floor plans

[bigblue]

hey guys im new here and was looking for ideas on floor plans for eather the 20' two storie or the 1 1/2 storie . i have recently baught 20 acres and plan on starting to build in spring 2010 , looking to fit 3-4 bedrooms sence we are a family of 5 . all ideas are welcomed

[RainDog]

Might think about something similar to Amy and Dan's 20x34, featured in the countryplans gallery, but with a full second story floor to accommodate two bedrooms upstairs, rather than the open ceiling over the living room.

Very similar to what I anticipate building, except without the downstairs bedroom.

Photos of Amy and Dan's place here:  http://countryplans.com/amydan.html

Good luck. Stay in touch.

Parks

[bigblue]

im leaning tward the 20x34 two storie plan i like the proposed floorplan with those plans but dont see the need for 3 bathrooms , any ideas on modifying these floor plans , also possable to add a basement i would like to make a bit of space for the kid to play ? waht would the cost be to add a basement ? i have 3 kids under 3 years of age so play space is important to us. http://www.countryplans.com/20wide2s.html

[MountainDon]

  bigblue. Basement excavations and the block work or poured concrete will vary around the country like many aspects o building. There's not much different between building the house over a crawl space or over the basement once the concrete work is done. Basement are nice, we had them in all homes back where I'm from. They will add thousands to the price over a crawl space or slab though. John's plans give you all the drawings or just about any foundation you care to use.

As for the floor plans, all John's 20' wide plans are designed so they may be constructed without any interior load bearing walls. You could build it with no interior walls at all. Placement of plumbing fixtures will sometimes be dictated by wall placement or vice versa. What I'm saying is you can customize the floor plan to whatever you want, within certain other needs.

I'm not sure if you are aware, but the length may be adjusted shorter or longer with ease. Changing in 2 or 4 foot increments would be advised. Because of many factors the width can not be made wider with any ease.

On the number o bathrooms, with 5 children plus yourselves my tendency would be to retain the three baths. The one on the main floor could be cut back to a WC and lavatory, no tub or shower there wouldn't be a big loss.

[bigblue]

well i think i will get the 20' two story plans and then my wife and i can decide on any changes after much consideration after all we have all winter to think about it. as far as a basement i understand the block and or concrete work will cost a fare amount more but i beleave in cost per sq ft it might be more cost effective especialy sence i have acsess to all the heavy equipment i need ( i used to oporate equipment ) from a close friend.

ps. by family of 5 i ment 2 adults and 3 children 

[MountainDon]

Super! If you have access to equipment and can operate it you are way ahead of the game when it comes to the basement. G/L on that, and as you progress with the floor plans we'd love to see what you come up with. Keep in touch.   

[bigblue]

thanks for all the help so far and im sure you all will be hearing alot from me in the days , weeks and months to come . i will post updates as things progress .

[MarkAndDebbie]

This is how we are doing the 1st floor floorplan for John's 1.5 story.



You'd probably want a full loft. Pocket and outswing doors help alot.

Good Luck.

[firefox]

If you go the concrete block way, you might want to consider
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs).
You can do this yourself if you spend a little time over the winter studying up on it. Also consider using insulation under the slab.
It willmean your children will have a nice warm  place to play in.
Radian heat is another  thing, but that is a little more hassle to set up.
also a DIY if you do your homework.
Bruce

Here is a link to a forum that discusses these. It is a mix of good and bad info,
so be careful and double check the info.
http://www.greenbuildingtalk.com/