I am thinking of a house, actually a Saltbox over a four car drive in garage in the rear of the house.
The inspiration for my idea came from a Saltbox bank barn near where I live.
This design would require a sloping site ideally, or some banking of earth in front and removal of earth in the rear. Ultimately I would like to be able to drive along side the house (down) to turn into the garages with the first floor elevation a step or two above grade.
My real question is this: Do you scope out the land before you plan or do you redesign to fit the land?
This is for now a hypothetical question.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Eric
Replies
It is best to find good land, then design a house to fit the site. It is also easier; finding good sites is a lot less limiting than needing a good site with a specific topography.
But I have done it the other way two times. Decide on a house, then search to find a site that will accept it. Walkout lower levels, under-house garages, things like that make it tough. You may run into more costs doing excavation and fill than otherwise.
Always, always, think about and plan for drainage. And try your best to end up with a level approach or slight upgrade to the home.
I'll second Mr. M. Always advise clients to have a site before we start on a design. Much much harder the other way.