Posts Tagged ‘land’

House Plans for Sloping Blocks – Build Your Own Retaining Wall

December 6th, 2011

Sloping blocks or yards are aesthetically attractive and give a whole new look to your home. But the problem is that in spite of its good looks, it can pose several problems and in more ways than one. Constructing a house on such a block is a difficult job as the design has to match the slope to make the most of it. It is also difficult to create a garden, patio, pool or play area on land that is not level. Hence it is important that you hire an architect who is experienced in drawing house plans for sloping blocks.

One of the best house plans for sloping blocks is to build a retaining wall. A well constructed retaining wall can not only look aesthetic but also help you make your backyard useful once again. These walls can be made from different kinds of materials like concrete, natural stone, wood or even from old railway ties. If you would like to do this task yourself, then get the pre-cast concrete stones which are great for this. All the blocks have lips and hence you can interlock these easily without the need to put in any mortar. The only disadvantage is that you can use these only for walls where the height is three meters or less.

A concrete retaining wall is also great to control erosion which usually happens on a sloping block. This can lead to water logging which over time can damage the very foundation of your home. If you have used a lot of wooden structures for your house, then erosion can also cause rot to set in destroying these. Erosion also results in soil shifting which makes it difficult to create a beautiful garden. It is important that you choose the right material while constructing this type of wall. Compare the different materials like natural stone, wood and concrete and then choose one which is best for the slope of your block and also the climate of the area.

The popularity of wood retaining walls is diminishing but this is a good choice if your house has a very rustic and old world design. There are different types of timber that you can use; get the advice of your local timber dealer to find out which one is affordable and best suited for the region. It is also advisable to get treated wood as these are resistant to rot and fungus and last for a very long time. Keeping these tips in mind would be great while looking at house plans for sloping blocks.

Constructing a beautiful home on a sloping yard need not be difficult if you build a good retaining wall. Hiring an architect who is experienced in creating house plans for sloping blocks is a valuable thing as he can bring his expertise to the situation. If you want to see many such house designs, visiting the site www.serenityhomes.com.au will definitely be useful.

Posted in Home Plans

Tips for Picking a Location to Build Your House Plans

November 6th, 2011

Choosing a lot of land to build your home is a pivotal decision. You must consider not only the physical attributes of your land when designing your house plans, but also the location play as it has a large role in one’s lifestyle. Consider the tips below choosing the right property for your new home, as well as a few key points on finding land and choosing the best floor plans for your home building site.

Considerations when Selecting Your Building Site

Do you prefer to live in town or out in the country? Do you want to be near certain amenities for your work? Are you looking for a neighbor that has a school or a grocery store within walking distance? Would you like to live in a sunny locale or a place that enjoys all four distinct seasons?

Before you go online to search for available properties and choose your home plans, take some time to think about these questions and others, such as what type of political and religious atmosphere you would prefer. Use your answers to figure out what location would suit you best.

Once you have a few ideal characteristics in mind, begin focusing in on communities that match your criteria. Create a spreadsheet to compare how each location meets your needs. This will help you keep track of the entire process. Most home plan designers recommend waiting to choose floor plans until you have selected a lot, since designers often charge fees to change blueprints once they’ve been finalized.

Topographical, climactic and utility concerns.
Low-lying land is more likely to flood. Certain locations are more likely to see earthquakes, while others see tornadoes or hurricanes. Think about the geography and climactic patterns of each lot you review, with the understanding that topography and soil quality affects everything from sewage to foundation design and may require you to modify your house plans. Make inquiries as to what common natural disasters occur in the area, and consider how each lot might fare in a catastrophe. Have a perk test completed to see where the water table lies. Finally, research which utilities are available for each lot. If the price on a certain lot seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Stay Consistent with the Area.
If you plan to live in a subdivision, neighborhood, or HOA, aim to find one where your home will blend in seamlessly. Selling your home will be more difficult down the road if your home plans do not blend with the rest of the area. Preferably, even the style of your dream home should match nearby houses.

Legal details in the property survey.
A registered surveyor must be called in to survey each property that is put on the market. As you narrow down your choices, ask each seller to show you the survey for the land you’re taking into consideration. Setback requirements, Easements, potential wetlands, elevations and more are included in property surveys. All of these details are important construction considerations when finalizing your home plans.

How to Find Land

Despite the fact that we’re living in the Information Age, it isn’t always easy to find the right property on which to make your dream house plans a reality. Here are a few places to hunt for available properties:

  • Local city halls or county courthouses. Look here for plats that may have been involved in a legal dispute; oftentimes such properties are available at a lower cost.
  • Newspapers, real estate advertisements and online resources.
  • The properties themselves. If you have a certain area in mind, it makes sense to drive around and look for sale signs on lots.
  • Real estate agents. This is a great option if you have the spend time finding your property.

Once You have Found Your Property

If you are planning to build in a subdivision, you’ll need to see if there is a neighborhood builder you are required to use and if they are willing to build to your house plans. If you decide to take this route, the builder will likely take out the required construction loans and ask you to cash him or her out once the home is finished.

Outside of subdivisions, you will need to find a builder who is will build to your home plans. This option is a more labor intensive because you will need to secure a construction loan through your local credit union or bank. Once you have the necessary funding, check that the contractor is registered, licensed, insured and has plenty of positive references.

Selecting House Plans for Your Land

Among all the things to consider when choosing house plans, you should think about how will natural light move across your property? How will nearby sounds impact the placement of rooms? Is the land flat, or is there a slope? These questions are just a few options that will factor into your selection of house plans.

It is much easier to choose house plans once you have a piece of property selected. It makes sense to settle on the location of your dream home before drawing up the floor plans.

Posted in Home Plans