Thinking of building the 20x30 1 1/2 story

[bruceinKY]

but I want a basement. I figured I could put a steep set of stairs leading down to it where the washer/dryer and bedroom closet are now (on the stock plans.

What I'd like to do is put a loft over the back half of the house and leave it open over the great room/dining/kitchen area. Could I just use collar ties every 4' over the open area?

Would any of this affect the structural integrity?

Thanks!

[John Raabe]

The 1 1/2 story plan has details for a open cathedral ceiling in the living room area where there are rafter ties that look like beams every 4'.

The stairway could go down as you mention. The plans include two other options for the stairway that are not shown in the plans information. They might work out better with a basement as each is a bit larger.