PRIMARY CONSIDERATIONS

SampleAT 201

September 11, 2013

Objectives Discuss key site considerations, restrictions,

zoning and codes. Evaluate a site with respect to important

considerations. Record topographical features of a site. List family needs that should be considered when

planning or purchasing or constructing a house. Develop a budget for purchasing or constructing

a house. Describe the basic construction drawings used to

build a structure.

Key Terms Building Codes Construction Details Deed Electrical Plan Elevation Equity Expansion Plan Floor Framing Plan Floor plan Foundation plan Furniture plan Gross annual income Heating and Cooling Plan

Landscape Plan Modules Pictorial Presentation Plot Plan Plumbing Plan Roof Framing Plan Roof Plan Site Specifications Take-Home Pay Title Topography Zoning

Site Considerations The site is more that just a plot of land it is

a part of a larger community. Topography is the characteristics of the land

on the site. A hilly or sloping site is ideal for a split level

home. The Structure should appear to be part of

the site.

The Community The community and neighborhood should

be evaluated on the following points. Is the neighborhood a well-planned

community, as shown in figure 3-2? Or, Has the Neighborhood developed with no central theme or for thought, as shown in Figure 3-3?

Cost and Restrictions It is not possible to state exactly what

percentage of the total cost of a home should be allowed for the site.

The cost of the lot should also take into account the amount of frontage it has and whether or not it is a corner lot.

Ownership of the property is transferred through a legal document called a deed.

Zoning and Codes Zoning creates areas that have certain

building requirements for the size, location, and type of structure.

Building codes specify requirements for construction methods and materials for plumbing, electrical, and general building constrictions.

Generally all construction and remodeling requires a building permit from the town, city, or village.

Topographical Features The topography of the site is a primary

concern. These factors may limit the type of

structure that may be built. If the site is rural and you must provide

water and septic system, extra care must be taken in the selection of the proper site.

Family Needs Family size is a

major consideration in a house design.

Ample space should be provided for each member of the family to perform their chosen activities.

Consideration should be given to providing space for: Accommodating guest, Bathing, Dining, Dressing, Entertaining, Family recreations, etc.

Budget for Housing When choosing a house to build or buy,

you need to determine how much you can spend on housing.

Take-home pay is your earnings after taxes and other deductions have been subtracted.

Housing cost is not limited to the monthly mortgage or rent payment alone.

It also includes utility cost, property taxes for an owned residence and insurance.

Other Considerations A house should not be planned entirely

from an “inside-out” approach. Construction materials are available in

different size increments or modules. The location of the site, the

characteristics of the site itself, the size and layout of the house and many other factors all add up to a certain quality of living.

Drawing Included in a Set of Plans

A set of plans or drawings is the collection of all drawings and related specifications needed to construct a house.

Like Plot Plans, Foundation Plan, Floor plan, Elevations, Electrical Plan, Construction Details, and Pictorial Presentations.

Internet Sources www.aia.org www.bhg.com www.epa.gov

Questions Zoning Creates what? Topography is what? Building Codes Specify what? What kind of chosen activity do you need

to consider that a family needs. Taking-Home pay is what? A house shouldn’t be planned entirely on

what?

Any Questions