Idea
The Design Guide is a DIY tool intended to be helpful in analyzing and selecting both a building site and a home design. One is encouraged to consider utilizing it prior to making any final selection decisions. The first chapter is a summary-a start up guide- and will have value for all looking into new home construction. The balance of the guide gets more detailed, and requires some thought and energy to make use of.
Closer Look
The Design Guide is free (and optional) to use. It is organized by chapters. Each chapter can be viewed on this website, and can be downloaded and then viewed using any PDF app, and or can be printed at home on standard letter size paper.
Chapter Index
- d0 New Home Project Start Up Summary
- d1 Home Building Site – Researching
- d2 Home Building Site – Mother Nature
- d3 Home Building Site – Working with Topography
- d4 Home Building Site – Designing with a Site
- d5 Home Building Shell – Layout Basics
- d6 Home Building Shell – Stories
- d7 Home Space Planning – Relationships
- d8 Home Space Planning – Utility Functions + Spaces
- d9 Home Space Planning – Kitchen and Living Spaces
- d10 Home Space Planning – Bedrooms and Baths
- d11 Home Building Components – Doors + Windows
d0 New Home Project Start Up Summary
This introductory chapter presents some start up tasks that are recommended before beginning the actual home design process, or the home design search. This project leans toward finding a building site before beginning that home design or home search. A site, as is explained carefully this design guide, is a strong influence in good home design.
do.1 ESTABLISHING PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Establishing project requirements and prioritizing them becomes the best friend for making good project decisions.
d0.2 BUDGET THINKING
Every project decision unfortunately has a cost consequence. The earlier in the project a sense of good budget can be ingrained the better.
d0.3 SITE SEARCH
Site selection is arguably the leading and most important decision for any project. Early and varied site searches can help set sound site criterion before a final decision is demanded.
d0.4 SITE CHECKLISTS
For sites that may have that emotional appeal it is wise to carefully check the practical categories. The big ones are listed.
d0.5 SITE FAMILIARITY
The plan diagrams this page illustrates graphically some of the site data one wants to consider when considering a site, and before one attempts an actual home design.
d0.6 START UP – LISTS
Preliminary design ‘planning’ can be done a number of ways. Some of us are more comfortable with lists….
d0.7 START UP – BUBBLE DIAGRAMS
Some of us are more comfortable with graphic doodles…….
d0.8 START UP – APPROXIMATE PLANS
Some of us want to see more concrete plans and feel comfortable adjusting them……….
d0.9 START UP – PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
And sometimes projects are best served by, at some point, seeking professional assistance.
d1 Home Building Site – Researching
A site search exploration has a discovery aspect. It can be fun. And, as with most searches, there is a fairly serious due diligence aspect. This chapter presents the due diligence aspect in a page by page kind of checklist.
d1.1 RESEARCHING OPPORTUNITIES
A variety of site search techniques are introduced including GIS.
d1.2 ZONING REGULATIONS
The zoning idea is overviewed, and typical zoning restrictions are introduced.
d1.3 EASEMENTS, RIGHTS of WAY, BUFFERS
These legal lot restrictions are not always evident on a physical site.
d1.4 SUBDIVISIONS, COVENANTS
Are forms of rules and regulations. Sometimes pesky but often purposeful and beneficial.
d1.5 DOMESTIC WATER
One needs to be certain good clean water can be had on site.
d1.6 SEWAGE & SEPTIC
Public sewage availability should first be checked. If not available then septic options require analysis.
d1.7 ELECTRIC and COMMUNICATION SERVICES
Electric service is usually close by. Communication services are another matter.
d1.8 COMBUSTIBLE FUELS
Combustible fuel options and typical equipment and appliance uses are outlined.
d1.9 THE DEED and THE SURVEY
Both deed and survey are property descriptions – and protections.
d2 Home Building Site – Mother Nature
All people and all homes dwell in a physical environment that is owned and operated by Mother Nature. General wisdom says understanding and respecting is the smart path. This chapter is intended to summarize and remind of the many changing and live forces that we live with. We must design our homes to be able to reasonably and respectfully deal with these conditions.
