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building a small house--any advice??
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Posted by mikesgirl1990 (My Page) on Tue, Sep 5, 06 at 20:56
Hi we have posted this on the buliding forum also--but felt you all might have some valuable advice too. we are thinking of building a small house next fall. Doing our research now. We are a family of 5 (3 boys under 8)--and are needing some room to roam. for budget reasons we are thinking of building something that has large living areas and perhaps a large sleeping loft ( and 1 private bedroom for us) then at a later time adding on,finishing a basement or loft to maximize our space. Have you got any ideas where to find most budget and space conscious house plans or even better yet a kit, panel, or modular (though NOT mobile home)- as our family obligations are huge right now, we are trying to keep the time/headache factor fairly minimal---as As I reread this I'm thinking "what a tall order" Sorry so long -any opinion appreciated.
leah |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: building a small house--any advice??
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| Definitely look into modular/prefab. They are well-built (my hubby is an architect and verifies they are stronger/better built as does my remodeling contractor). I currently live in an older one and have to agree. These days there are all sort s of styles/prices to choose from. The great thing is, you save a little money and LOADS of time and get a great product. Put in your basement foundation to be finished at a later time. Check out modular companies in your area. Good luck! |
RE: building a small house--any advice??
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| http://www.coastalliving.com/coastal/homes/ideahouses/cottage2002/cottage2002.html Cruise around on this link. I love this home. It can be built in phases and has a large, open living/kitchen area. |
RE: building a small house--any advice??
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| I knew someone at work who built a modular home for her mother. She said the modular home was nicer than her's. I just happened to notice that there is a MODULAR HOME forum on gardenweb. Not to put you off the smaller homes forum as most of us enjoy living in smaller houses and are satisfied with them. Good luck. |
RE: building a small house--any advice??
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| There also are some pre-fab plans which permit the connection of two of the units back-to-back to create a larger home. Might want to site and plan for that. Check out the fablist. |
Here is a link that might be useful: fablist
RE: building a small house--any advice??
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| If you are in part of the world where a full basement is necessary AND can find a sloping site, a daylight walk out basement is a great economiser. Build a 26 X32 one story with the use of a full basement, they can be delightful and cost little more than the already needed basement. |
RE: building a small house--any advice??
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| If you're a do it yourself or or a homeowner who every once in a while, once to tackle a small or large project but doesn't know where to begin, can gather useful information from home building books. I have been using these books for years and may have been worth their weight in gold. I started my career working for my father and my father worked for his father as a Carpenter. Our job was to frame the house and we built a Lotta homes. I learned how to frame and developed some great carpentry skills from my father and working with other skilled carpenters. Over the years, if you're paying attention, even a monkey can figure out, how to assemble almost anything. The only problem that I faced, was learning how to build the rest of the home. I would often ask questions to other building trades like plumbers, electricians, roofers and construction superintendents. Some of these people were helpful and others were not. When I was in my early 30s, I purchased my first book on home building. This book lead to other books and soon I found myself with more home building knowledge that my father. |
Here is a link that might be useful: New Jersey Building Movers
RE: building a small house--any advice??
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| Today, it is common to see many small homes being built for families nationwide.In order to minimize excess building materials during the home construction process, our designers have kept efficient use of space in mind. This allows our small house plans to conserve materials, while maximizing living space. |
RE: building a small house--any advice??
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I designed my house to have flexible use and energy efficient.
It has 1300 ft down and 800 up. My wife and I live down and the up is only used with company. The HVAC are two separate units with a door at the top of the stairs. Here in S Texas when temps get to upper 90s regularly, with abundant insulation over the second floor, upstairs has never seen over upper 80s, and that is the attic to my first floor. Wouldn't you like an attic that never gets super hot? Bottom line, highest electric bill has been $120.
For those people who have youngsters it's just a two story house. When you become empty nesters, you shut down the up and enjoy the savings. No need to sell and find a smaller home. You still get good appreciation from a standard sized house...in this case a 3 bed, 3.5 bath setup. |
Here is a link that might be useful: House A
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