Design Considerations
Have You Considered This
Something to consider when designing your home remodeling plan. These simple concepts can save regrets later on.
Page Topics:
remodeling design considerations
Traffic Patterns
Traffic should flow to one side of the
room rather than through its center
more traffic information:
powerpoint presentation
remodeling design considerations
Kitchen Considerations
Location of the kitchen should have direct access to the dining area and garage where grocery items can be unloaded conveniently
- Traffic should not flow through the kitchen working area.
- Larger kitchens have a greater resale
value than smaller kitchens — you
will want to design the working area with
appliances in a triangular position for
easy working.
more information on kitchen layout:
kitchen layout mistakes
see kitchen design basics:
www.kitchen-bath.com
see our kitchen ideas directory:
search for kitchen ideas
remodeling design considerations
About Private Areas
Bedrooms and bathrooms should be separated visually from the working areas of the house.
- You should have at least one bathroom
near working and relaxation areas and
with easy access from the outside.
- Never situate bathrooms where you must
pass through one room to get to the facilities.
- It is almost a necessity (particularly
in a resale) that the master bedroom has
an attached master bathroom
- The master bathroom should be large, with
full size bath, shower, his/her vanity
sinks and exhaust vans that vent to the
outside
see bathroom design basics:
kitchen-bath.com
see our bathroom ideas module:
search for bathroom ideas
remodeling design considerations
Living Areas
Living areas include the dining room, living/family room, and den.
- Designs may vary with rooms segmented
by walls or merged into a larger, multi-purpose
room with boundaries such as pillars segmenting
one room from the other
see our main-floor ideas module:
search for living area ideas
remodeling design considerations
Energy Efficiency
There are some energy efficient products on the market that can reduce your energy costs and keep you more comfortable.
- The government has published materials
on energy efficient homes:
elements of an energy efficient home
home energy advisor
energy information for your home
see our energy design directory:
utility management ideas
remodeling design considerations
Foundations
Poured concrete is the most expensive foundation and best choice for full basements because of its strength and resistance to leaks.
- Cinder block is a substitute to concrete,
but is not as strong and is subject to
leakage.
- Monolithic con create slaps are used with
homes without basements bringing the cost
and implementation down.
more foundation information:
types - pros and cons
remodeling design considerations
Plumbing - Electrical
plumbing information:
plumbing basics
Plumbing Projects:
Guides: Electrical and Lighting
- the "basics" of home wiring
- how to install - repair home wiring
- electrical information:
understanding basic electrical theory
more lighting options ideas:
search for home lighting ideas
remodeling design considerations
Room Dimensions
- bedroom: not less than 7 feet in any direction
- closets: depth at 24 inches or more
- hallways: minimum width 3 feet
- dining room: big enough for 8-person dining
table
- kitchen: work aisle at least 42 inches
wide
more room dimension information:
typical room sizes (pdf)
Helpful Tools
Some helpful forms to select and manage contractors:
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