Finding a house plan that works

A few weeks ago we met the builder that we chose and the person that he likes to use for house design. Click right HERE if you want to know how we chose our builder PLUS how you can choose your builder.

While I was waiting…

We waited 2 weeks for the preliminary plan. While I was waiting I watched every episode of the Established Home (Jean Stoffer) on Magnolia Network. Looking past the expensive details and furnishings…I focused on floor plan and flow.

One house, Reed's Lake House, had me grabbing my graph paper and pencil. I am all for open plan living but sometimes a little privacy is what I need. So, rather than having 1 large room with no definition of space…I wanted to create spaces. Using arches, interior windows, cased openings…even exposed brick.

I also met with the builders tile person. I am looking at tile to see what I like and what I don't like…and to get an idea of price. I want tile that looks hand made…without the handmade price.

Our lot is small.

Our lot is only 85′ across. The garage is in the front, on the left.

We want room for a side yard. A foyer. Large kitchen, 8′ dining table and a cozy living room. All of this is created with architectural elements. Not just space.

I really would like to have an arched front door (we call in a hobbit door) and a side entry – similar to a Charleston, SC style house.

And because my wish list is long I like to put together inspiration boards like this one. You can see it all HERE.

I also go through and screen shot what I love. Most of these images are from Ali Henri. I love her stuff.

Ok…plan received!

We met with Jerry (the builder) and Dave (the designer) to go over the preliminary plan. This is the first pass through. And, I gotta say, I was a tad nervous before this meeting. In fact, I am always a bit nervous before I meet the person who is drawing up my plan. I keep wondering ‘Did they understand my vision – as little as it was?'

The plan was presented and we went through it. First up – they were very respectful of my square foot requirements. I asked them to not go over 3,000′ in the main house + my husbands study. And the kept it ALL at 3353′. I have learned that it is WAY too difficult to start with a larger plan and go smaller because how can you remove what you love already!

I was pleasantly pleased! The concept was captured which gave us a starting point.

We spent about 2 hours talking through changes and options.

The wonderful thing about having Jerry in the meeting was that he could come at it from a cost perspective.

We left with an understanding that we would get together for the revisions in a week. 

And, of course, I went home and studied the plan. I can definitely think on my feet but then I need to study the details. I put together a document for Jerry and Dave with corresponding photos. They are all linked above.

That night my husband and I spent about 2 hours going through his study on the plan. He has specific requirements. Like a gun safe. A fireplace. A space for his turntable, albums, and dust collectors. We came up with a general idea which I gave to the designer.

I use vellum and trace the plan that I have. I then find an area that says 6′ and use that as my ruler as I am creating and and changing.

FYI – I will go through EACH room after the general concept is created and design the space. I will do a motion study in the kitchen – what do I use the most and where should that item (s) be stored. I will definitely do this for my craft room!

2nd pass at the plan.

We met with Jerry and Dave to go over the 2nd pass of our plan. Dave was to make changes based on our conversation last week.

He did a great job of listening and had some great ideas. But, the overall feel was not being captured. I felt like my dining room was not really a room. It was more like a space that went from one side of the house to the other. My husband's space wasn't quite right either.

So, I had the plans printed on 24×36″ paper (typical house plan size) which gave me a 1/4″ scale. I could then use my architect's ruler and lay out spaces. I had vellum that I overlaid on the plans and drew out new ones.

I also went back to my inspiration photos to make sure I was ‘still on board' with those ideas.

I realized that the built-ins were not taken into consideration in the great room. They needed to be drawn in so that the wall on the left could be added. And, to make sure that the fireplace was ‘proud' of the built-ins (meaning that it stood out further).

AND – the powder room was in the kitchen. I grabbed my vellum and drew it out – swapping the 2 spaces. And that was perfect. Add a cased opening and all is good.

After careful consideration…

After extensive conversations with Willy, my husband, and Jerry we decided to use an architect that I have used in the past – Wissmach Architects. He designed my cottage in Palmetto Bluff, SC. You can read about that HERE. Even though Dave did a great job…I felt more comfortable with someone who understood me and my visions.

It's all about the comfort level and who you trust.

And if you want to know why we sold our dream house click HERE.

Tools that I use to help me figure it all out!