Home building ideas [Archive]

fuentejps

03-03-2009, 12:55 PM

I just built a condo, 2yrs in june. I opted for a slab because i wouldnt go to basemnent anyway. All doors 36in, one piece roll in shower unit, my counters are 2in lower everywhere, w/ a nook on each end thats lap height for cutting or whatever, outlets a bit higher, all shutoffs[gas, water] w/in my reach, lowered fusebox in garage and of course attatched garage w/ ramp in to house. Oh an handicapped height toilet w/ wall mounted grab bars.

Our place is about 2800 sq ft all one floor except 650 sq is the loft. 3 bd 2 bath.

Aliya

03-03-2009, 01:09 PM

This thread has some suggestions that was given to me when we started building http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=100650

Like fuentejps mentioned have all shut off valves where you can reach them. We built on a foundation this time so I will ramp off the back deck once the house is finished. We are grading up to the front door so there will be no steps to the front door. In the garage I bought an old van lift which we are going to attach to a porch for entry from that area. I went with pocket doors in three of the rooms and all doors are 36". Also make sure your outdoor water faucets are where you can reach them that was one thing we missed in the house we live in now. Going to have lowered counters in the kitchen with a cut out under the sink and stove top. We are just now having our cabinets built we won't be moving in for at least two more months. This project has been going on since July of last year ready for it to be completed.

Aliya

03-03-2009, 01:19 PM

This picture was taken sunday the grading is not completed because the land has been a mud pit since November but it gives you and idea of how it will be graded from the concrete pad outside the garage to the front door. The reason we went for a lift in the garage over a ramp was the the ramp was going to take up 1/3 of the garage. I found a outdoor porch lift on craigslist that I started to buy for the back deck that we will have but decided a ramp would be better I hate how slow lifts can be when you can fly down the ramp. I would have liked to built on a slab again but everyone advised us to go for a foundation because of the soil in the area we are building on. Slabs are so easy to make accessible from outdoor but if you ever problems with your water pipes it can get expensive since they are under the slab. Well at least ours are at this house.

SoulScream

03-03-2009, 01:24 PM

I had one 36" door in my old house and I really hated it. It was huge and the sweep took up a large area plus I had to be very far back from it to swing it open. I'm not saying don't use them but check them out for each location.

I recently bought a newly build house and I've found it easy to use so far. Having the ramp inside the attached garage is so nice after having an outdoor one. I don't care to have roll under sinks now since we have a built in dish washer!!! I don't want to have a house without one of those again. Having a place to shower or bathe that is easy to use is a huge point. So make that what you like best.

fuentejps

03-03-2009, 01:27 PM

Aliya, consider dropping both ends of your counter tops like i did to a little above lap height, about belly height. . Im so glad i did that. Makes cutting and setting up the coffee pot so much easier.....

I also left under the kitch and master bath sinks open.

Van Quad

03-03-2009, 01:41 PM

In the early Nineties I built a solar house that was on slab and therefore very accessible. It was earth sheltered on the north side by a berm that made the second floor accessible.

http://buildingthewhitehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/dsc01648.jpg

SoulScream

03-03-2009, 01:54 PM

Van Quad, nice house there! I like it! Did you use a stair chair to move between floors inside? Or just go around outside? We bought a two story and it was NOT preferred but the stair chair has been no trouble. Sometimes I forget my phone on my downstairs chair though!!!

Aliya, how many steps into your house from the garage? Ours was only two and the ramp doesn't take up much space at all. It comes out 36" into the garage but leaves plenty of space for two cars still. I took a quick picture, my race car is hogging up more then it's fair share of space in the picture. So I can work on the other side of it and have room against the wall. I also took a picture of the little tile ramp we made for the door sill. It's real easy to roll through. The ramp took just an afternoon to build. I left the ramp open on the side to store things under it.

Liz321

03-03-2009, 02:04 PM

also contact www.unitedspinal.org

Van Quad

03-03-2009, 02:16 PM

fuentejps

03-03-2009, 02:21 PM

pimp house van quad, love it.

heres my ramp in garage. made from aircraft aluminum its 3 pieces bolted together will outlast me
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/fuentejps/garage.jpg

SoulScream

03-03-2009, 02:21 PM

I was looking for a walk out basement to do that same thing.

At my stage in life I'd definitely buy a house with a basement rather then without. This house is a good example, with kids we have no guest bedroom and family visits often. So we will finish basement space for a guest room. One area will be storage, another may end up being a exercise room. I guess I'll need three chairs here jezz!

SoulScream

03-03-2009, 03:01 PM

Fuentejps it looks like that ramp was made to short? 2" fall from door to ramp?

Aliya

03-03-2009, 03:45 PM

Nice house Van Quad. Fuentejps I am going to have a cutting board drawer (for lack of a better term) and the coffee maker on the regular counter has always worked for me. If I find I need more work space for chopping etc I am going to have the man making the cabinets make me a roll around shallow island that I can park next to the fridge. I don't like to be able to see the water pipes under the roll under sink like I can in this house so we brought the pipes up from the floor and as close to the wall as possible so we can have a back to the open cabinet under the sink and stove top. If it doesn't work out for me I can always have the back taken out.

