|
About Us
Modular vs Conventional
|
Capes
are versatile and great in snowy weather due to their roof pitch
and go from the traditional to the contemporary. A cape's second
floor can add significant space to the upstairs as finished or
unfinished space. The roof can be accessorized by dormers and
create a stylized exterior appearance. By incorporating the shed
roof, a contemporary look can be created. Traditional looking
homes with 12x12 roof pitches are more expensive due to structural
necessities; they take more material and time to complete. Another
factor to keep in mind is these pitch roofs can create a lot of
space but require more finish work after delivery therefore more
sight work is required. The open contemporary creates an open,
airy and stylish look. The downside of that is the sacrifice of
space on the second floor with less efficiency in heating and
therefore more expensive energy costs.
Two story homes can be the best use of space
and allow you to take advantage of a small footprint of land.
Open first and second floors can be capitalized on to create
countless floor plans. The traditional boxy look can be jazzed
up, for example, by the use of gables, extending eaves, bump
outs and rooflines. Interesting designs can be achieved by employing
hybrid creative site work. Front porches look particularly good
on two story designs giving an aesthetic look with generous
leisure space. The two story is still a very practical, cost
effective and energy efficient method of building.
Ranches styles can be the most economical and
practical approach. Having all the living space on one floor
can be critical when designing a home for the senior citizens
and the handicapped. A universal approach would accentuate those
pluses by utilizing door handles, bathroom bars, easy shower
access, higher toilets and larger doorway openings to accommodate
a wheelchair, just to name a few. Ranches are less expensive
to build with less site work necessary in general. Though highly
versatile they take up a larger footprint than a two floor design
and can be limiting in style. Utilizing perpendicular modules,
staggering the rooflines and utilizing a hip roof are a few
details that can create stylish ranches.
Raised ranch styles can accomplish a great deal
of space for the money, a cost effective design. By raising
the foundation to 4 to 5 feet above ground a lot of inexpensive
space is created. The foundation becomes valuable living space
and less vulnerable to high water tables. Quality living space
is produced with large well-placed windows taking advantage
of natural light. This design can be extremely effective especially
if nine foot ceilings are utilized to gain the feeling of roomy
accommodations. An inexpensive garage space can be created with
easy internal access to the home, especially appreciated in
bad weather. With the right elevation a walkout using a slider
or French door can create a nice touch.
In Summary
Keep in mind the above information is just a small measure
of considerations when choosing a style or a combination of
styles. Factors that play a significant role in this extemely
important decision consist of pricing, size, elevation, topography,
water level, energy efficiency and capturing a view(s). Another
factor is the practicality of balancing functionality and aesthetics
in achieving a workable living space as in the universal design.
An example of this would be the use of a large sprawling ranch
accommodating the elderly or infirmed in a wheelchair. Designs
are as numerous as the human imagination can ponder. Design
books should be studied and scrutinized for the details that
help you find the right home. Many factors in deciding on a
style(s) should be categorized as needs and desires. The prioritized
list should act as a guide in picking and designing the right
home. Personal choices are uniquely different for each customer.
Making sense of all the possible home designs can be a daunting
task. By categorizing your needs versus desires you can prioritize
the available options in an organized understandable and affordable
manner. The above information will help you decide on your ultimate
home design.
Return to top
of page
|
|
