Get an architect. That is a bad plan on many levels,

Hi benjesbride, thanks for the feedback. I actually came to the same conclusion last night to move the bathroom to the back of the room. Below is the new design and the original design of the house. We have not started any type of demo.

Hi Jan, thanks for the feedback regarding an architect. Originally since it felt like limited things we could change with the overall layout of the house, such as the stair case, dinning room and living room, I thought it might have been an easier task. However it is becoming alot harder than expected. I might end up getting an one to help with this project but in the mean time, if you have any constructive feedback regarding my new design, it would be really appreciated.

What is/are the goals of the renovation? Maximize view and open concept?

Correct, we have a nice view to a lake in the back of the house. The goal would be to have an open concept and able to enjoy that view from the kitchen area. Currently the kitchen is completed blocked by the bathroom and the furnace.

Is this your full time house?

How many peeps in your household?

I’m not one to beat the “hire a pro“ drum much around here, but have you consulted with s structural engineer to find out what (if anything) is load bearing?

It would be a full time house. It's 4 bdroom upstairs. We will have 4 people living here. Yes I definitely plan to hire an engineer to make sure we are to code and able to remove the walls. That's the next step. However, i don't know if the engineer will also help with the Layout design. I think that's an architect? If the community response is to get an layout designer for this project i would definitely listen to that advice. Due to the limited scope and space for the house, i don't know if it's worth the 4k to hire a layout designer or maybe they are cheaper than what i read online?

What is the black box and can it be moved around in the space?

i dont think you need to hire a designer just yet.

A one hour site consultation with a structural engineer would equip you with information about the existing structural constraints you need to work with. Sure, you could probably put beams everywhere, but id try to work around what you have first. You just need to learn about what you have.

Hi Tqtqtbw, the black box is a piano lol. I should really have marked it better. We have a grand, and would love to find a space for it.

And yes, i would definitely need to meet with an engineer to see what we can do with the house and how many beams we need to add. So far though i think your suggestion by moving to bathroom to the back produces the best layout

Does 1 square = 1 foot?

I think the current plans show too many eating areas for a house this size,

Here is an idea to place the meal area in the kitchen, facing the best view. I wouldn't do a separate dining room or counter seating. Put storage in the bench.

Bohns Point Residence · More Info

Put additional dining seating outside on the deck or patio.

Bohns Point Residence · More Info

Bohns Point Residence · More Info

Is the fireplace area sunken? I'd like to see that area be larger.

Yes there is a step down from the dinning area to the living room where the fire place is. And correct each square is 1 foot.

You could place the piano on the upper level, behind the sofa, where some of the plans show a dining table. Add two comfortable chairs and a small table to the grouping.

Lakemont · More Info

That's a great idea. I will try to mock that up and see how that would look

Hi Guys, took everyone's advice and I am currently working with an architect and engineer. This is the latest plans we have. Would love to get feedback from the community. The biggest change is moving the front door to the front top side of the house vs the old design where it's sitting toward the back of the house. By doing so we are able to move the bathroom to the back and reconfigure the house better.