SoulScream your ramp wouldn't work for me our garage floor to door is 31" and that was with raising the garage floor several inches. Building codes required a 32" crawl space after the floor joist that made the house 42" above ground level. I would have to have a long ramp for 31". We have a temporary ramp in the garage at the moment and its around 14' long and its way too steep. The garage is 30' x 30' but I don't want to use a lot of that space up having an extra long ramp.

I hate that the ramp off the back deck has to travel down 42" but we had no choice since we had to go by codes and also was recommended not to build on a slab in that area. We have dirt to grade up to the front door but it would take a lot of dirt to grade the back and the front so only grading the front. So its a long ramp in the back or a porch lift. I am opting for a long ramp doesn't have to be code I don't mind it being a bit steep.

fuentejps

03-03-2009, 04:27 PM

fuentejps it looks like that ramp was made to short? 2" fall from door to ramp?

its super easy and im a quad. My door is just up 1 ft think. My uncle had a few of his guys from his shop make it for me.....w/ a running start i can get up it w/ one light push. When i layed it out i wanted the large flat area. Its nice for when i unload groceries or something i dont need to push up w/ shit in my lap, i just set it on the flat, go up and grab it. Definatly wouldnt want it longer, just a waste of space then.

fuentejps

03-03-2009, 04:30 PM

nice house van quad. Fuentejps i am going to have a cutting board drawer (for lack of a better term) and the coffee maker on the regular counter has always worked for me. If i find i need more work space for chopping etc i am going to have the man making the cabinets make me a roll around shallow island that i can park next to the fridge. I don't like to be able to see the water pipes under the roll under sink like i can in this house so we brought the pipes up from the floor and as close to the wall as possible so we can have a back to the open cabinet under the sink and stove top. If it doesn't work out for me i can always have the back taken out.

Soulscream your ramp wouldn't work for me our garage floor to door is 31" and that was with raising the garage floor several inches. Building codes required a 32" crawl space after the floor joist that made the house 42" above ground level. I would have to have a long ramp for 31". We have a temporary ramp in the garage at the moment and its around 14' long and its way too steep. The garage is 30' x 30' but i don't want to use a lot of that space up having an extra long ramp.

I hate that the ramp off the back deck has to travel down 42" but we had no choice since we had to go by codes and also was recommended not to build on a slab in that area. We have dirt to grade up to the front door but it would take a lot of dirt to grade the back and the front so only grading the front. So its a long ramp in the back or a porch lift. I am opting for a long ramp doesn't have to be code i don't mind it being a bit steep.

ugh, i hate long ramps, i would do lift. My parents have 82ft ramp, i frickin hate that thing, lol.

SoulScream

03-03-2009, 05:44 PM

i just set it on the flat, go up and grab it.

Same here! And I can drive the car on it for oil changes LOL

steveinflorida

03-03-2009, 06:04 PM

I built homes in NJ for 10 years from my chair. I'll list some important ideas.

1. 3'0" doors
2. Low threshold exterior doors.
3. Lever handles on all doors.
4. 8' high garage door.
5. Lower the fuse box.
6. Lower light switches.
7. Roll under kitchen sink. Doors could be left on for a nice look.
8. Loop style kitchen cabinet door and drawer handles.
9. Roll under sink in master bath.
10. Roll in shower. 5' x 5'
11. Easy to use faucets throughout.
12. Higher toe kicks on all cabinetry.
13. Door closers.

Just a few things

Good luck

Lynne

03-03-2009, 06:31 PM

1) Pocket doors are great! Gets them completely out of the way. 36" doors a must.
2) We had kitchen cabinets made to have drawers behind the doors (the lower cabinets) so I can just pull the drawer out and reach what I need without "standing on my head". The doors on the front just make them look "normal".
3) We wanted carpet so tried several "commercial" ones until we found one that didn't "crawl" my chair in any direction when I rolled. (VERY important to check if you use carpet anywhere!). We then had it professionally installed, glued down without pad. It's been nice for 22 years, but now we're thinking about hardwood.
4) You'll want to be able to turn in a complete circle in your kitchen. It's a pain to have to be backing in or out!
5) Ditto on other stuff mentioned, especially lowered light switches, some kitchen counter tops.

rcechser

03-03-2009, 10:28 PM

I opted for a slab because i wouldn't go to basemnent anyway. I am not sure who was guiding you through your home building process but they did a lousy job, you live in Ohio where foundations are common just the resale alone was a mistake, then loosing the room to build closets for you utilities is another. The cost probably works about the same; to say you would not use it is just plain stupid. Most lots with a little fill can become a walkout, and did you not think about the exercise you get from wheeling around, or just having your other half doing it for you.

