ᐅ Optimizing the Floor Plan of a Detached Single-Family Home, 155 sqm
Created on: 1 Jan 2025 23:01
J
JoschNeubau24
Hello everyone,
I would like to share my floor plan here to get some feedback for optimization. We are already quite far along in the planning process and are generally satisfied. However, we can still make minor changes without any problems.
A brief introduction about us: a family with two children (2 and 4 years old). I work full-time without working from home, and my wife is currently not working but plans to return to part-time home office work in 1-2 years.
Mainly, my focus is on the window planning and the layout of the bedroom and bathroom. Regarding the windows, we wonder if there might be too many and whether that has significantly increased the costs.
Children’s rooms:
Do we still need windows facing east/west? This is probably a subjective question, but I’m happy to hear your opinions.
Bedroom:
Are windows facing north or west unnecessary? Alternatively, we could consider moving the partition wall so that the dressing room’s window also provides light to the bedroom.
Bathroom:
I’m wondering if the layout can still be improved, for example, by using a T-shaped design. We also have the issue of an extra window next to the toilet, primarily for ventilation. The window above the bathtub is not ideal for ventilation as it is hard to reach.
Any general comments are also welcome if something looks generally unfavorable.
I would like to share my floor plan here to get some feedback for optimization. We are already quite far along in the planning process and are generally satisfied. However, we can still make minor changes without any problems.
A brief introduction about us: a family with two children (2 and 4 years old). I work full-time without working from home, and my wife is currently not working but plans to return to part-time home office work in 1-2 years.
Mainly, my focus is on the window planning and the layout of the bedroom and bathroom. Regarding the windows, we wonder if there might be too many and whether that has significantly increased the costs.
Children’s rooms:
Do we still need windows facing east/west? This is probably a subjective question, but I’m happy to hear your opinions.
Bedroom:
Are windows facing north or west unnecessary? Alternatively, we could consider moving the partition wall so that the dressing room’s window also provides light to the bedroom.
Bathroom:
I’m wondering if the layout can still be improved, for example, by using a T-shaped design. We also have the issue of an extra window next to the toilet, primarily for ventilation. The window above the bathtub is not ideal for ventilation as it is hard to reach.
Any general comments are also welcome if something looks generally unfavorable.
If I were you, I would first check with the online suppliers and possibly clarify in advance whether and to what extent you could retrofit the system later. That way, you could at least have the necessary structural preparations made beforehand.
As I said, this is just an idea and might be a bit complicated, but the price seems completely overpriced to me. Our Zehnder Comfoair 350 currently costs between €2500 and €3000 online (for the bare unit only). I can imagine that these dealers could also put you in touch with someone for the later installation. Maybe the heating engineer is a bit inflexible, while the general contractor (GC) might not mind and could carry out the required preparations for you. For example, Zehnder also provides the complete calculation for system sizing. That was the case for us, and the GC only wanted to install Vaillant, while we preferred Zehnder. Allegedly, it was “not available,” similar to roof tiles, until I gave him the names of several dealers who had stock and who were happy to allow a reasonable markup; that’s how it went through. Maybe you just have to be a bit “stubborn” there.
But I’m sure there are people in the forum with more and better information on this.
I also remember seeing photos where the controlled ventilation system was installed in the attic; generally, I don’t see a problem with that. However, you also need it on the ground floor, which means you’ll need corresponding openings in the concrete ceiling or space for the ducts, wherever they will be planned. So it doesn’t make sense for you to do that—better to reserve space in the utility room and make preparations in the walls, ceilings, or floors as needed.
The question would also be whether you can completely exclude the installer and choose freely. I would definitely want what I want inside, and paying such a high price for something I don’t want would not be my solution.
I’m curious to hear what other people with similar experiences have to say. You definitely don’t need a heating unit.
I also think the builder should be able to carry out the structural preparations according to specifications, for example, from Zehnder, for a fee.
As I said, this is just an idea and might be a bit complicated, but the price seems completely overpriced to me. Our Zehnder Comfoair 350 currently costs between €2500 and €3000 online (for the bare unit only). I can imagine that these dealers could also put you in touch with someone for the later installation. Maybe the heating engineer is a bit inflexible, while the general contractor (GC) might not mind and could carry out the required preparations for you. For example, Zehnder also provides the complete calculation for system sizing. That was the case for us, and the GC only wanted to install Vaillant, while we preferred Zehnder. Allegedly, it was “not available,” similar to roof tiles, until I gave him the names of several dealers who had stock and who were happy to allow a reasonable markup; that’s how it went through. Maybe you just have to be a bit “stubborn” there.
But I’m sure there are people in the forum with more and better information on this.
I also remember seeing photos where the controlled ventilation system was installed in the attic; generally, I don’t see a problem with that. However, you also need it on the ground floor, which means you’ll need corresponding openings in the concrete ceiling or space for the ducts, wherever they will be planned. So it doesn’t make sense for you to do that—better to reserve space in the utility room and make preparations in the walls, ceilings, or floors as needed.
K a t j a schrieb:
I don’t understand. That seems a bit naïve to me. What’s stopping you from buying the unit later? What does the contract say? That you’re only allowed to buy from this provider forever? That would be ridiculous.
The question would also be whether you can completely exclude the installer and choose freely. I would definitely want what I want inside, and paying such a high price for something I don’t want would not be my solution.
I’m curious to hear what other people with similar experiences have to say. You definitely don’t need a heating unit.
I also think the builder should be able to carry out the structural preparations according to specifications, for example, from Zehnder, for a fee.
K a t j a schrieb:
I don't understand. This seems a bit naive to me. What’s stopping you from buying the device later? What does the contract say? That you are only allowed to buy from this supplier forever? That would be ridiculous.I assume he is bound to the construction contract: either he accepts the heating offer from the general contractor or he doesn’t. According to the scope of work description, x will be installed; on request, y offers him xy, and the client can’t just come up with z. However, it could be possible! Just ask for an alternative to the combined unit @JoschNeubau24. If it’s about space in the freezer (TK), a ventilation unit can also be mounted on the ceiling.
ypg schrieb:
According to the scope of work description, x is to be installed; y offers xy upon request, and the client cannot switch to z. I understood it more like the general contractor (GC) cannot deliver what was agreed upon. So they want to remove this element from the contract. But that doesn’t mean that the client has to accept something else from them, especially if it’s much more expensive.
I would also, like @Arauki11, check what is still feasible within the contract and compatible with equipment from an alternative supplier. Everything else just gets removed.
J
JoschNeubau2424 Jan 2025 20:21K a t j a schrieb:
I don’t understand. That seems a bit naive to me. What’s stopping you from buying the unit later? What does the contract say? That you have to buy exclusively from this supplier forever? That would be ridiculous. We have a contract with the developer, and they also provide the heat pump described.
Of course, we can still install a ventilation system from a different supplier, but in the end, the walls also need to be properly prepared.
Time is also running out. The house is scheduled to be built on March 3rd.
J
JoschNeubau2424 Jan 2025 20:24nordanney schrieb:
What exactly is your theory? That will never work.Install the ventilation system and ducts in the attic leading to the respective rooms, and create an opening through the ceiling of the upper floor accordingly. Supply air and exhaust air should be routed through the gable.
J
JoschNeubau2424 Jan 2025 21:16Arauki11 schrieb:
I also think it should be possible for the construction company to carry out the structural preparations according to the specifications, for example from Zehnder, for a fee. That would also be my preferred solution. I will try to see if I can find someone for that on short notice.
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