Reply to Come along as we build our custom home- lessons learned in real time.

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]On design and relation to budget--I view these as inextricable.  But we went custom because we wanted some precision around home features.  So in addition to the sq footage, here are some things we're doing, that I really love:

5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom.  5500 sq feet across three levels. 10 foot ceilings on each level. Has closets 'stacked' above each other on each level that could be turned into an elevator in the future (special foundation accommodations needed for this)

Basement (1300 sq ft):  Has exercise room (could be turned into a second family room if desired) with electric fireplace to avoid gas venting issues, bedroom, full bath, office.  Unfortunately, its not a walkout as the lot is flat.

Main level (2000 sq ft living + 500 ish for garage): wheelchair accessible,  Guest bedroom w/full bath, roll in shower, vanity that accommodates wheelchairs.  Ramps out to garage & back entrances. Powder room, 1st floor small/stacked washer/dryer in mudroom, screened porch with gas fireplace (17x14), open concept family room (gas fireplace)/eat in kitchen, dining room. 2 car garage.

Second level (1600 sq ft ): 3 bedrooms, incl primary.  Primary bedroom suite includes 2 walk in closets, bathroom, and separate sitting room (a place to watch TV nearby, but without disturbing partner).  2 bedrooms for kids with shared hall bath.  Main laundry room with full sized, size by side units, utility sink + cabinet storage.

Exterior:  brick with some stacked stone at base , outdoor deck about 1/3 the length of the house + grade level slab connecting screened porch with deck (and connecting ramp).  Wanted bluestone for slab, but might do a textured concrete depending on how costs are running.[/quote]

Thanks, this is helpful and raises other questions. Agree to disagree on design issues and budget.

1.  Did the stacked closets simplify your layout?  It sounds like that choice would restrict options other options. I’m envisioning stacked box levels with minimal nooks and crannies.

2.  It sounds like there are not any common areas on the second level. Why a hall bath instead of a Jack and Jill bathroom for the other two rooms?  Is that driven by the stacked closet issue forcing other design/layout elements?

3.  Why the second floor?  Ultimate wheel chair access is a single main floor without stairs and your lot size could accommodate it. [/quote]

So, just realized I missed responding to this, PP.  So if you're still here:  1.  All of the rooms have 'normal closets associated with the bedrooms, a couple of linen closets, etc.  But we ran a centralized 'column' down all three floors (4'7" x 4'8").  We're using them as extra storage--but they could be an elevator in the future.  On each level,  its just off the center "hall", located across from the staircase.  Doesn't really affect the flow of the house, or reduce our design choices.  It integrates well and makes sense where its located.

Yes, no common areas on the second level--just bedrooms and bathrooms.  We did a hall bath intentionally, so kids have to learn to share and be considerate of someone else.  Lol, talk to me when they're teenagers, this might be a mistake!  The shared bath at least has a door separating the bath/shower and toilet part from the double sink vanity. So. at least someone can be doing hair while someone else showers.  I've also never liked Jack and Jills--someone is always locking one side and forgetting to unlock it, etc.

Building a single level, ranch style wasn't feasible for us.  They're more expensive to build due to foundation and roof costs (there's discussion going on right now in a second thread I started for just construction)--they're also more expensive to heat.   And finally, though our lot is large, the portion fronting the street isn't that wide.  Design would have been way different to accommodate everything on a single floor.

The person with a disability is a somewhat older family member who won't need access to the second floor, that has no common areas.  Most of our living will be done on the main level.

Good questions, thanks[/quote]

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