smirking1

03-03-2009, 10:54 PM

does anyone have a driveway with heat tubes in it? a few up here (upstate ny) have started using it at least the length of their car. i am thinking of using tax return this year to start that......it would make things so much easier

fuentejps

03-04-2009, 08:34 AM

I am not sure who was guiding you through your home building process but they did a lousy job, you live in Ohio where foundations are common just the resale alone was a mistake, then loosing the room to build closets for you utilities is another. The cost probably works about the same; to say you would not use it is just plain stupid. Most lots with a little fill can become a walkout, and did you not think about the exercise you get from wheeling around, or just having your other half doing it for you.

actually your wrong. most condo developments here are slabs......thats what i wanted, so thats the way i had it built.

fuentejps

03-04-2009, 08:42 AM

yah, i built w/ carpet everywhere but kitchen. house wasnt even 1 yr old when the hot water line busted loose going to dishwasher while i was at work pumped water all over the new house for like 10 hrs. luckily it was under warranty so builders ins ate it. long story short, we replaced most of the carpet except bedrooms and workout room w/ pergo. so the entire condo got remodled. floors trim paint etc. cost us about 1/2 out of pocket that it would have otherwise.
it was a major cluster. but worked in our favor.

1) Pocket doors are great! Gets them completely out of the way. 36" doors a must.
2) We had kitchen cabinets made to have drawers behind the doors (the lower cabinets) so I can just pull the drawer out and reach what I need without "standing on my head". The doors on the front just make them look "normal".
3) We wanted carpet so tried several "commercial" ones until we found one that didn't "crawl" my chair in any direction when I rolled. (VERY important to check if you use carpet anywhere!). We then had it professionally installed, glued down without pad. It's been nice for 22 years, but now we're thinking about hardwood.
4) You'll want to be able to turn in a complete circle in your kitchen. It's a pain to have to be backing in or out!
5) Ditto on other stuff mentioned, especially lowered light switches, some kitchen counter tops.

Aliya

03-04-2009, 03:27 PM

I am going saturday to look at a used porch lift that I found on craigslist totally rethinking this long ramp off the deck. Have plenty of time to think about it since we don't even have the deck yet lol.

Geoffrey

03-04-2009, 05:53 PM

Hi,
Take a look at the CPA odyssey site. Click on "Housing Modifications" and check out the clips.

http://www.cpa-odyssey.org/

Good Luck
Geoffrey

Dave E

03-05-2009, 09:43 PM

Build your home like a big city loft appartment. Slab on grade if possible. The only walls are for the bedrooms and bathrooms. Build a huge master bath with a big roll in shower. Include solar power, and entran heating. Windows, windows, windows. On demand water heater. I don't know about you, but my showers take longer than they used to. Go as green as you can. Save rain water for outside watering or even inside if you get enough. You have a tremendous chance to get what works best for you, jist remember, the fancier the exterior, the more space you loose and the more money you will spend. Good luck! PM me if you have more ? I've been in home building a long time. Dave

peegy p

03-07-2009, 12:35 PM

JUST A FEW IDEAS

Build a home with universal design and aging in place concepts.

Radiant floor heat. Remember hot air rises. It also allows you to set up different heating zones with a seperate thermostat for each zone.

A South facing house and driveway if you must deal with snow and ice.

Ceiling fans with a seperate switch form the lights.

A roll-in pantry.

Bathroom doors that swing out and can be pulled closed behing you.

An electrical outlet and telephone jack on your porch or patio.

Raised flower/veggie boxes.

Easy to open and close windows.

Lowere closet bars.

A floor level not raised hearth for a fireplace.

Big Tuna

05-16-2009, 09:34 PM

Sue Pendleton

05-18-2009, 12:29 AM

We have a slab in a house we bought and renovated. Things I learned is check the floor's level. We found out too late that wood or ceramic wouldn't work in most the house. We have it in the kitchen/family room area and both baths. Slabs also equal more bugs and ants. Ugh! A roll out height, basically on 2" X 6" base, deck that takes up the entire backyard but not side yard with fence costs a mint since you need someone other than Home Depot, etc. to build or rebuild them. We have professional grade firm pad under a super low, high density carpet. It's worn well but the carpet seems to always look like it needs cleaning after a few years. Move electrical plugs up about 6" and lower the thermostate controls to where the wheeler can waste sunlight or fossil fuels trying to stay warm.

fuentejps

05-18-2009, 08:34 AM

Hey John - do you have pics of your counters and sinks?

thx!

ill get u some tonight bt.

Sue Pendleton

05-18-2009, 08:55 PM

ill get u some tonight bt.

I'd like to see them too. And while more expensive them many brands I recommend Kraftmaid cabinetry because they use inside hinges allowing even the weakest hands to open drawers and doors. Then many have pull out shelves for pots and pans inside. Just don't lean on doors as inside hinges are not up to 200 pounds of anyone pushing on them.