How would you rework master suite with extra space added to the plan?

4 years ago

Covid delayed our build last year. I was completely happy with my plan, but since Covid, have changed my mind to have an actual office space for me to work from home and would also like to make the basement exercise room larger.

I am now ready to go, but thinking about adding space by getting rid of the corner bumpout (for a larger exercise room in the basement!) I have also decided to change the larger mudroom to my office space. I would love to get a smaller (8*8?) office space for my husband as well...but that isn't necessary. I have the main portion of the bathroom designed off a photo that I loved, with the double vanity and a makeup counter/cabinetry on the other side. I really love how the laundry has access to both closets plus the hallway. I also really want to keep a vestibule that accesses the bedroom/bathroom/closets. And, the master bedroom has to stay on the far right side, as we want our master deck off there. (I only want windows on the one side of the bedroom). The office space is getting a 2 ft bumpout as well. Since the grading won't start for another month, I have a little bit of time to change this up to give me a larger basement space. (I would LOVE to put in a spiral staircase from the master suite directly to the workout room!) The exercise room will be on the right side of the plan.

If I can't work this to be better than it is now, I will not add the bumpout. With lumber still so high, I figure that the framing cost is about the same eliminating the bumpout, and the foundation cost increase will be pretty minimal. I've played with this a bit, but would love your creative ideas to see what I can do by adding the space. (The powder room space can also move, and the side porch/garage will already be adjusted some..so there is some wiggle room there.)

Featured Answer

doc5md

4 years ago

No matter what you do, please consider dumping many of the double doors. They are a pain to use in general... but in the bathroom entrance specifically, if you go in to get ready in the morning, and are the person nearest the door... you will either need to close the door first, or will have your space reduced by the door being open against the wall next to your sink, and the door handle, lever, etc. It just seems a poor design choice for an otherwise large, opulent space.

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Comments (12)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
4 years ago
There appears to be a lot of unique needs included in the plan and is spacious (which could be used interchangeably with inefficient). The grey areas surrounding the "hallway" is wasted space. This would lead me to advise to work with the person that designed the house or a local architect to work with you to make changes. They are, or can be, better versed to know you and design for you. A face to face meeting is always better than working through any type of media. Ans as you may already know, I aways recommend against having angled walls because of the inherent inefficiencies, unless there is some compelling reason for them. Good luck.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
4 years ago
One thing, think about ceiling heights in small spaces. Sometimes they create an uncomfortable cavernous feeling, and I try to make every space comfortable and pleasant to be in.
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PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Another thought, consider a stair or brass fire pole to create access to the basement exercise room from the master bedroom suite. Also consider making some of the spaces larger so you can spatially afford doors wider than two feet. Back to work.
B Carey
Original Author
4 years ago
Mark-Thanks. If I leave the plan as is, I have reworked it somewhat to make that grey space a small mudroom...since I'm stealing the large mudroom for my office. Yes, I am thinking to put a spiral staircase to the exercise room if I can rework the space a bit. At this point, I am probably going to stick with what I have...but decided to throw it out there to see if anyone had a great idea if I add the corner space.
doc5md
4 years ago
I would think about a rework with these ideas in mind... turning the tub/vanity space 90 degrees with the tub getting a window in the 'new' space.

Do something to get the toilets closer to the bedroom. That is a long walk in the middle of the night for sure.
B Carey
Original Author
4 years ago
doc-Good suggestion. Yes, I was thinking to leave the bedroom where it is and turn the bathroom. Or move the bedroom up, and bring the bathroom down to the bedroom space. I think doing so could get the toilet closets moved closer as well.
shead
4 years ago
I simply cannot imagine the trek you or your significant other will have to make in order to get to the loo in the middle of the night, especially if this is a forever home. I'm sorry but I feel like the master suite area is a big hot mess.
shead
4 years ago
OP, is there a reason why your master bedroom is in that particular location? Personally, I think the corner is the best spot as it allows so much more natural light. Our master bedroom is on the south/east corner of the house and I rarely have to turn the lights on with the amount of sunlight it gets.
B Carey
Original Author
4 years ago
Shead-I do not want windows on more than the 1 wall in the master bedroom, even though I know many prefer that. We will have a master deck on the window side of the house.
Lenox Smith
4 years ago
I feel like I have seen this plan before. Was it on another thread perhaps?
B Carey
Original Author
4 years ago
Doc-I've been playing with turning the master bath to get the toilet closets closer and possibly make a nicer overall space. I went back through the many photos I have saved for ideas. I sketched out some several variations. This doesn't look at pretty with black boxes, but hopefully gives an idea. I still have an empty corner, but may just have to deal with that. I also give up the vestibule entrance for the closet/bathroom, but at least the door isn't in a horrible location. I'm hoping the space off the bathroom can feel sort of separate (like these 2 photos) (The greyed space/square would all be the mudroom space, mostly for boots and coats.

Considering I am hoping to start building within 1-2 months, I am just intending to get the overall plan "better" at this point. I can't wait much longer than that to get started. But, I would love any ideas of working off this change...or something like it, but better.