Masonry Advice Needed!!

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I’m super disappointed with the front of my (narrow) home. The entry was designed to be the WOW factor….however, somehow the left side of the entry got smaller, the big window was placed too high and now the arch is not as high as it should be. I’d like the arch lifted so the entry can look like the plans, not much I can do about the window & uneven sides. Is lifting the arch do-able?

Featured Answer

3onthetree

4 years ago

Two components that may or may not help you understand how it is and whether to pursue a change:

1. The "skinnier" left side of the portico: It looks like a mistake on the designer's drawing. Guessing how the wood frame was built, the upper wall of the portico, which supports the roof, appears to have been built directly in-line (or on top of) the wall of the garage to bear on the foundation (wall framing shown in RED for portico and GREEN for garage). This would be expected, as it would not require a separate foundation for the portico (shown in BLUE), and I am sure that the designer did not detail this foundation or wall situation to match their drawing elevation, so the builder did what was necessary to support the roof.

As built, the door and portico opening are all centered properly on the ridge of the portico. The mismatched portico "column" widths are a result of the designer not realizing the confluence of 3-D design with the structure.

2. The portico brick arch being lower than the drawing: There may be a limiting factor in where the mason vertically placed the arch - the portico ceiling framing. There might be roof truss heels in-line with the adjacent eave. So again, it may be the designer not detailing correctly in 3-D with the structure in mind. Also, when the drawings lack information, like the height of the arch or the radius of the arch to match better with the garage door arch, then the builder is free to interpret the drawings as close as they can get them.

If you are able to raise the arch, the gutter might need to be held away from the portico "column" a bit more to clear the brick protrusion on the face. There should be roof kick-out flashing there anyway (which I would bet was not installed) which could cover the gutter gap.

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Comments (10)

chispa
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
It doesn't look like you can raise the arch because you will hit the garage roof/gutter on the left side.

What does the building set of plans with actual dimensions show?

Was that elevation wrong or were the plans wrong?

Who made the mistakes?

Why did it take so long to notice the mistake? Didn't you notice when they framed it?

I think the a bigger issue is the overpowering black fascia/soffit and gutters that are weighing the house down and don't really go with the brick colors.
amateurdeziner
4 years ago
It looks like they left off part of your house (to the left and behind the garage), according to the elevation.
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Mark Bischak, Architect
4 years ago
Will the brick go all the way around the house?

Consider achieving the "wow" with landscaping.
Amanda Birdsong thanked Mark Bischak, Architect
Amanda Birdsong
Original Author
4 years ago
Yes, it’s a full brick house.
lafdr
4 years ago
You have a lovely home. It will look more finished with landscaping and no one else will know what was done "wrong" about it. I notice the lights are different than the drawings too. But, as it is, it is a pretty home. Is the inside layout as expected? The differences you are pointing out are pretty major to try to change at this point. Is this home better than your current home? Enjoy it.
Amanda Birdsong thanked lafdr
BT
4 years ago
Good landscaping will greatly help. It is still a good looking home.
Amanda Birdsong thanked BT
Amanda Birdsong
Original Author
4 years ago
How difficult would it be to run electrical to hang a light over the arch (on the outside) at this point? The side lights had to be moved to the garage b/c the left side of the entry wasn't built wide enough. I'm going to pull the porch light up so you can see the entire door (that light was intended to hang above with higher arch).
worthy
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
The "elevation" in this instance is as much rendering as elevation.

In either case, the snout nose garage remains the focus of attention. At least, blend rather than emphasize the garage door.

Artful landscaping and hardscaping is essential.
awm03
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I actually like the real life result better than the blueprint! The house has a more cottage-like scale, instead of the McMansion of the drawing. Thank goodness you didn't end up with that gargantuan roof -- who wants to look at all that roofing shingle? Your new home has a romantic, cottage feel to it. Your bricks are lovely, and the black windows are perfect, as is the pretty wood (fiberglass?) door, & the beautiful lanterns. Pick a high quality wood look garage door, get a good landscaper, and enjoy your handsome home.

ETA: The black trim is fabulous, works great with the soft browns of the brick.