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House Plans – Research Is Key
By Martin Smith
When you think about building your new home consider your needs and your
lifestyle. If you are newlyweds your choices will be different from a couple
who is ready to retire and is looking for a smaller home. The lot may affect
the type of house and its placement.
If your lifestyle is such that you plan to entertain frequently, you might
want to consider including a formal dining and living area that is separated
from the family’s living area. If you just plan on having a couple of
friends over for a dinner and conversation, then you might want to eliminate
the formal dining area and create a simple dining area that can be used by
your family and your guests.
Is your lot large enough to allow you to build your house and still be able
to expand in the future? Will you need an extra room for guests or extra
living space for aging parents or future additions to your family? It is
imperative that you keep all of these possible concerns as you choose your
lot and your house plan.
When choosing a house plan you will want to keep your privacy needs in mind.
If you work from home, you will want privacy, space away from the main activity
of the home so that you can work effectively. You could have a workroom or
a hobby room where you and your family can gather together. The placement
of your windows could also affect your privacy. You certainly don’t
want your neighbors to be able to peer in at you. Window treatments and privacy
hedges or fences if appropriate will alleviate some those concerns.
Now that you have an idea of what your house might look like, it’s time
to think about the lot. I am sure you have a really good idea of what you
want your new home to look like but if it doesn’t fit on the lot you
will have a serious problems. It is recommended that you purchase your lot
before you look at plans for your home.
Some other things that you will need to consider are whether or not there
is bedrock under the soil. Bedrock and clays will make excavation for the
foundation difficult.
Pay attention to the weather and your house. Will your windows be placed
for maximum exposure to morning and evening sun? The sun and wind can affect
heating and/or air conditioning costs depending in which direction the slope
is facing. Check the surrounding rivers and streams as related to your lot.
If they overflow, how will it affect your property?
If you live in the flood plains be sure to find out if you can get flood
insurance. If not, you may want to reconsider the place where you will build
your home. Check the site for ditches or drainage issues. Soil drainage can
be another serious problem as it can cause water seepage into the foundation.
This can cause structural issues such as cracks and holes in the foundation.
The type of soil could also affect the foundation. Some clay soils, shrink
when dry and expand when wet. This could cause cracks and make it difficult
to maintain a dry basement.
Finally, check your zoning laws to be sure the type of house you want to
build is within their specifications. If expansion is permissible and how
much you will actually be able to do. The zoning commission also governs
the placement of your home on the site. You want to keep well within their
regulations.
Look at lots on which to build your new home. Check out the landscaping.
Does the soil allow for proper drainage? Will you be able to plant privacy
hedges or put up a privacy fence? How and where does the sun hit the lot?
If you want maximum light exposure you may want to place your house to get
that. The type of house you want to build could affect where on the lot your
house will sit. The size of the lot will affect the type of house that you
will be put on it.
Also check out the neighborhood where you want to build your home, does the
style you have chosen mesh with others in the area. Will the house fit on
the lot? Will the soil support the foundation? Get organized. Keep any and
all information about your plans, your lot, and anything regarding your home
in one place. Always check with the zoning board regarding your plans. You
have many decisions to make good luck!
(c) www.1st-4-
house-plans.com
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About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for home
buyers and consumers on purchasing a variety of
Dream Home which
includes
Cottage Plans,
Beach House Plans, and more! His numerous articles provide
a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information
Article Source:
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