| Skinny Nerd Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 76O'side, Cali
Posts: 77
|  Architectural Design :
08-23-2007
Okay, I'm not sure how many active members of this forum have taken, are currently in, or will be taking an architecture class (I'm sure it's fairly low), but, as a second year student with aspirations of someday becoming a licensed architect, I thought it would be a good idea to make this thread. Hopefully I, or anyone else with experience in architecture, will be able to answer any questions you have on the subject. [-work in progress-] House Design - Primary Considerations Site Considerations:- Legal title - A legal title is a document which basically says you have full claim to the property. It would be wise to invest in title insurance to avoid any problems that may arise.
- Grading - This is essentially how much dirt needs to be moved. Moving anything over 5 feet of dirt may require additional legal work and fees.
- Drainage and seismic issues - These are pretty straightforward. Know the history of the land before you buy it. Things to consider are floods, earthquakes, landslides, etc.
- Cost for bringing utilities to the site - Standard utilities include water, sewage, gas, electricity, cable, phone service, internet service, etc.
Zoning, Codes, and Restrictions:- Setbacks - These are restrictions as to how far the structure needs to be from the property lines. Safe assumptions would be: front = 25', rear = 20', and sides = 5'.
- Easements - These are rights to the property for a specific purpose (road construction, mining, water, etc.)
- CC&R's - Stands for Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions. Protects property owners. Think homeowners association.
- Coastal Commission - For oceanfront property. Protects things like the environment and other people's views of the ocean.
Family Needs:- Parents (age, needs, hobbies)
- Children (how many, gender, needs, hobbies)
- Grandparents (age, needs, hobbies)
- Other Residents
- Cost: ($200/sq. ft. Conditioned [Living] Area, $50/sq.ft. Non-Conditioned Area)
- Getting a Loan: 28% of net income max
Areas for Family Activities Consider the following when putting the floor plan together.- Preparing Food
- Dining
- Entertainment (TV, Music, etc.)
- Hobbies
- Laundry
- Study
- Dressing
- Sleeping
- Working
- Storage
- Bathing
- Accommodating Guests
Modular Construction Most based on increments of 4.
- Plywood, drywall, paneling = 4' x 8'
- Lumber lengths = 8', 10', 12', 14', 16'
- Concrete blocks are 8" x 8" x 16"
- Carpet is in 12' and 15' widths.
- Exterior walls are optimal in lengths that are multiples of 4'. They should be, at least, multiples of 2'.
Meeting with the Client Be sure to discuss the following.- Note the time the meeting starts and finishes if you're being paid by the hour.
- Clients' names
- Clients' ages
- Children (how many, gender, age)
- Grandparents/other occupants
- Joint income
- Budget
- Maximum house payment (28% of gross income)
- Time restraints for design/building
- Lot size/dimensions
- Lot topography
- Lot setbacks
- Easements
- CC&R's/Coastal commision
Last edited by Metzger8790; 09-05-2007 at 12:12 AM.
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