BajaNomad

House ideas? What would you like?

Russ - 3-6-2011 at 09:10 AM

Here's one idea I'm playing with. I'd like your ideas for a better simple home.

Santiago - 3-6-2011 at 09:20 AM

What software are you using, I'm trying to find a simple house plan program and everything I find wants me to know CAD which I don't.

mcfez - 3-6-2011 at 09:22 AM

Russ ..
this place be facing the ocean?

Russ - 3-6-2011 at 09:23 AM

It's callled MacDraft PE
Here's a blowup of the house

A few things I would do

Santiago - 3-6-2011 at 10:10 AM

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Russ - 3-6-2011 at 10:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Russ ..
this place be facing the ocean?


yes water front lot
Santiago, Thanks.
edit: I looked a little closer at your improvements and I like the larger front window. The new door going from the 1/2 bath into the laundry took away what I had in mind for the walk-in closet/laundry.




[Edited on 3-6-2011 by Russ]

El Jefe - 3-6-2011 at 10:52 AM

Russ, this is a good start. I like smaller too. Our place is a great room in the middle and a bedroom and full bath on either side. That's all we ever need. When we have overflow guests we pitch a safari tent on the roof. Oh, we put a half bath up there for that too.

I like Santiago's changes. The closet in the bedroom is something that you will be glad to have included. Think about a place for an outdoor shower with heated water. I use mine just about every day to hose off the sand, salt water etc.

You have good airflow through the bedroom. A key point. Plumb for mini-split AC units even if you don't think you will get them right away.

Plan where your couch will be in the living room. You know, where you want to sit and look out at the view when it is too cold, too hot or blowing like hell outside. Then put a ceiling fan over that spot. And of course one goes over your bed.

Install more electrical outlets that you think you will need. I've got a couple of walls in this place that I'm always thinking, "Why didn't we put an outlet there?"

There may come a point when you want an entertainment center with a TV, especially if you are going to spend a lot of time in the house. Thank about where it will go and wire accordingly. Remember to put in some conduit for the cable from the dish. Internet dish also.

Good luck, planning it all out is fun.

bajaguy - 3-6-2011 at 11:23 AM

Weatherproof electrical outlets and hose bibbs (faucets) outside of every door

DENNIS - 3-6-2011 at 11:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Closet is a great idea.



You will never have too much storage. Just keep planning for more and when you think you have enough, put in some more.

Cypress - 3-6-2011 at 12:04 PM

Storage? If you don't use it or wear it at least once every 6 months, do you really need it? I'd make an exception for tools, sorta like insurance.:light:

durrelllrobert - 3-6-2011 at 01:02 PM

why do all the exterior doors open out? not to secure

grace59 - 3-6-2011 at 01:27 PM

I can't tell from the drawings...do you have covered porches? Consider where the summer sun will hit your house and plan porches or other overhangs accordingly. Fans in areas on the porches too help with cooling and keeping flying critters at bay. A nice courtyard to sit in during the winter to catch some warmth and sunlight is good, too! We are just finishing up our house and I can't wait to have the opportunity to use it more!

Cypress - 3-6-2011 at 01:33 PM

Dollars/ Sq. ft? Know it depends upon materials etc. Anybody got an average cost? Looks like $100/sq ft. is average?:?:

Russ - 3-6-2011 at 02:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by grace59
I can't tell from the drawings...do you have covered porches? Consider where the summer sun will hit your house and plan porches or other overhangs accordingly. Fans in areas on the porches too help with cooling and keeping flying critters at bay. A nice courtyard to sit in during the winter to catch some warmth and sunlight is good, too! We are just finishing up our house and I can't wait to have the opportunity to use it more!


Yes, I have ideas to have shade all around. Either by roofs or trees. I do want the SW side to be removable so I can move the couch around to get some sun in the winters. That's a real dilemma because the wind here often hits 40mph and they'll need to be strong enough for hurricane season too. May have to settle for some reflective type curtains and some trees. The storage area off the kitchen should block the winter winds so I would have the BBQ on that side also.
I'm just putting out ideas here the little place I have now is perfect for a hermit. If I can sell my other lot ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3Rf_LWiKps ) I may do some adding on.

my two cents worth

mcfez - 3-6-2011 at 02:24 PM

We built on a small scale, because we do not live in our SF house. It serves it's purpose as a "base camp". Small is good :-)

I would emphasize the view of the ocean!!!!!! That's why you bought the lot. I redid your windows to gather 40-50 % more viewing.

There's a wall for your tv

The door by the kitchen....is it really needed? I would make that a can storage area for the kitchen. Build outward a few feet for this space.....no real extra cost for that extra.

The bathrooms...hell of a lot cheaper to construct if you set it up back to back (plumbing)

Dont forgot to add a big ol fire pit in the front patio!

The storage room....if you are not there all the time...I'd make that reinforced to leave your valuables in it. ...........

[Edited on 3-6-2011 by mcfez]

blue.jpg - 41kB

Cypress - 3-6-2011 at 02:39 PM

$$/sq. ft? That's important for some reason or another. Let me guess.:lol:

Plumbing

bajaguy - 3-6-2011 at 02:39 PM

Use 3/4" PEX with snap on fittings.........easy-squeezy

grace59 - 3-6-2011 at 02:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
$$/sq. ft? That's important for some reason or another. Let me guess.:lol:

Price per square foot is tricky...as you said before...depends on what Russ is going to use! CMU Block is cheaper, but not as energy efficient as some of the newer materials...depends on quality of fixtures, tile, granite etc....kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive...we used a material known as Perform Wall for our exterior walls. It is more expensive, but has a high R Factor. We will be more comfortable when we are there in the summers. Here is the link for those interested.
http://www.performwall.com/

Russ - 3-6-2011 at 02:51 PM

Great input everyone! Here another design---- I have a million of them. Well, not quite.

Two Story.jpg - 46kB

mcfez - 3-6-2011 at 03:07 PM

Hey Russ....
It's getting bigger by the hour :lol:

Oh yeah yeah yeah...snap on PVC is a great invention.

Again...second level bathroom...directly up top of the lower for cost savings.

BTW.....use less exterior wall angles to gather more ocean view :light:

We all get a free night and dinner for this help?



[Edited on 3-6-2011 by mcfez]

rhintransit - 3-6-2011 at 03:08 PM

I like the second one much better. the first one is compact but a lot of the floor space is wasted walking/path space. a woman's comment...move those beds out of the corners! you will hate the placement each time you have to make them.

BigOly - 3-6-2011 at 03:19 PM

Russ, now don't forget about the bird photography. Have a place on the west side of the patio for morning shots and east for eve photos. Plumb ahead so you have water for your water feature. You'll be amaized at the different birds spraying or dripping water will attract. Have electrical outlet for a little pump for recycling water. Better to do these things sooner than later. Think about where you want the bird bath and feeders so they don't make a mess where they are at AND the path the birds are likely to take, like access to a nearby tree(so the birds won't be flying right over a table or chair). Nobody wants to clean up bird poop all the time! .:yes:

Ideas from a plumber.....

bajaguy - 3-6-2011 at 03:20 PM

Add a utility sink in the room with the W/D, and move the W/H from the second bathroom (1st plan) to the W/D room....and put a tub in the 2nd bathroom.....you can thank me later!!........also, near your outside shower, add a utility sink.

bajamedic - 3-6-2011 at 05:19 PM

Russ with a view like yours, a small cardboard box with a big hole cut into the side would work for me. Although, I really do like some of the later ideas that were posted. JH