d2.1 SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability and the water and carbon cycles
d2.2 SOIL
Soil types, and their structural bearing and drainage characteristics
d2.3 SUN
Sun tracking, and the sun as a radiant heat source
d2.4 HEAT, WATER and NATURAL TRANSFERENCE
Hot to cold and wet to dry are very useful rules to always keep in mind
d2.5 TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY and COMFORT
The goal is comfort. Temperature and humidity must both be considered
d2.6 HYGRO-THERMAL THINKING
The building science community is better understanding the temperature-humidity dynamic as it effects people, energy and a building longevity.
d2.7 CLIMATE
Climate zones and code compliant insulation requirements
d2.8 FROST
Freezing soil is a serious building consideration. Frost depths are explained.
d2.9 SNOW
Accumulated snow is both a management and structural consideration.
d2.10 PRECIPITATION
Average mapped precipitation is one thing. Big event precipitation is another.
d2.11 UNDERGROUND WATER
The water table and underground aquifers are worth being aware of.
d2.12 WIND
Wind can be gentle or it can be devastating. Design wind speeds are explained.
d2.13 WEATHERING, WOOD DECAY, TERMITES
Some of the quiet things that break down buildings. and complicate long term maintenance.
d2.14 SOIL GASES
The earth harbors and releases gases. Some occur naturally. Some is dangerous stuff we have left in the soil and ignorantly never cleaned. Both types are potentially harmful.
d2.15 HURRICANES, TORNADOES
Concern about frequency and magnitude is growing. Some preparation is possible.
d2.16 EARTHQUAKES, WILDFIRES
Unfortunately these less predictable events exist. But they have geographic parameters and there is no reason to claim ignorance.
Download d2 Home Building Site – Mother Nature (.pdf)
d3 Home Building Site – Working with Topography
There are flat sites, there are moderately sloped sites, and there are more rugged, steep and challenging building sites. What is nice about topography as a natural building condition is that it can be measured and documented, and then designed for. Other natural conditions are often less predictable.
Soil conditions and the always required attention to drainage and water management are covered elsewhere. This chapter stays focused on 3 dimensional site geometry, how to ‘measure’ it, document it and how to incorporate that geometry into design thinking.
d3.1 TOPO- SLOPE MATH and PARAMETERS
The language used defining slopes, and practical limits slopes defined by everyday activities.
d3.2 INTERPRETING MAPS 1
A general introduction to types of maps. Different map types have different functions.
d3.3 INTERPRETING MAPS 2
Topographic map conventions are presented. The topo map is a ‘keep out of trouble’ friend.
d3.4 CUTTING SITE PROFILES 1
Dissecting the topo map so get maximum value out of it.
d3.5 CUTTING SITE PROFILES 2
Graphic lesson in creating profiles from topo mapping.
d3.6 CHECKING TOPO without a TOPO MAP
DIY lessons in creating topo data when accurate mapping is not available.
d3.7 CONSIDERING PRIMARY SITE FUNCTIONS
The first step in analyzing and designing for a site’s topography.
d3.8 MAPPING the BUILDING FOOTPRINT
Sample maps for testing a designs building footprint and construction area
d3.9 SITE PROFILING the BUILDING FOOTPRINT
Looking at those maps in profile and in 3d.
d3.10 CUT and FILL AWARENESS
Cut (removing earth) and fill (adding earth) wants to be ‘balanced’.
d3.11 TOPO – FOUNDATION TYPE OVERVIEW
Simple profiles illustrate the relation between foundation type and slope.
d3.12 TOPO – SLAB on GRADE FOUNDATIONS
Illustrates slab on grade options in several slope scenarios.
d3.13 TOPO – CRAWL SPACE FOUNDATION
Illustrates crawl space options options in several slope scenarios.
d3.14 TOPO – BASEMENT FOUNDATION
Illustrates basement foundation options in several slope scenarios.
d3.15 TOPO – POST and PIER FOUNDATION
Illustrates post and pier options in several slope scenarios.
d3.16 INTRODUCING COMPOSITE FOUNDATIONS
Many to most homes have garage, porch, deck foundations integrating with the prime house foundation. Often these are best served with composite’ foundations.
