Primary Design ConsiderationsChapter 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.

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

Green

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