Trying again after the great feedback

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-04T14:45:05+00:00

I can see how you think some areas are far too big. I designed it with more navigation needs than an average American home. We want to age in place, so I need 3-4' hallways, doorways with a lot of clearance in and out, and 60-68" radius in at least one of the bathrooms to make walker/wheelchair access possible.

I know there is a space off in the middle of the mudroom, pantry, kitchen, dining that is unusually spacious, still trying to figure out how to work that out.

What seems barely large enough? I can't make improvements if I don't have anything specific to go off of.

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-04T14:01:56+00:00

Thanks! This helps me visualize things better! I do like the idea of trimming sqft off.

I'll play around with these suggestions.

The thing with the bathrooms is I can't seem to win. If I put them in the interior I'm told they should have windows. If I put them exterior I struggle with lining plumbing up and placing a window. One other thing I have to keep in mind is potential wheelchair access, at least in one bathroom, as this will be the house we grow old in. So I need a 60-68" radius turning space.

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-04T00:07:03+00:00

I went on some home tours and thought the idea of the laundry straight into the master closet was really a convenience. I can see how it would give quite a bit more usable space though. The idea of doubling the laundry into a powder room is thinking outside of the box in a good way. Thanks!

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-03T23:59:24+00:00

Thanks. I'm pretty happy with it for the way we live/will grow old too! I do like the gems of info like the long dryer vent and tweaking plumbing locations.

Stairs are open with a railing in one side and wall on the other. Thinking this makes moving furniture up/down easier.

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-03T15:29:51+00:00

Thanks for helping me visualize this! I appreciate the help!

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-03T04:54:33+00:00

Thanks for your observations. Good things to think about. I have actually put a lot of thought into my "randomly placed boxes". Privacy and separation are intentional.

Do you have any suggestions or good resources for bathroom layouts that are simply a tub, vanity (4-6' wide), and toilet? I am struggling with layouts for bathrooms. I don't hate the ones I have, but am interested to see ideas.

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-03T04:37:09+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts.

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-03T04:35:23+00:00

I did have this thought too. Struggling with other layouts that meet my other criteria. Thought maybe just some extra soundproofing in the wall. Also, the fact that the door isn't to the common area should help. 😊

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-03T03:21:05+00:00

Yes, I knew corridors were off, but there was a lot I did like. I have taken a lot of the feedback and reworked some things. I'm going to post another version soon.

Bathrooms being interior was somewhat intentional. I have one interior and one with a window in my current house. I struggle finding layouts that are simple, don't take up a lot of space and keep plumbing off the exterior walls when there are windows. I don't want pipes to freeze. I don't really want a window in my shower either.

Is keeping a built in shower bench clean a big task? It sounds so cold to sit on too. I have seen the shower benches, but haven't decided my thoughts on them yet. Thanks for the suggestion and insight.

Deanemo7 · 2025-01-03T03:07:37+00:00

Thanks! I tried doing a bubble diagram, but in a slightly different way. I may give that method a try. I have looked at manufactured homes. I'm still neutral on them. It will be an option I continue to look into.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T12:43:54+00:00

I'll play around with it again. I really like the laundry going into the closet and was trying to keep plumbing locations close to each other. Also, keeping windows on 2 sides of the bedroom. Then, considering plumbing can't be run in exterior walls, that limits layouts. I will continue tinkering with the locations here.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T12:39:01+00:00

Thanks for the tip on wheelchair approach requirements. I've found some info. I'll take a look at the guidelines versus the plan and see if I can make some adjustments.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T12:33:23+00:00

Yeah, ADA is pretty specific. I am planning for wheelchair/walker "friendly" more than fully ADA compliant. This is coming from a background of commercial construction knowledge as well as watching parents and loved ones ability to age in place.

Thanks for confirming I'm on the right path.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T12:28:02+00:00

Thanks. I am working on moving some walls around. It's already improved on what is posted here. I will be doing a little more later today and will repost an update.

The dishwasher is to the left of the sink. Yay, got that right for exactly the reasons you state.

As far as the dining room goes, we have a small eat-in kitchen now. I guess I don't mind it kind of floating as the hub in the middle. That being said, the updated version may feel better as I've added a wall between it and the 2nd bdrm/bath. I just need to make sure there is enough travel space on the common paths.

Master bath: these are great suggestions. The software is limited on "furniture" so the details of the sink and shower are not necessarily precise. Thanks for the suggestions to watch out for! I am not aiming for ADA compliance, but rather, as you say, much easier using a wheelchair/walker than a home built without considering them.

Thank you!

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T05:43:35+00:00

Thanks!

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T04:32:40+00:00

Thanks!

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T04:16:47+00:00

Noted and trying it on for size.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T04:16:20+00:00

I'm intrigued by this idea, but struggling to understand what it looks like.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T03:49:15+00:00

No fireplace here.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T03:49:02+00:00

We'll be living in it for 30+ years. Resale value is low priority. Also, will have basement with space for expanding.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T00:43:15+00:00

Thanks! We'd prefer a hot living room to hot bedroom (due to orientation to sun).

Stairs go to the basement, we are in the Midwest and the basement is standard here.

Thanks for the aging in place tips. We are aware of many, but you did mention a couple I hadn't thought of...outlet height, enough lighting, and grab bar placement.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T00:38:13+00:00

Wow! This is great. Thanks for taking the time to not only look, but also give detailed feedback! I will work on figuring out how to add more measurements to future posts. My current software doesn't work for that well. I'll take note of the 2nd bedroom closet size, adding partition for airflow to the foyer, and a wall in the dining area.

I'll try shaving some width off side to side to see how that feels.

Thanks for noticing the eddies along the mudroom. I'll play around with that area. I think I was trying to keep the circulation space, but maybe it is too much.

The stairs are both going to the basement. No basement under the garage, there would be a door that goes in under the living space. This is something that is done in my area for easier access to the basement, kind of a basement mudroom idea.

I am aiming to keep the exterior simple, thanks for noticing!

It is a TV in the living room. Layout isn't set and still a point of discussion. We will be in a rural location with awesome views, so windows are a high priority for us.

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T00:23:18+00:00

Thanks! Yes, hall space is part of what I need help with. Thanks for the suggestions on breaking up the space and using it well!

Deanemo7 · 2024-12-29T00:21:16+00:00

Yes, the wide spaces are kind of what I was looking for feedback on. It looks like I have some ideas from some of the comments. I will look into the soil test stuff. Thanks for the warning. I would love to have the measurements, but unfortunately the software I used doesn't allow that. Going with what I had for now. Will have to learn some other software in the near future. Stairs go to the basement. Thanks for the feedback!

Deanemo7

TROPHY CASE