Download d3 Home Building Site – Working with Topography (.pdf)
d4 Home Building Site – Designing with a Site
This summary chapter on site design presents and overviews the topography, the approach onto and into the site, drainage, views, sun use and orientation, and vegetation all as conditions that can be sympathetically designed with. One important point made is that designing with a site, and not fighting it, will generate a better and more economical project.
d4.1 COOPERATING with TOPOGRAPHY
Harmonizing with the topographical conditions on a site does have an attractive romantic facet to it. It also has a serious practical problem solving side. Fighting topography is riddled with complications and cost.
d4.2 APPROACH AWARENESS
The approach to a home site from a perimeter position often has choices. Outlined are a handful of specific considerations.
d4.3 DRAINAGE
Water, where it is not wanted, is maybe the biggest and most costly homeowner headache of all time. Problems all start with poor water management on site. Fortunately it can be managed.
d4.4 RESPONDING to VIEWS
Responding to views hopefully involves capturing the grand vista. It also may include blocking views, managing views, and even creating your own views.
d4.5 USING the SUN
Understanding the basics of the way we revolve around the sun and how that creates a predictable ‘path’ is a first step. Only then is considering the many design options based on sun orientation is possible.
d4.6 USING the SUN – PASSIVE SOLAR
Passive solar is one of those design options. It is potent concept, but has a set of rules – and must deal with mother natures moods.
d4.7 USING the SUN – ACTIVE SOLAR
This more predictable yet potent sun based design option refers to photovoltaic energy capture. This adventure is more technology based, and has its own specific sets of rules and conditions.
d4.8 VEGETATION
Vegetation on site, from anything considered ground cover, to any majestic trees, need to be either carefully managed, and or carefully replaced. It all has an aesthetic and practical job to perform.
d4.9 CONSIDERING IT ALL …
Considering all these site factors and how they interplay with the home design is a little intimidating. If one breaks these down one at a time, digests the situation, and can prioritize outcomes, the better decisions will rise to the top.
d5 Home Building Shell – Layout Basics
This chapter is introducing the more basic considerations in the design of the home’s shell. Before getting tied up in specific plan designs, one has to have the bigger 3 dimensional picture established -which involves a grasp of the core house, and how many levels it may have (d6), the primary components of entry, outside living spaces, and garage and vehicle parking, and their preferred positioning on a lot. One is configuring ‘the shell’. This is concept designing.
d5.1 1,2, and 3 STORY COMPARISON
Exterior surfaces area square footage comparison based on the same total finished square footage. A study in volume.
d5.2 THE PERIMETER
Compares perimeter shapes from the simple rectangle to a complex many sided shape, using the same footprint square footage. A study in shapes.
d5.3 SPACE UNDER GABLE ROOFS
A comparison study of space captured under the gable roof using 5 different roof pitches.
d5.4 SPACE UNDER GABLE ROOF VARIATIONS
A further comparison of space under other variations of the gable roof. Raising the roof plate to a kneewall to a full wall is compared.
d5.5 SPACE UNDER HIP+SHED ROOFS
The hip roof and shed roof are similarly compared showing roof pitch and captured footage.
d5.6 SCHEMATIC PLAN ARRANGEMENTS
Introduces the positioning the basic house components of entry, the porch or deck, and the garage around the house core.
d5.7 ROOF TYPE ARRANGEMENTS
Discusses the basics of the gable, hip, and shed roof geometries, and their flexibility and limitations.
d5.8 ARRANGEMENTS AROUND THE HOUSE CORE
Illustrates some usual ways the entry, porch, and garage components can be interconnected with the core house.
d5.9 LAYOUTS BASED ON A FIXED ACCESS POINT
Sometimes the access point into a site is fixed. There are options for the arrangement the entry, porch and garage to satisfy other established design wishes.
d5.10 LAYOUTS BASED ON A FIXED PLAN IDEA
Sometimes a home design has a single most important feature. Those entry, porch and garage components can be arranges a variety of ways without compromising that key idea.
d5.11 LAYOUTS BASED ON SUN POSITIONING
The sun path is an important condition. There are a number of ways to use that sun path to one’s best advantage. Again a matter of creative arrangement of components.
