My questions may be answered in the plans, which I haven't purchased yet. I really love the 1.5 story, but don't want to buy plans until I have land purchased...
I think I'd really like 9' ceilings on the first floor - I bet it would really make the floor look bigger as I want a full 2nd story. I know it would make it that much tougher to fit stairs in and would result in lower head room on the 2nd floor. I think I could live with that as I just want a bedroom at each end of the 2nd floor, with a bathroom under a shed roof between across from the stairs leading up.
Has anyone done, or considered something like this?
Thanks
have you thought about putting a 8'X8' bump out on the opposite side of the house from the shed dorrmer? You could add a shed dorrmer on the other side that went to the bump out. Then you could use a u-stair and still have a large living area.
Bob
If planning on a u-stair in a 1.5 story you will probably find you need a dormer for headroom on the landing, etc.
I considered 9' walls but eventually went with 8'. Taller walls can be really attractive as long as the house is not too narrow IMO. If you want transom windows for extra light and big tall doors, it's the way to go. If you are 6' tall or taller, and have a ceiling fan you won't accidentally stick your fingers in it when yawn and stretch.
You say 9' walls would make the headroom on the second floor lower. Are you planning to frame 10' or 12' walls and set the floor at 9' on a ledger? What kind of rafters or trusses are you going to use?
You could build 9' walls, then a floor, then pony (short) walls to gain headroom on second floor. But that also depends on what kind of rafters/trusses you may use because of deflection and tying the top of the wall together.