I want to design a house.

[chaska]

From scratch, not modifying anybody's set of preexisting house plans or any of that.

Do any of you know of any online sites that would inform one about various costs for various materials, maybe some sort of estimating or design tools, anything really?

Any architects here?

I want a sort of industrial type of construction (lots of concrete, metal, glass), a small and very simple box-like design (one story, flat roof, concrete floors, few interior walls). Operative word: cheap (but solid; real materials, minimal adornments or nods to convention). I live alone, I don't need a McMansion.

[DarkTirade]

1. I hope to be able to do that someday.

I just GOTTA live in a house that has a secret passage somewhere. Behind a bookcase, wherever. I don't care. I just need it. :P

And I'd have to build some kind of workshop for myself 'cause I can't stop makin' stuff and a garage just ain't quite good enough for what I need.

[chaska]

9. Yeah, me too. In fact...

a workshop is the first (next) thing I will build. And soon. I figure on experimenting with a few ideas for the house then.

[DarkTirade]

27. That, and I want a maze garden.

But that'll be outside the house. :P

[RainDog]

2. If you're going to build from scratch--

may I recommend that you build partly underground? there are sites online that show how to do this (for one-floor structures). you can also use concrete for floors, but they can make it look like tile - but concrete is better for conducting heat and cool - you can use a geothermal system that you lay under the floor to maintain an even temperature (which is also what the building-into-the earth does. and if you add a solar panel or so, you could at least partially live off the grid -and the price of gas and oil is so expensive, solar panels are going to look better and better as far as costs.

if you REALLY wanna go wild, you can install a composting toilet.

I design houses on paper all the time... I have since I was a little kid. don't ask me why because I'm no architect. I have a design for when I can move to my dream place on a lake (this is all a dream, btw... if it happens, it would be strange.) but totally off the grid, including water.

[chaska]

5. Wow, RainDog...

It's as if you read my mind.

I live in SC where it get's way to hot and muggy in the summer. I've definitely considered some underground component. Electric bills suck, no actually, it's the electric company I hate.

Concrete floors are a must as is the composting toilet.

Solar panels are probably out for a good long while at even a near-future price. I just don't use that much electricity. Would take eons to break even on the price.

[KG]

3. i'm an architectural / residential drafter / designer.

but not an estimator. i could draw your plans, but someone else would have to figure the costs. prolly 100.00 - 150.00 per sq ft.

[chaska]

6. Thanks, KG. I'll keep you in mind.

I may have a few simple, painless questions to help start me on the right path. But not right now.

[Wcross]

4. Look into used shipping containers!

They are fairly cheap, waterproof and made of metal. You could even use them in an "earth sheltered design" & save BIG bucks on heating & cooling costs. You would be able to place windows & doors wherever you want.

[chaska]

8. You mean like this one????

Adam Kalkin is a definite inspiration. And I have thought about underground uses of containers, though rust seems a likely obstacle.

[Wcross]

16. Yes, like that.

I would think that a good waterproof coating for anything touching earth & having good drainage set up would prevent rust.

[MissMillie]

7. me too!

every doorway a double doorway, and every stairwell wide enough for getting big beds and dressers up the stairs.

and oh yeah, the laundry room on the second floor--that's where all the dirty laundry is, for the most part...

[chaska]

10. So you'll be having none of DarkTirade's secret passageways, I take it?

What fun is that?

Wouldn't all those big doors get to be a chore? They have such a big swing, requires a lot more effort to get out of the way, etc.

[MissMillie]

12. or just french doors....

right?

[Longhorn]

15. Or at least a laundry chute!

We had a laundry chute when I was a kid that went from the second floor to the basement where the machines were. I've asked my husband to build me one here but you know what they say about the plumber having leaking pipes? Well, he's a remodeling contractor. :) :hi:

He's also done plenty of repairs due to second floor washing machines leaking.

[MissMillie]

17. cement floor w/ a drain in the middle....

:hi:

[trof]

24. I made a laundry 'chute'.

The laundry was in the basement.
Pretty primitive. No inside stairs.
You had to walk around through the back yard to get to it.

There was a small linen closet in the hall above.
I cut a 12" square hole in the closet floor, and BINGO: laundry chute.

[Longhorn]

11. I read a review about Google's online design software:

http://www.sketchup.com/

I think I read about it in Fine Homebuilding magazine and the review was very positive.

We have a DIY group on DU where you could ask specific questions about costs. My husband is a remodeling contractor and he could give you and idea, too, though prices certainly vary in different parts of the country. Good luck! :hi:

[Sequoia]

13. Cool. Thanks!

[chaska]

14. Yes, indeedy. Thanks a bunch!

[DaDooRonRon]

18. How come no one has asked the following:

Do you need a building permit?

Do you have building inspections where you live?

Do you need to conform to all building codes?

Do you have you any knowledge on the internal working of construction, load per square foot, etc.?

Do the plans need an architect stamp on them in order to be approved?

Will you need a well for water?

What about a septic system for wastewater, if nothing else?

Sorry to be a bit of a wet blanket, but it's not quite as simple as some here make it appear.

Even if you want to make it simple.

(and yes, I've done a few) :)

[chaska]

21. a (wet blanket) voice of reason ;^)

I'm just brainstorming. I would of course take my ideas to an architect, city hall, etc. before proceeding.

[DaDooRonRon]

28. Thank goodness

You can't imagine how many times we've "undone" a few things that just quite didn't make code.

Good luck with the project - whenever it gets going.

P.S. We really want to do a project with some of the grad students who intern at Taliesin West (the Frank Lloyd Wright home in AZ) but so far they haven't been back in touch.

Gee, I wonder how many times they get asked. ;)

[unpossibles]

19. can I recommend not doing a flat roof?

having lived in houses with flat roofs in areas which get rain, let's just say they tend to leak.

Some cool green ideas I've seen actually have a slightly inverted roof which collects rainwater for use in graywater applications. Not sure how tested the idea is, but it was pretty cool, especially if you live in an area with little snowfall.

Another idea is the a roof garden - flat, but with better drainage/usage than most flat roofs.

[chaska]

20. Tres excellent!

I'll keep those ideas in mind.

[chaska]

22. Ooh, check this out...

http://www.zigloo.ca/index/concepts/shipping_cabin_-_luxury_low_cost_residences

[trof]

23. Oh! Oh! Do a dog-trot house.

Google it.
It's basically 2 small shotgun houses, 10'-12' feet apart, with a common roof over all.

The covered central porch makes a great outdoor living area and acts with a Bernouille effect when oriented with prevailing winds.

I really want to build one.
Bedroom(s) one one side and kitchen/entertainment area on the other.

[chaska]

25. Here's the original idea from which I'm basing all this on...

It's sort of an enclosed triple dog trot made from shipping containers. I only want two thirds of it though.

I've stopped at a dog trot log cabin somewhere along the Appalachian Trail on one of my long hikes. Can't remember if I camped there or just stopped for lunch. Pretty cool whatever, though.

[trof]

26. The dogtrot channels the breeze.

Also creates a low pressure area in the center.
So air is sucked in the outside wall windows.
Great hot weather house.
I really want to build one.