Advice for Getting Started - Design and Construction

10 years ago

I surprised myself this last week with buying an old 1910 farmhouse on a couple of acres in Washington. I close at the end of the month. The farmhouse will be torn down as it has major structural issues and a new home built further back on the property. I had been looking to buy a house and do a few renovations and updates, but the market is going crazy in the area I was looking and everything was way out of my price range or ridiculously overpriced. Thus when I came across this farmhouse and land, I fell for the land and saw lots of potential, and after discussing with my dad (my personal adviser in all things) decided to do a low-ball offer and see what happens. I knew the total investment in the property and new construction should be comparable to the high end of my buying a house budget. Well it was accepted and now I have to figure out what the heck I'm doing and on a tighter schedule or I'll be living in a camper for a long time. :)

I've looked at lots of floor plans to get ideas of what I want as this is not being designed as my forever dream home, but a putting down roots home. I'm getting overwhelmed with the options and trying to figure out what the next steps are. I'm an engineer and like to have a game plan.

Where did you all start? What advice would you give to a newbie to construction? Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks!

Featured Answer

PRO

Virgil Carter Fine Art

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

There are many approaches for your situation. I recommend:

Making a written list of true needs vs. "wants" (a page for each and keep them separate):
Figuring out your available construction budget, plus at least a 15% contingency for things which go bump in the night. To this figure, contact your local building regulatory office and find out the costs they will charge you for any necessary design reviews, tests, building and occupancy permits;
Collecting some photos of architectural projects which have appealing ideas, features, or other elements;
Finding and interviewing several experienced and creative architects in your area who have proven successful single-family residential practices (not draftsmen, not CAD experts, not recommendations from the local lumber yard--you have to do your due diligence on this one). Most architects will agree to a no-cost, hour-long initial interview which will give you a chance to explain your situation, listen to how they would provide needed services and the cost. You'll also get a good idea of how your personalities interact.

Houzz is one good source of lots of photos and descriptions (together with commentaries) for thinking and dreaming. Here's one of my favorites which just happens to be in Texas where I live: [https://www.houzz.com/magazine/houzz-tour-texas-family-trades-traffic-noise-for-frog-songs-stsetivw-vs~48639943[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/houzz-tour-texas-family-trades-traffic-noise-for-frog-songs-stsetivw-vs~48639943)

Don't waste your time and energy trying to "draw up some plans" unless you've had years of residential design experience.

Good luck with your project!

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Comments (9)

cpartist
10 years ago
Great advice from Virgil.

Also a wonderful book to get you started is The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka. While the style may or may not be your cup of tea, her ideas are excellent in space planning and making rooms do double duty.
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cpartist
10 years ago
One other thought. The simplest form to build and live in is a rectangle. The more jigs and jags you put onto the outside of the house, the more costly. Not saying the house needs to be a perfect rectangle, but make sure the architect agrees to simple rooflines, etc.
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PRO
Legacy Homes NW
10 years ago
I agree with Virgil's insight. However, I would not steer you away from talking to lumber supply companies. (ask for the contractors desk or kitchen design desk if the supply company offers those services) they deal with local builders all the time first hand. I would advise you to talk with Design/Build or Cost Planning type of building firms too. Talk to Real Estate agents and ask if they've heard or dealt with the company names you've been given. Compare your findings. There are many amazing/ creative and talented companies out there that could be a great fit for you. With diligence, you'll find the right one. When you think you have, check their references.
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cpartist
10 years ago
Legacy a design/build firm can be a great fit IF they have an actual architect on staff and not a "designer/draftsman". And yes I speak from experience. If I didn't have a minimal design background (mostly to realize that what I was given was bad and to then post it here for some excellent advice), my house would not look anything like it now looks and the layout wouldn't be as good as it is. And the reason it was poorly designed was because I wasn't working with a design/build firm with an architect but with a draftsman.
PRO
Legacy Homes NW
10 years ago
I respectfully disagree. There are "designer/draftsman" that are amazing, and other that are not ---Just as there are with architects. I'm sorry you had a bad experience and glad you had some design background to mitigate your situation.
PRO
HVAC Consulting
10 years ago
Make sure you leave room for a good HVAC system, that means a good air distribution system also. The time to think about it is now.
cpartist
10 years ago
I respectfully disagree. There are "designer/draftsman" that are amazing, and other that are not ---Just as there are with architects. I'm sorry you had a bad experience and glad you had some design background to mitigate your situation.

Absolutely true. And if you're lucky enough to find a designer/draftsman who is not just someone who knows a CAD system but also has an artist's eye and vision, then terrific. However, from what I've seen they are few and far between.
Annette Holbrook(z7a)
10 years ago
In addition to houzz and Pinterest, go to newer neighborhoods in your area that have a model home. Sometimes actually walking through a style that you may not have thought of for yourself will still give you great ideas. It is also a good way to see upcoming trends in finishes and layouts. What to avoid and what is classic, that type of thing.