Houston Home Designs
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4) Living Space and Non Conditioned Space
This is another big one. In evaluating a plan as to the cost to build, you have to consider all of the space and structure that is under roof, not just the air conditioned space or living space. You can't ignore the other space or assume it comes for free. There is no such thing. Everything has a cost. Here is a great example and a recent one brought on by a hurricane and the new requirement around Galveston Bay to raise the base elevation of all living space.
The living space on this design by Don Purser is around 5000 square feet. This is one of my favorites from Don and shows why we recommend him often. What is very important about this plan is the amount of non-conditioned space, in other words, the first level of garages and storage space, the porches, and balconies on the second and third level. The total space under roof is around 8000 square feet. What do you think the extra 3000 square feet costs? It is not free. For this particular home, if you assumed a price based on living space alone, you would underestimate by 20% or more.
The front and rear elevations are on this page and the three floor plans are on the page that follows. Note that 90% of the ground floor is not air conditioned, yet it has a floor, walls, windows, a full bath and outdoor kitchen.
This is another big one. In evaluating a plan as to the cost to build, you have to consider all of the space and structure that is under roof, not just the air conditioned space or living space. You can't ignore the other space or assume it comes for free. There is no such thing. Everything has a cost. Here is a great example and a recent one brought on by a hurricane and the new requirement around Galveston Bay to raise the base elevation of all living space.
The living space on this design by Don Purser is around 5000 square feet. This is one of my favorites from Don and shows why we recommend him often. What is very important about this plan is the amount of non-conditioned space, in other words, the first level of garages and storage space, the porches, and balconies on the second and third level. The total space under roof is around 8000 square feet. What do you think the extra 3000 square feet costs? It is not free. For this particular home, if you assumed a price based on living space alone, you would underestimate by 20% or more.
The front and rear elevations are on this page and the three floor plans are on the page that follows. Note that 90% of the ground floor is not air conditioned, yet it has a floor, walls, windows, a full bath and outdoor kitchen.
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