kind of stairwell 😉
No, this area is usually sealed off with a wall (often installation pipes are hidden behind it).
Best regards, YvonneSingle-family homes are also being built to the east, west, and north. The one to the north will probably be higher than ours due to the slope. There are already houses to the south, but they are also one-and-a-half stories. Ideally, we will have a clear view through a gap there :-)
The only downside is a house starting near the “north” label on the map. It’s two-and-a-half stories, somewhat run-down, and has an ugly shed attached. I don’t really want a view in that direction ;-)
The positions of the other garages/carports are not yet fixed, so it’s hard to plan accordingly.
The house our floor plan is based on is the only “standard” model that the company offers. All custom designs are somewhat more expensive.
Oh, I hadn’t thought about the dirt! Phew, let’s see if the stairs can be positioned differently. In old age, a part of the living room on the lower left would probably be enough. Access could then be either through the living room or by adding a door in the wall.
Regarding the lifting station: If there is a washing machine and a sink in the basement and this is below the sewage pipe level (only for wastewater, right?), would I definitely need a lifting station? I would be surprised if they planned that in...
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