d6 Home Building Shell – Stories
This chapter presents the vertical dimension of home design. Stories, including lower level, intermediate, and attic levels are ‘defined’ and discussed. Ceiling heights and stairs are discussed. A prime intention this chapter is to provide useful information to help the big decision of whether to build out- or to build up. Another concept design decision.
d6.1 ABOVE AND BELOW THE MAIN LEVEL
Below the main level is some kind of supporting foundation system. Above the main level is a different construction. They are 2 different design problems that ultimately want to shake hands.
d6.2 3 VERY COMMON STORY CONFIGURATIONS
Using these 3 very common slab on grade, 1 1/2 story, and multi story stacked construction examples is a way to outline this big ‘shell’ decision.
d6.3 FOUNDATION LEVELS WITHOUT LIVING SPACE
Shows alternative foundations when no living space below that main level is anticipated.
d6.4 FOUNDATION LEVELS WITH LIVING SPACE
Shows the basement and daylight foundation configurations typical when lower level useable or living space is possible and of value.
d6.5 CEILING HEIGHTS – STANDARDS, MECHANICS
Ceiling heights are explained using conventional and construction based practical criteria.
d6.6 CEILING HEIGHTS – SPACE, SCALE
Ceiling heights are explained from a space and scale criteria. Ceiling heights are always ‘user defined’, and it is a good choice to have.
d6.7 ATTIC SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS 1
The attic space, for a few reasons, is regulated by code. Code defined acceptable space and useful space are not at odds, but also are not the same.
d6.8 ATTIC SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS 2
A comparison exercise illustrates 3 attic spaces and establishes a few ways to make the attic space viable.
d6.9 BUILDING HEIGHT
Building height can be restricted by zoning regulations, so it is important to understand ways that height can be managed.
d6.10 CONVENTIONAL STAIRS
Stairs have their own code compliant rules, which are safety oriented. Both space required and best configurations of stairs quickly becomes a ‘must know’ part of the home layout.
d6.11 OTHER STAIR TYPES
Stair alternatives are outlined. These alternatives have their place. All take up less floor space, and all are more difficult to navigate.
d6.12 SQUARE FOOTAGE, STORIES, FLOORS
Useful definitions of these square footage. Also the code definitions of is a ‘story’ and a ‘floor’.
d6.13 DEFINING THE THERMAL ENVELOPE
Keeping the thermal envelope in mind while developing home designs and plans is a high priority when energy conservation is a goal.
Download d6 Home Building Shell – Stories (.pdf)
d7 Home Space Planning – Relationships
The intent this chapter is ask one to re-think and re-organize program requirements likely already considered. One method is to re-organize requirements into the 3 prime groups of utility functions, public living functions, private sleeping functions. The next few chapters are organized using these 3 functional groups.
Sometimes these 3 prime groups translate to design pods which can ease the transition into hard core design planning. It is admittedly complicated. Sometimes the 3 pod idea won’t work, thinking specifically of bedrooms that may end up spread out, or be better served if located on different levels.
d7.1 ADDING THE MANY HOME FUNCTIONS
The basic plan components and possible vertical arrangements already presented. Now all the many specific home functions are added into the design project.
d7.2 UTILITY FUNCTIONS+SPACES
The utility functions include arrival, parking, entry, mud rm. laundry, pantry, and mechanical space. These functions are presented for consideration.
d7.3 KITCHEN, EATING, LIVING SPACES
Along with kitchen and eating functions are the living spaces. Living spaces might include a flex space, office space, computer or reading alcove, plant space or 4 season room, exterior living porch or deck. All options want consideration.
d7.4 BEDROOM, CLOSET, BATH SPACES
Establishing a sensible bedroom count is the starting place. This is an owner/family dynamic that can change so deserves some short and long term planning. The closet and bath requirements will follow the bedroom/bedroom use determination.
d7.5 OTHER SPACES
The integrated apartment, leisure spaces, work spaces, and extra storage places want to be considered in addition to the home’s core functions.
d8 Home Space Planning – Utility Functions + Spaces
This chapter presents a lot of code minimums, specific planning advice, dimensional requirements, and appliance and equipment evaluations for the utility functions in the house. These utility functions include vehicle management, garages and carports, entries, mud rooms, laundries, half baths, and general storage. Also considered are space requirements for electrical, hotwater heaters, and hvac equipment.
