How Big is Our Lot? Ep.21

Summary

In this video, the hosts discuss the development of their house project now that the retaining wall and site preparation are complete. They highlight the importance of accurate measurements and the involvement of a surveyor to finalize the house design on a tight buildable area. The goal is to create a two-story, 2,500 square foot home that balances functionality with appealing views, while also ensuring it meets market demands. The hosts emphasize the necessity of thoughtful design to attract potential buyers and showcase innovative construction techniques.

Takeaways

• 🏗️ The retaining wall and site prep are completed, allowing focus to shift to the house design.
• 📏 The house pad is small compared to the overall property size, which is over 10,000 square feet.
• 🌳 The area surrounding the house will be landscaped for usable yard space.
• 🛠️ A surveyor, Karl Sweden, will provide a reliable site plan for the house layout.
• 📐 The size of the house footprint must be maximized due to limited space.
• 🏠 The minimum desired house size is 2,500 square feet to fit neighborhood standards.
• ⬆️ A two-story design was chosen to meet size requirements, despite initial preferences for a single level.
• 🌅 The upper level will capitalize on views from the property, particularly from the living room and master bedroom.
• 🔍 Anticipating buyer needs is critical for maximizing interest in the house.
• 🧱 The project aims to showcase various techniques, materials, and processes in home building.

Q & A

What preliminary work was done before discussing the house design?

The retaining wall and site preparation were completed, allowing for further discussion about the house itself.

What constraints did the builders face regarding the house footprint?

The buildable area for the house is small, constrained by the retaining wall and the topography of the property.

Why did the builders involve a surveyor in the planning process?

They needed an accurate survey to create a reliable site plan that would inform the house layout before foundation work began.

What is the size of the house they aimed to build?

They aimed for a minimum size of 2,500 square feet based on the neighborhood's average house sizes.

How did the decision to go two-story affect the house design?

Choosing a two-story design allowed them to maximize the available square footage and take advantage of the views from the upper level.

What considerations were made regarding the garage's location?

The garage's position had to fit between the retaining wall and the front setback while also accommodating a gentle driveway slope.

What design elements are considered critical for selling the house?

Anticipating the needs of potential buyers and showcasing various techniques, materials, and processes in the design are considered critical.

What benefits does the builder see in the two-story design?

The two-story design not only meets size requirements but also provides better views from the living areas.

How did the builders feel about the property's overall size?

While the house pad is small, the overall property is over 10,000 square feet, providing ample space for landscaping and other outdoor uses.

What future topics will be addressed in the upcoming videos?

Future videos will cover house design details and the processes involved in actually building the house on the site.