2. Primary Residential Design Considerations
Chapter 6
Primary Residential Design Considerations

3. Objectives Explain key site planning considerations.
Evaluate the costs and requirements for building a residential home.
Describe the working drawings used to build a structure.

4. Site Considerations Site location Topography Cost and restrictions
Deed
Title
Title search
Zoning and building codes
The community

5. Site Considerations
A typical property deed includes a legal description of the site.

6. Site Considerations
Building permits must be obtained before construction can begin.

7. Green Architecture Working with nature
Ask what effect building a home on the site will have on the environment
Choose plants that are native to the area to support local wildlife and to reduce the need to water plants
Avoid installing large expanses of concrete or paved areas

8. Housing Considerations
A functional house represents the lifestyle of those who occupy it.
Family size is a major consideration in house design.
The structure should provide space for family activities.

9. Budgeting for Housing
Consider income, other expenses and obligations, housing needs, and expected future income.
Calculate housing costs of no more than one-third of take-home pay.
Housing costs include mortgage, utilities, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance.

10. Budgeting for Housing
Calculate all monthly nonhousing expenses and monthly income.
Subtract monthly nonhousing expenses from total monthly income.
This is maximum amount you can spend.
Allow room for unexpected expenses.
Rule of thumb: spend no more than 2-1/2 times gross annual income on a house.

11. Budgeting for Housing
Mortgage lenders usually limit loan payment to no more than 28% of gross monthly income
May pay personal mortgage insurance if equity in home is less than 20%

12. Employability Completing a job application
Highlights information an employer needs to know about you, your education, and your prior work experience
Fill out form accurately, completely, and neatly
Use key terms that an employer may search for when completing online applications
Save application in proper file format
Complete all fields of online applications

13. Working Drawings Working drawings include: Plot plan Foundation plan
Floor plan
Elevations
Electrical plan
Construction details
Building sections
Specifications

14. Plot Plan
Plot plan shows location of house on site and other features.

15. Foundation Plan
Foundation plans specify foundation size and materials used.

16. Floor Plan
Floor plans are the basis for other plans in a set of working drawings.

17. Elevations
Elevations show placement of windows and doors, exterior materials, and other details.

18. Electrical Plan
Electrical plans show switches, outlets, fixtures, jacks, and panel box.

19. Building Sections
Building sections illustrate unique or different construction techniques.

20. Other Plans
Other drawings sometimes incorporated into set of residential working drawings:
Roof plan
Roof framing plan
Floor framing plan
HVAC plan
Plumbing plan
Landscaping plan
Pictorial presentation