d8.1 MANAGING VEHICLES 1
Vehicle dimensions and vehicle control dimensions based on turning radii are summarized. These are most of what one needs to design any vehicular management situation.
d8.2 MANAGING VEHICLES 2
3 vignettes shown tracking vehicle movements and parking scenarios
d8.3 GARAGE CONFIGURATIONS 1
General considerations for all carport and garage parking. Includes several dimensional illustrations for single vehicle covered parking.
d8.4 GARAGE CONSIDERATIONS 2
Dimensional illustrations for covered parking for 2 and 3 vehicles.
d8.5 ENTRY. LANDING, STEP REQUIREMENTS 1
Clearances and conditions for steps and landings are illustrated. Door specs, door sizes and swings are noted.
d8.6 ENTRY, LANDING, STEP REQUIREMENTS 2
Expanding design thinking beyond code minimums are shown.
d8.7 COMPONENTS for FOYER, MUD RM
Including one or two designated entrances to the home sets up decisions. A variety of designs are shown intended to manage all the stuff we enter and leave the home with.
d8.8 ENTRY FOYER VIGNETTES
Small and simple to larger and inclusive entry spaces are illustrated and dimensioned. Food for thought.
d8.9 LAUNDRY
Layouts presented in sequencing sizes. Appliance and cabinetry options are summarized.
d8.10 PDR RM
Layouts presented in different shapes and sizes. Plumbing and cabinetry options are summarized.
d8.11 STORAGE BRAINSTORMING
Closets presented in sequencing sizes. Closet door types are analyzed, and a variety of shelf constructions are shown.
d8.12 TRASH, EXTERIOR STORAGE
Overview thoughts are presented regarding the inescapable requirement of managing household trash.
d8.13 ELECTRIC SERVICE, HOT WATER
Outlines electrical service and electrical panel location options and access requirements. Hot water heating devices/appliances are summarized as are location strategies and closet requirements.
d8.14 HVAC POSITIONING
Default allowance for ducted systems this project is explained. Shown are ommon locations and positioning for air handling units.
d8.15 HVAC SYSTEM SCHEMATICS
1, 2, and 3 level home profiles showing hvac schematics with 1 and 2 air handlers and their basic duct positioning.
d9 Home Space Planning – Kitchen and Living Spaces
This chapter presents specific planning advice, dimensional requirements, appliance and equipment evaluations , and furniture arrangement options for the kitchen, eating and living functions for the house. Included are interior and exterior living space design observations.
As with all interior layouts, one has to have a handle on the components on is design managing. And these are many, particularly in the kitchen, and importantly in the living spaces.
d9.1 KITCHEN LAYOUT BASICS
Kitchen layouts are shown with 4 different wall configurations and 3 different sizes. These are not model designs, but rather ‘what if’ exercises.
d9.2 KITCHEN CABINETRY BASICS
Kitchen cabinet standards are illustrated.
d9.3 COOKING APPLIANCES, TALL CABINETS
Ranges, cooktops, microwaves, vents and venting, and the cabinetry intended to incorporate them are illustrated.
d9.4 SINKS, REFRIGERATORS
Sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators are noted and dimensioned along with any cabinetry that service them.
d9.5 ISLAND, BREAKFAST BAR
Many options are illustrated and dimensioned. Picking the best of 4 bar counter heights is critical and sets up other decisions.
d9.6 EATING SPACES
Spaces for tables, clearances around tables, table sizes, shapes, and seating counts all illustrated and dimensioned.
d9.7 LIVING AREA BASICS
Shows seating vignettes in sequencing sizes. The important question of seating orientation is presented.
d9.8 FIREPLACE, TV, WINDOWS
Seating orientation continued examining fireplace options, tv and tv positioning options, and reminding that viewing window and doors always come into play.
d9.9 FIREPLACE TYPES, FIREPLACE FLUES 1
Wood burning fireplaces are overviewed.
d9.10 FIREPLACE TYPES, FIREPLACE FLUES 2
direct vent and b vent gas fireplaces are overviewed.
d9.11 MISC LIVING SPACE OBSERVATIONS
A few more observations regarding orientation in the living space.
