Hello everyone,
we have received a preliminary design and a quote from our builder. I would like to get your opinion on it.
It is planned as an accessible bungalow (about 131 sqm (1410 sq ft)) with 3 bedrooms and possibly a study room. Previously, instead of the study, there was a slightly larger kitchen and a somewhat bigger living room.
My opinion:
I would make the house a bit narrower on the street side, which would make the bedroom and child’s room 1 slightly smaller. Instead, the living room and kitchen would be extended, allowing the kitchen to be a bit larger (it currently feels too small to me).
On the other side, I have the option to make the carport a bit wider. I am trying to achieve an internal width of 3.5 m (11.5 ft) for the carport (because of wheelchair access).
I will also ask the builder what price difference it would make to have a concrete ceiling with insulation instead of a wooden beam ceiling, a knee wall height of maybe 30 cm (12 inches), and a roof pitch of 40 degrees, so that it would be possible to convert the attic space in the future (maybe after 25–30 years).
I would like to have a carport for two cars parked in tandem with a storage room planned, but I want to handle the construction myself or have it done elsewhere. The builder is asking €14,000 for a single carport with storage, which I think is too expensive.
We would really appreciate your suggestions.
Thank you
we have received a preliminary design and a quote from our builder. I would like to get your opinion on it.
It is planned as an accessible bungalow (about 131 sqm (1410 sq ft)) with 3 bedrooms and possibly a study room. Previously, instead of the study, there was a slightly larger kitchen and a somewhat bigger living room.
My opinion:
I would make the house a bit narrower on the street side, which would make the bedroom and child’s room 1 slightly smaller. Instead, the living room and kitchen would be extended, allowing the kitchen to be a bit larger (it currently feels too small to me).
On the other side, I have the option to make the carport a bit wider. I am trying to achieve an internal width of 3.5 m (11.5 ft) for the carport (because of wheelchair access).
I will also ask the builder what price difference it would make to have a concrete ceiling with insulation instead of a wooden beam ceiling, a knee wall height of maybe 30 cm (12 inches), and a roof pitch of 40 degrees, so that it would be possible to convert the attic space in the future (maybe after 25–30 years).
I would like to have a carport for two cars parked in tandem with a storage room planned, but I want to handle the construction myself or have it done elsewhere. The builder is asking €14,000 for a single carport with storage, which I think is too expensive.
We would really appreciate your suggestions.
Thank you
Zizzi, maybe you shouldn’t just look at my floor plans but also read my text.
The technical room is under the roof, creating more than enough storage space.
The toilet is exactly 4cm (1.5 inches) longer than the one in your floor plan, and the door to the toilet is already narrower than the other room doors. With the central access, everything is suitable to use.
There is no objection to including two sinks in my bathroom design, but the question is, WHY?
A second entrance from the carport restricts the carport, takes up space inside the house, costs money, and how often do you really arrive exactly in the rain? Can’t you just cover the few meters around the corner then?
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Basically, the first question is whether you can let go of the L-shaped bungalow and imagine placing the workspace or the second child’s room under the roof at some point.
Is a pitched roof even allowed? With what slopes?
The technical room is under the roof, creating more than enough storage space.
The toilet is exactly 4cm (1.5 inches) longer than the one in your floor plan, and the door to the toilet is already narrower than the other room doors. With the central access, everything is suitable to use.
There is no objection to including two sinks in my bathroom design, but the question is, WHY?
A second entrance from the carport restricts the carport, takes up space inside the house, costs money, and how often do you really arrive exactly in the rain? Can’t you just cover the few meters around the corner then?
---------------------
Basically, the first question is whether you can let go of the L-shaped bungalow and imagine placing the workspace or the second child’s room under the roof at some point.
Is a pitched roof even allowed? With what slopes?
@kbt09 Driving in and turning sideways next to the toilet should work. The washing machine and dryer don’t need to be loaded by the child.
It also depends on how independent the child will become over time. For showering, the child can be transferred to a medical chair in the bedroom. The downside is that this will leave a wet trail on the way back.
I would plan the bathroom large enough so that the transfer from wheelchair to medical chair can be done within the bathroom. Either by two people or with one person and a lifting aid.
@zizzi
Because of the elongated shape of the open space, it’s easier to maneuver a wheelchair. Every turn requires space. As far as I remember, you’re not sure yet if and how well your child can drive independently. Straight paths make this easier.
It also depends on how independent the child will become over time. For showering, the child can be transferred to a medical chair in the bedroom. The downside is that this will leave a wet trail on the way back.
I would plan the bathroom large enough so that the transfer from wheelchair to medical chair can be done within the bathroom. Either by two people or with one person and a lifting aid.
@zizzi
Because of the elongated shape of the open space, it’s easier to maneuver a wheelchair. Every turn requires space. As far as I remember, you’re not sure yet if and how well your child can drive independently. Straight paths make this easier.
haydee schrieb:
The elongated shape of the room makes it easier to navigate with a wheelchair. Every turn requires space. @haydee ... exactly, that was the idea behind the large room. And to have enough space there so the family can always come together. A table big enough to roll the wheelchair up to while allowing everyone else to move freely. A direct, straight path from the hallway to the terrace, and so on.
@zizzi
A second entrance door, for example to the utility room, is definitely the most unnecessary feature and should be the first to be cut from a wish list when the budget is limited.
Moreover, this entrance will not be wheelchair accessible due to budget constraints, so it wouldn’t be practical for you at all.
I’m always in favor of a pitched roof! It allows for better use of the attic space.
Thinking about accessible toilets in hospitals: a washbasin or toilet next to the shower should work.
As for the guest bathroom or other rooms: this is just a suggestion and not set in stone. The house could possibly be made 20cm (8 inches) wider, or adjusted in some other way...
Complaining about a door—wherever it is or isn’t—is out of place here.
Best regards from the road
A second entrance door, for example to the utility room, is definitely the most unnecessary feature and should be the first to be cut from a wish list when the budget is limited.
Moreover, this entrance will not be wheelchair accessible due to budget constraints, so it wouldn’t be practical for you at all.
I’m always in favor of a pitched roof! It allows for better use of the attic space.
Thinking about accessible toilets in hospitals: a washbasin or toilet next to the shower should work.
As for the guest bathroom or other rooms: this is just a suggestion and not set in stone. The house could possibly be made 20cm (8 inches) wider, or adjusted in some other way...
Complaining about a door—wherever it is or isn’t—is out of place here.
Best regards from the road
ypg schrieb:
@zizzi
A second entrance door, for example to the utility room, is definitely the most unnecessary feature and should be the very first thing removed from a nice-to-have list when the budget is limited.
Besides, this entrance will not be wheelchair accessible due to budget constraints, so it won't be practical for you at all.
I’m always in favor of a pitched roof! It can be better utilized.
If I think about accessible restrooms in hospitals: the sink or toilet is next to the shower, so that should work.
And regarding the guest bathroom or other spaces: this is just a suggestion, not fixed. You could possibly make the house 20cm (8 inches) wider, or find another solution...
Complaining about a door, wherever it is or isn’t, is out of place here.
Mobile greetings from on the roadHow can Dundas be so categorical about the second door! On the contrary, for us, a house without a secondary entrance is a design flaw. We have been living in our home for almost three weeks now and barely used the front door. Partly because the back door has a handle and you can’t lock yourself out without a key.
I think wanting a back door and a utility room on the ground floor is completely reasonable.
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