Primary Design Considerations Chapter 6

Objectives Explain key site planning considerations. Evaluate the costs and requirements for building a residential home Describe the working drawings used to build a structure

Considerations Before a person can build a home, or design one, they must take the following into consideration: Characteristics of the site Local building codes Community attributes Family lifestyle Quality of living Size Room arrangement

Site The site is more than the property it is location Which school district is it located near? What are some of the stores, hospitals, or freeways nearby Growth potential What is the residential population? Are houses selling quickly? What is the turnover rate Potentially the most expensive part of building a home Vital part of building/purchasing

Site plan example

Topography Physical characteristics of the land on the site Is it flat, hilly, or have cliffs? What is the climate in the region? Is there a water feature present Pond, lake, etc the physical and natural surroundings or the soil conditions, may determine the style or layout of the home. It is important to take advantage of the natural setting when building a a home, i.e. many trees could mean large windows. Size and shape of the site can determine the shape of the home.

The siting of the building considered the natural topography of the site, maximizing open space for playing fields and circulation and maintaining buffer zones from abutters at the front of the site. Weymouth High School

Costs and restrictions Physical considerations Grading Filling Tree removal Drainage Road frontage Sewage Corner lots

Site Considerations A typical property deed includes a legal description of the site. A title search is required by law in many cities before a deed can be transferred to a new owner to determine if there are any legal claims against the property.

Title Insurance Protects the homeowner is any unexpected leins show up on the home. A lein is a right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged. To sell or refinance property, you must have clear title. A lien on your house, mobile home, car, or other property makes your title unclear. To clear up the title, you must pay off the lien. Thus, creditors know that putting a lien on property is a cheap and almost guaranteed way of collecting what they are owed—sooner or later.

Zoning A planning tool that communities use to restrict the types of buildings or structures that can be built in that area. Usually based on local building codes

Site Considerations Building permits must be obtained before construction can begin. Obtained for plumbing, electrical, general building construction If a building code is not followed, work on a home can be halted until resolved. See the local township for building codes

The Community Questions to ask: Is the neighborhood well-planned? Has it developed naturally? Existing homes in the area in your price range? Is it a good school district? Are there public services, such as fire, water, sewer, natural gas, garbage collection? Are you near work? Is there public transportation? Is there room for growth in the community? Is the community alive and moving?

City of Birmingham

Housing Considerations A functional house represents the lifestyle of the people living in it. First and foremost, consider the size of the family and/or future family Spaces to consider Accommodations Bathing Dressing Dining Entertaining Storage Sleeping Relaxing Family recreation Food prep Office/study

Budgeting for Housing Consider income, other expenses and obligations, housing needs, and expected future income. Calculate housing costs of no more than one-third of take-home pay. Housing costs include mortgage, utilities, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance. Example: Mortgage: $1200.00 Electric: $150.00 Gas: $100.00 Water: $150.00 Lawn Service: $ 50.00 TV & Internet $100.00 And to think, we haven’t included transportation, food, clothing, phone, recreation, etc…

Mortgage lenders usually limit loan payment to no more than 28% of gross monthly income May pay personal mortgage insurance if equity in home is less than 20 Equity: The amount a house is worth, minus the amount that is owed on the mortgage.

Green Architecture Working with nature Ask what effect building a home on the site will have on the environment Choose plants that are native to the area to support local wildlife and to reduce the need to water plants Avoid installing large expanses of concrete or paved areas

Working Drawings Working drawings include: Plot plan Foundation plan Floor plan Elevations Electrical plan Construction details Building sections Specifications

Plot Plan Plot plan shows location of house on site and other features.

Foundation Plan Foundation plans specify foundation size and materials used.

Floor Plan Floor plans are the basis for other plans in a set of working drawings.

Elevations Elevations show placement of windows and doors, exterior materials, and other details.

Electrical Plan Electrical plans show switches, outlets, fixtures, jacks, and panel box.

Building Sections Building sections illustrate unique or different construction techniques.

Other Plans Other drawings sometimes incorporated into set of residential working drawings: Roof plan Roof framing plan Floor framing plan HVAC plan Plumbing plan Landscaping plan Pictorial presentation