d9.12 EXTERIOR LIVING LAYOUT BASICS 1
Basic sizing minimums based on function and furniture are presented.
d9.13 EXTERIOR LIVING LAYOUT BASICS 2
Continued observations on the view conditions that accompany roof covered exterior living spaces.
d9.14 EXTERIOR LIVING AT GRADE
Patio flexibility at grade, and some observations about grills.
d10 Home Space Planning – Bedrooms and Baths
This chapter similarly breaks the design thinking down into the many parts that have to be carefully assembled. Beds, and bed space, bedroom furniture type and sizing is presented. Egress windows are noted. Bath plumbing and closet parameters are described with illustrated alternative design approaches.
d10.1 BEDS+BED SPACE
Bed sizes, clearances, and room schematics for the various bed sizes.
d10.2 BEDROOM FURNITURE, WINDOWS, DOORS
Other bedroom furniture and windows are described and sized with layout comments.
d10.3 CLOSETS
In-line and walk-in closets sizes, configurations, with comments on closet door types.
d10.4 TOILETS, SINKS, VANITIES
Toilet clearances, privacy options, and storage options. Sink types, vanity types, and other bath built-ins presented and commented on.
d10.5 BATH TUBS
Tub types, constructions, surrounds, and plan arrangements presented and commented on.
d10.6 SHOWERS
Shower types. constructions, surrounds, and placement options within the bath space.
d10.7 STANDARD BATH LAYOUTS
Bath layouts presented by number of fixtures. With limited space the options are not endless as the fixtures all have clearance and access rules.
d10.8 FLEX SPACES
This page shows other ways that extra bedroom space can be outfitted while including a convertible type bed- as tv room, as office space, as an exercise room.
d11 Home Building Components – Doors + Windows
Doors and windows are a very big deal in any home design. They each have obvious functions. The door defines the pathways in and through a layout, and allow the plan to ‘work’. The windows offer light, view and ventilation. Beyond those functions, smart, creative door and window sizing and selections can bring a home to life. The door and window design gives definition to the exterior appearance, and are a major player in the quality of interior space. This chapter presents the doors and windows as the components they are. The designer can take these components and give a home design some depth and a little zing.
d11.1 EXTERIOR ENTRY DOOR CRITERIA
Takes a broad look at the home’s entry and emphasizes its importance. It is doing several jobs.
d11.2 EXTERIOR ENTRY DOOR CONFIGURATIONS
Standard entry door options are diagramed and explained.
d11.3 EXTERIOR GLASS DOOR
Glass panel exterior doors, sliding and hinged, and fixed, are presented. A beauty about the glass door is its dorr function, and it can be a great light source.
d11.4 WINDOW TYPES_CASEMENTS, AWNINGS, SLIDERS, DOUBLE HUNGS
The appearance, operation, sizes and conditions are explained these window types.
d11.5 WINDOW TYPES_PICTURE, TRANSOMS, TRAPS, PENTS,ARCHES
The geometries of these ‘fixed’ windows and some integrated applications are shown. Often these fixed units are custom ordered to sizes and angles owner specified. Just in time manufacturing permits these to stay reasonably priced.
d11.6 WINDOW TYPES_ADDITIONAL ACCENT WINDOWS
Additional ‘special’ windows which sometimes fit the bill perfectly. Know they are available.
d11.7 MULLED COMBINATIONS
Mulled (factory assembled into 1 unit) doors and windows can be a good solution and construction convenience. Shown are a handful of sensible and common ‘mulled’ assemblies.
d11.8 INTERIOR DOOR TYPES AND SIZES
Simple chart of interior door types, sizes, symbols, with a brief comment.
d11.9 INTERIOR DOOR AND CASING TERMINOLOGY
Helps to know what the part are when shopping, discussing doors and casing. Some typical door profiles are shown.
d11.10 INTERIOR DOOR STYLES
Some of the many door looks, shapes, combinations are illustrated.
d11.11 FACTORY AND FIELD MULLING
This important distinction between the factory mulled single unit- and individual units that are field installed into a composite design is made.
d11.12 CHOICES
More details. Constructions, glazing, colors, grills and interior window/trim finishes are summarized.