Custom Residential Design
Designing your next building project can be very intimidating; and the same could be said when contemplating an addition or remodel of an existing structure. However, with the right game plan in place, the process can be a lot of fun and very rewarding - as you see your dreams become a reality. To get the process started, homeowners should take the following steps:
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Floor Plan Considerations: The first thing that most clients start with is their potential floor plans. Questions that should be addressed include: Do we want everything on one level, or do we want multiple levels? Do we want the bedrooms all together or split on opposite sides of the house, or do we want bedrooms on multiple levels? Do we want a formal dining room, a breakfast nook, or an informal dining area adjacent to the kitchen - big enough for the immediate family or extended family holiday gatherings? Do we want the laundry in or near the mudroom, or do we prefer it closer to the bedrooms - where laundry is accumulated? Do we have accessibility needs to consider; multi-generational living preferences to care for aging parents or help offer boom-a-rang adult children a temporary landing pad; or is this our forever home that will need to meet our own long-term, age-in place plans? If so, eliminating stairs; creating roll-in showers and zero-entry spaces, implementing accessible cabinets and modified countertop heights; and creating wider hallways are items that require attention up-front. These considerations can easily be incorporated at the start of the design process but become much more complicated in later phases - when not addressed earlier. Dedicated home offices have become more popular in recent years, as work-from-home scenarios became more common - to the point where having multiple work zones to accommodate individual family members has become a “necessity”. Additionally, this is the point when the "wish list" should also be discussed. Some of the more unique features and amenities people have included in their design plans recently have included: golf simulators, craft rooms, car lifts, specialized RV parking, hidden safe rooms, etc. Are these things that we need to consider, too? Every family has unique needs, desires, and dreams. And this is the point in the process where these items should be discussed with your designer to ensure that how you live is incorporated into your design specifications. This step ensures that when you receive your plans, they exceed your expectations.
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Site Considerations: Because every project should be designed around your chosen lot/land to take advantage of natural characteristics it may provide, the next step should be a site visit where you walk the property with your designer. During that visit, items that should be discussed, include the orientation of the project - paying attention to things like Passive Solar Design (by orienting the house to benefit most from the sun's free heat in the winter, while minimizing the direct sunlight/heat gain in the summer). Another important item to consider at this phase of the project is whether it makes sense to flip the plan to maximize views in particular spaces - as this can complicate later phases of a project if ignored up-front. Other considerations, like walkout and daylight opportunities, driveway access, and landscaping orientation can easily be identified at this phase of the project and spaces planned accordingly. Property line set-back requirements, protective covenants in developments, utility locations (water, gas, electricity, cable/internet, well/septic locations, etc.) and storm water management can all be "pitfalls", if not considered at this phase of your project. However, with proper coordination, those items can be addressed early and potential challenges mitigated, if necessary. This is also a great time to talk about accessory structures and amenities. Do we need additional detached garage space, a guest house, shop, shed, swimming pool, etc.? If so, now in the time to plan for these future spaces.
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Exterior Style Considerations: In most situations, a designer can take the same floor plan and create multiple looks to the outside of the house. Modifying the roof characteristics (i.e. - pitches, overhangs, etc.) can have dramatic effects on how a house looks and feels when construction is complete. Taking that into account, along with variations in exterior details and material selection can impact the overall look, feel, and style of the home. Do we want a modern feel, prairie-style, farmhouse, traditional, or craftsman style, etc.? This is something to consider at this stage in the process – as the exterior of every floor plan can be designed in a way to give you the exact exterior look, feel, and style you desire - depending on the siding, stucco, brick, stone, details, and front door you select. What kind of a home do you want to roll up to after work each day? What style gives you the pride of ownership you deserve? In the same way that a good floor plan is the heart and soul of your new house, the exterior look and curb appeal are equally important in generating a first impression – which can leave a lasting one, as well. So, considering the exterior elevations on the front end is important in generating a design you’re proud to call “home”.
About us: We are Avalon Design Group, Inc., with over 25 years of experience designing and drafting custom homes. Our projects span the United States, but we predominately serve clients in the Midwest states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois. If you’re thinking about building a new home or renovating your current one, please call us at 608-284-8412 or email at info@avalondginc.com so we can help make your dream home a reality!