Architect + Builder vs Design & Build
Will Partridge
3 years ago
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Daisy England
3 years agoDMA ARCHITECTS
3 years agoRelated Discussions
We all use Houzz - What other tools do you use?
Comments (12)I've had a look at free offerings for floor planning software. It depends on the level you want to go to. Sweethome3D http://www.sweethome3d.com/ is truly free because it's open source (no fees if you want to draw more than one plan etc). I've found I can get reasonably detailed with it from layout perspective but I doubt it would be good enough for a drawings for a building permit (although I'm not certain of this). As a graphic designer you'll have an affinity for graphics software. If you want to be able to draw more detailed drawings Id take the time to learn Sketchup. I know some architects use this as their software of choice. I'm definitely with you @Jason Carter - the only way to really control your budget is to plan ahead and choose and price everything that you can think of before you break ground. Otherwise you're in a situation where you have to make quick compromises during the build which leads to mistakes etc. In my work we use requirements tracking tools. I think it would be really helpful to communicate to the contractors exactly what is going to go on in the room - why the extra outlets are there and in the position they're in. That way they have a deeper understanding of why the specs are the way they are and they don't make decisions that detract from the design - they might even come up with suggestions that support the ideas behind the designs....See MoreWhat are the most important design considerations for a Self-Build?
Comments (11)Hi Michele, self build is very exciting and we wish you luck for your upcoming project. We have various tips when it comes to our customers designing their home. As some have suggested above understanding how you and your family occupy the space is fundamental in making those early design decisions. We also tell self builders to put 'wants and needs' into 3 columns, must have, nice to have and luxury. This helps define budget and start with the fundamentals before progressing to those items such as cinema rooms or a top end kitchen worktop. There are many helpful tips on our Self Build Academy website also plenty of design and interior inspiration at Potton Self Build Galleries Before you decide that building your home is right for you, ask yourself four questions; Do you have the time and commitment to see your project through to the end. Do you have the skills and knowledge required for the task ahead Do you understand the cost involved and do you have enough money to complete the build Do you have a constitution strong enough to see you through both the highs and lows of building your own home Provided you understand your answers to these questions and can ‘fill the gaps’ when it comes to skills, knowledge, time and funding, then press ahead and enjoy what is probably going to be one of the most rewarding experiences that you will ever have in your lifetime!...See MoreTiling for tiny bathroom
Comments (30)Hi! What was your final decision? I am also working on my tiny WC and came to the following conclusions (after 2 months spent in tile shops, looking through houzz and pinterest photos). The tiles in small spaces: 1. Should reflect. The space should not be matt and absorb the light. The glazed tile reflects the objects like a mirror and creates depth. 2. Should not be oversized. When you like the big tiles on the photo you posted - just adore them at the picture. they will not go to a tine space. Compare the size of the bathroom and the size of the tile. Try to imagine the pattern. 3. Don't be mislead by professional designs and photos (like the ones you posted and you like). Most of them are the bathrooms which are really huge in size. So the tiles that are on the picture will not go for your project. You want a small SPA oasis? Forget about concrete and metal look and all the things like that. I took a sample of concrete tile in my bath... really you feel uncomfortable, when you step on the concrete barefoot, Though I have floor heating , I wouldn't go barefoot. Its concrete!:))) Concrete is good for a big loft or industrial design, I think. 5. For a SPA - look I would opt either for the mosaic (which is classical for SPA, but be careful with that. May be monochromatic or achromatic) or wood optic tiles combined with warm white tones. 6. Much color in small bathrooms is not a good option. It is better to add it with accessories. Moreover you can change the look just by replacing your turqoise towels by grey ones. You can add dynamics only by choosing not a typical size of the white tile and making an interesting pattern. For example, for my tiny WC i have 25x75 cm tiles and will put them in a brick wall style. What I have chosen for my tiny WC is a wood optic (very light) tile for the floor and white tiles for the walls. They will cover the wall by 120 cm. The rest of the wall will be covered with wallpaper (navy blue or dark gray). Or may be just painted. Wish you good luck!...See MoreWin a design consultation at The permanent tsb Ideal Home Show!
Comments (74)Hello Houzz Ireland, We are currently renovating a 1960's build - so as you know, there is a lot of decisions to be made!! So it would be nice to get some gems of advice from the experts to help us through this daunting task. Areas where we would really like some inspiration for - small bathroom downstairs. I would really like to do something fun with this room and although small, I think it could work really well with some funky wallpaper or possibly tiles?! I'm just not sure what to do with it. Also - pulling a whole house together?! Where do we start? We have the bigger pieces of furniture but how do I know what nest of tables goes best with a suite? Or what accessories will bring a room together? I'm due a second baby in 2 weeks time so any help at this stage would be so amazing - to guide me on the right interior design path for our new house. Thanks, Laurie...See MoreAPT Renovation Limited
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