How do we find a designer for our new build?
We're very excited to get going on our project! We've secured our land and want to be moving in this coming fall, first step being the right plan to build our dream escape in the forest. We're really looking for the best of all worlds, energy efficient and low cost. Have read many articles. Total “all in” cost of build $235k if our budget – including septic, well, driveway, electrical. Land already purchased, so not incldued in 235k.
Below was the start of our dreaming. We've refined to the following specifications:
2 storey home – possibly w/ vaulted ceiling over dining/living (approximately 1600 sft) 3 bedrooms - Master needs to be not less than 12x12 - Second bedroom can be 11x10 - Bunk Room for kids – accommodate 3 sets of twin bunks (6 sleepers) 1 Bathroom – sink, toilet, standup shower (36x42 or 36x48) minimum MudRoom – 6x15 would be a nice size to accommodate boot and mitten drying, ski rack, and a 2x8 wardrobe w/ 5 units. Concrete Pour Over for main floor, as option, if possible (easy maintenance, nice heat absorption from S facing sun) Wood burning fireplace Spiral staircase to second floor if necessary for minimal space. (Ladder as other solution, if there is a toilet & sink on second floor) Approx. 340 sft for dining and living (something like 22’ x 15.5’) Storage for extra blankets, sheets, pillows, towels Screw Piles VS foundation (lowe Steel Roof Ikea Kitchen – laminate countertop, simple 36” fridge, Electric Cook-top stove – range hood, Dishwasher
Stackable washer and dryer Energy Efficient #1
Inspiration projects below and here is a general layout of the land, which is a knoll that slopes on 3 sides, N, E, and S. Is this a project you would be interested in accommodating at this time?
mackay lyons sweetapple - Mirror Point and Enough House would be good inspirations. Others:
It sounds like you already have a lot of your design done, that’s good as the more you show up with when you meet a designer the quicker their job will be. We will soon have a Green Building Directory on the Ecohome website where you will be able to find professionals, but it’s not ready yet unfortunately. I think your best bet for finding a designer as well as a general contractor is best done by doing a google search of for ‘home designer’ or similar terms along with your local region. And to help you vet them, have a look at this page here so you know what to look for –
How to find qualified green building professionals
That will give you some suggested questions to ask so you can distinguish between the good ones and the bad ones. Hope that helps!