Traditional 4-5 Bedroom Home Design
Budget: $1,500 – $3,000 USD
We are planning a new custom home build in Rome, Maine, and are reaching out to your firm for architectural services. We have identified a base design that closely matches our vision: House Plan 10010 (Silky Oak Spacious Farmhouse Style) from The House Designers, available here:
https://www.thehousedesigners.com/plan/2-story-farmhouse-2760-square-feet-grouped-bedrooms-garage-workshop-10010/
This 2,760 sq ft, 3-bedroom (plus den and bonus room), 2-story farmhouse with attached garage serves as an excellent starting point. We would like you to develop full construction drawings based on this concept, incorporating the following specific modifications and features tailored to our cold-climate location, energy efficiency goals, and lifestyle needs:
1. Foundation: Design with a frost wall (perimeter stem wall on footings extending below the local frost line) for protection against frost heave.
2. HVAC System: Incorporate a central (ducted) cold-climate air-source heat pump as the primary heating and cooling system, including complete ductwork layout throughout the home.
3. Fireplaces: Add a gas fireplace in the great room/living area and a second gas fireplace in the primary bedroom upstairs. Design the fireplace surrounds/mantels to accommodate mounting a 75” TV above each.
4. Garage/Workshop Addition: In the workshop area at the back of the two-car garage, include a built-in pet bathing station (e.g., elevated tub/shower with hot/cold water, drain, and durable, easy-to-clean surroundings). Also add provisions for a full-size refrigerator (dedicated electrical circuit and space allocation).
5. Den Conversion: Add a closet to the first-floor den to allow it to function as a true 4th bedroom.
6. EV Charging: Include a dedicated 240V, 60-amp electric vehicle charging circuit and outlet in the garage (hardwired for a Level 2 charger).
7. Starlink Satellite Internet: Specify optimal placement for a Starlink dish (south-facing with clear sky view, likely roof or gable mount), including electrical outlet, mounting provisions, and interior cable routing to a central router location.
8. Roofing and Windows: Specify a metal roof for durability in heavy snow and ice, along with triple-pane windows throughout for superior insulation and energy performance.
9. Bathroom Design: Remove bathtubs from all three bathrooms. Instead, provide oversized walk-in showers with extra-large glass enclosures (frameless or minimal framing preferred for a modern, spacious feel).
10. Laundry Room Addition: In the first-floor laundry/mudroom, designate space under the counter/cabinetry for an automatic self-cleaning cat litter box, including a nearby dedicated electrical outlet for power.
11. Under-Stairs Space: Utilize the space under the stairs as a built-in dog kennel/crate area (with ventilation, easy-clean flooring, and optional gate/door).
12. Kitchen Enhancements: Add a large kitchen island with seating (bar-style overhang for stools) and incorporate a peninsula/eating bar as needed for flow. Include a propane range/cooktop and double wall ovens. Add a walk-in pantry off the kitchen (ideally with barn door entry, shelving, and ample storage).
13. Electrical and Networking Enhancements:
• Provide abundant electrical outlets throughout the home, including floor outlets in strategic locations in the great room/living areas for flexible furniture arrangement.
• Pre-wire the entire house for Cat 6 Ethernet networking.
• Include wired Cat 6 Ethernet drops and power outlets behind all potential TV mounting locations (great room, primary bedroom, secondary bedrooms, bonus room, and den/4th bedroom).
We are targeting a highly efficient home that qualifies for Maine incentives (e.g., Efficiency Maine rebates for heat pumps and insulation) and complies with local codes in a cold-climate zone. Any additional recommendations for energy efficiency, durability, or modern conveniences would be welcome.
Please provide a proposal including:
• Scope of services (full construction drawings, structural engineering if needed, etc.)
• Estimated fees and timeline
• Next steps for moving forward
https://www.thehousedesigners.com/plan/2-story-farmhouse-2760-square-feet-grouped-bedrooms-garage-workshop-10010/
This 2,760 sq ft, 3-bedroom (plus den and bonus room), 2-story farmhouse with attached garage serves as an excellent starting point. We would like you to develop full construction drawings based on this concept, incorporating the following specific modifications and features tailored to our cold-climate location, energy efficiency goals, and lifestyle needs:
1. Foundation: Design with a frost wall (perimeter stem wall on footings extending below the local frost line) for protection against frost heave.
2. HVAC System: Incorporate a central (ducted) cold-climate air-source heat pump as the primary heating and cooling system, including complete ductwork layout throughout the home.
3. Fireplaces: Add a gas fireplace in the great room/living area and a second gas fireplace in the primary bedroom upstairs. Design the fireplace surrounds/mantels to accommodate mounting a 75” TV above each.
4. Garage/Workshop Addition: In the workshop area at the back of the two-car garage, include a built-in pet bathing station (e.g., elevated tub/shower with hot/cold water, drain, and durable, easy-to-clean surroundings). Also add provisions for a full-size refrigerator (dedicated electrical circuit and space allocation).
5. Den Conversion: Add a closet to the first-floor den to allow it to function as a true 4th bedroom.
6. EV Charging: Include a dedicated 240V, 60-amp electric vehicle charging circuit and outlet in the garage (hardwired for a Level 2 charger).
7. Starlink Satellite Internet: Specify optimal placement for a Starlink dish (south-facing with clear sky view, likely roof or gable mount), including electrical outlet, mounting provisions, and interior cable routing to a central router location.
8. Roofing and Windows: Specify a metal roof for durability in heavy snow and ice, along with triple-pane windows throughout for superior insulation and energy performance.
9. Bathroom Design: Remove bathtubs from all three bathrooms. Instead, provide oversized walk-in showers with extra-large glass enclosures (frameless or minimal framing preferred for a modern, spacious feel).
10. Laundry Room Addition: In the first-floor laundry/mudroom, designate space under the counter/cabinetry for an automatic self-cleaning cat litter box, including a nearby dedicated electrical outlet for power.
11. Under-Stairs Space: Utilize the space under the stairs as a built-in dog kennel/crate area (with ventilation, easy-clean flooring, and optional gate/door).
12. Kitchen Enhancements: Add a large kitchen island with seating (bar-style overhang for stools) and incorporate a peninsula/eating bar as needed for flow. Include a propane range/cooktop and double wall ovens. Add a walk-in pantry off the kitchen (ideally with barn door entry, shelving, and ample storage).
13. Electrical and Networking Enhancements:
• Provide abundant electrical outlets throughout the home, including floor outlets in strategic locations in the great room/living areas for flexible furniture arrangement.
• Pre-wire the entire house for Cat 6 Ethernet networking.
• Include wired Cat 6 Ethernet drops and power outlets behind all potential TV mounting locations (great room, primary bedroom, secondary bedrooms, bonus room, and den/4th bedroom).
We are targeting a highly efficient home that qualifies for Maine incentives (e.g., Efficiency Maine rebates for heat pumps and insulation) and complies with local codes in a cold-climate zone. Any additional recommendations for energy efficiency, durability, or modern conveniences would be welcome.
Please provide a proposal including:
• Scope of services (full construction drawings, structural engineering if needed, etc.)
• Estimated fees and timeline
• Next steps for moving forward