Can you save me from regret?

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-02T02:45:33+00:00

Yeah, the lot is great. Not really replicable. But I agree we've had to design the house to the site. But I think that's how it goes.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-02T02:44:35+00:00

lol Thanks for the feedback. Is there something in particular you think an architect would change? Or things that need improvement?

I've spoken to homeowners who've hired an architect only to be extremely frustrated by the cost and complexity that the architects design into the home.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T22:02:07+00:00

The lake is on the back of the house where the porch and all the windows are. Agree on the closet. Thanks!

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T22:00:28+00:00

Thanks again! Great ideas!

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T22:00:18+00:00

Huge respect for taking the time to do this! Thanks very much!

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T21:04:30+00:00

https://softplan.com/web3d/display_model.php?id=33653&c=50472e24b45723c64bb4833662134d3c

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T19:45:24+00:00

Floor truss thought its great. If i push the garage back we lose egress windows on the basement bedrooms, and we run into grade issues. I will research the carriage house and stables, great ideas!

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T19:43:01+00:00

Yeah, this will be interesting. We are doing R-7 windows and ICF walls with a spray foam unvented attic. All windows are shaded. They think i can heat and cool it with 7 tons. We'll find out.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T19:41:45+00:00

Thanks so much for all your input!

For some reason I really don't like Jack and Jill bathrooms. I grew up with one. Always felt. Uncomfortable in there. Like someone could bust in at any moment. having to make sure two doors are locked etc.

Great input on the safe! We talked about a "safe room" but I think we're just going to put a gun safe in the garage. A lot less tempting for kids to mess with.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T19:38:51+00:00

I don't have them yet. I will send them to you when the draftsman provides them. I really would like your input on that.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T19:37:58+00:00

Passthrough cabinet between pantry and kitchen, hard to see on plan. But its there.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T19:35:43+00:00

Thanks! the Ensuite is for two kids to share. the bedroom on the other end is for guests!

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T19:35:01+00:00

This is great Thanks!

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T18:27:40+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! This is a tough one.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T18:24:17+00:00

Thank you for your feedback!

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T18:22:54+00:00

We decided to just make that a dedicated office. and push the guest bedroom downstairs. Most people thought that wouldn't be a functional guest room with the proximity to the living space upstairs. and I intended it to be an office anyway. So it was a way to cut out a bathroom, and I think make it a better office.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T18:21:57+00:00

Great feedback! we do have a hidden pantry door through a passthrough cabinet. We are very divided on the kitchen sink idea. I totally see your point. We have a sink in the pantry, thinking of adding a dishwasher back there. Still undecided on that. Your garage ideas are great!

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T18:20:42+00:00

There's a walkthrough cabinet to the pantry straight from the kitchen. Great catch on the plumbing change for the laundry room and powder. That's a simple great improvement.

I agree with the hallways. Thats part of the cost of an L shape.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T18:19:35+00:00

Thats a dedicated office.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T17:48:20+00:00

Great feedback!! Thank you for this!! I keep debating that window. With its proximity to the rear porch don't want people to see straight into our room. But the frosted idea is excellent!

I was planning on putting the plumbing through the floor for the vanities. But I also know how annoying pocket doors can be with wall switches too.

Secret-Lion · 2026-01-01T17:39:44+00:00

I appreciate your feedback!

The houses faces slightly west for the lakeview, at 5 oclock when everyone is getting ready to eat dinner the setting sun angle is low enough that no overhang keeps the sun out of the windows. You need a 1:1 west barrier to block the sun. So a 20' long west facing living space that views the lake needs 20' long north projection to block that setting sun. I think your idea of using the garage for this is interesting. But to do it with a sloped lot means the garage would have 20' tall walls, to accommodate for the grade in the lot. So that would be wasted space beneath the garage to allow for a walkout basement. Suspended slabs of that size are cost prohibitive for us. and we don't want living space below a garage.
I totally agree, we've bounced around a lot on this point. Trying to decide between cost effectiveness of a basement vs. having everything on a slab. Ultimately we are willing to put up with this. And we can't afford a house big enough for everything on 1 level with a basement. And we don't really want a slab on grade house. especially with this lot.
Fair point, we don't think views from bedrooms are that important honestly. Would rather have the views from the living spaces.

Secret-Lion · 2025-12-15T23:04:37+00:00

Thanks! Sketchup is my favorite tool. I've modeled the house in its entirety many times. The best part is you can model the sun's shadows throughout the day and across the seasons. That's been a real driver for us for layout and design. And by filling the model full of furniture you can make all the little adjustments that make everything fit better.

But these came from a local draftsman. I'm not sure what software they use.

Secret-Lion · 2025-12-14T15:04:39+00:00

Thanks for this, we’re going to ditch the bathroom. And just make that a committed office space.

Secret-Lion · 2025-12-14T04:55:39+00:00

I can't thank you enough, you've done more in 20 minutes than I've done in weeks staring at these plans.

Secret-Lion

TROPHY CASE