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emily_hutson59

DESIGN HELP NEEDED!!!

5 years ago

So bare with me because this is something I never thought I would do... but I’m in desperate need of design help! My husband and I purchased our farm in 2017. It was far from our dream home but you couldn’t beat the price for our property! He’s always dreamed of a farm to raise grass fed - grass finished beef... so we bought our farm. And with it, came the house.
Since we’ve purchased our house (originally built in 1975!) we’ve had nothing but issues. However, with that being said; my husband has worked construction almost all his life. We met with an architect and designed a new floor (one with a more open concept) and an addition. Since then, we’ve had 2 more kids (that’s a total of 5 kids!).
Now that we’re forced to concentrate on the house instead of the farm (in the midst of a pandemic, causing prices to rise to all time high’s, of course) we’re stuck with between a rock and a hard place.
We intend to do most of the work ourselves to improve what we have and possibly consider alternative floor plans/addition options. So... if anyone has any suggestions on how to make this our dream farmhouse... PLEASE SHARE THEM!!
Here’s what we’re currently working with... and yes, I’m aware, it’s going to involve gutting the entire house. But, I’m up for the challenge!!

Comments (11)

  • 5 years ago

    You won’t get good responses until you post diagrams of each floor with dimensions, windows, doors, etc.; photos of each room; and description of what is wrong with current house and what you want in new layout.

  • 5 years ago

    Well, our first priority is to remove and replace all the rotten siding with insulated vinyl siding and install all new construction windows. We also plan to move the front entry door (the new, larger door, will be located where you see the existing large picture window).
    Could anyone do a computer visual of what it might look like with vertical board and batten or horizontal clapboard in white? Design suggestions?

  • 5 years ago

    Instead of suggesting possible exterior finishes, you need to carefully define the design problem so others can participate in the solution. That begins with what C H asked for.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    You actually have good ideas in your ideasbook. Go for it.

  • 5 years ago

    When was the house built? Do you have the original plans? If not, please try drawing them on graph paper. With five kids, it's tough to get an hour of time to yourself. Maybe some kids can help with the tape measure.

  • 5 years ago

    Why would you move the front door further away from were people park? Please post original and proposed floor plans for best help and fewer chances of big mistakes.

  • 5 years ago

    I would question your plan of first replacing all siding and installing new construction windows. If you are not remodeling the interior yet, but will be changing the layout, won't your windows be moving/changing sizes? Ditto on the siding, and why would you use insulated vinyl if you are starting with a clean slate? What cost benefit analysis are you looking at to gain with insulated vinyl? Let's say vinyl is $0.50/sf, Smartside $1.25/sf, Fibercement $1.75/sf, insulated vinyl $2.00/sf.

    With a growing family, I might be starting with the addition, and stage the house in sections.

  • 5 years ago

    Really the only thing I an comment on is the exterior because that’s all I can see. So :
    I would probably do a brick exterior. Beef up the railing and posts. Continue the Brick on a new walkway. Outdoor lighting. Everywhere. Maybe wainscoting on the porch ceiling. Some planters. A wood Dutch door. A porch swing. I mean this is endless lol. I’m so excited for this!! I see the potential and I feel the energy. I loveee farmhouse!! And he while farmstyle life beauty!! Would love to see and comment on the interior.

  • 5 years ago

    As low as the porch is, you probably don't require railings so beefy 8x8 posts will go a long way to pull off a "farmhouse look." If the roof is to be replaced, a standing seam Galvalume roof would be my choice. Once we see your plans (befores & potential afters) you'll be flooded with ideas!

  • 5 years ago

    Is there a reason you want to move the front door to the end of the front? Aesthetically, it isnt the best place at the end. The door appears to be in the correct location for your house, right where it is.