The Situation: I have a very tight budget to build, 70-100K for *everything,* including home, septic, water, clearing, etc. And unfortunately with a loan, the bank requires a general contractor and multiple inspections--so I can't do much myself--which I otherwise may be able to. I live in Central Vermont. Thankfully we do not have zoning in my town. I need help saving money any way I can; I wanted as much passive solar as I could, but unfortunately that may mean just orientation. Btw--I have never used a compass; how do I find True South for orientation? The following are my thoughts on a building. All input welcome. What could I cut out first if I have to?
About 800sq ft home--maybe a knee-high second floor--especially if the basement turns to 4in slab
Pex tubing for radiant floor, plastic tubing w/ return lines next to out-going hot lines 1/2”-3/4”, copper pipe header to split the runs, pump placed at end of run/water is coolest, own control valve for each
Basement with bulkhead, woodstove in middle of basement--I really want a basement and a porch
Radiant Heating: centralized thermostat/expansion tank/pressure relief valve
Long side oriented within thirty degrees true south, extra large south windows with low e film
Covered porch on West side
Kitchen at NE corner of house, bathroom next to porch door
Door in a downstairs’ bedroom—if there is a downstairs bedroom
4 Plug outlets, outlets outside, prewire for generator, full-size cupboard in kitchen for brooms, light in crawl-space attic, faucet on outside, recessed fridge, stacked stairs
Double stud walls joined by small plywood trusses filled (12” cavity) with Dense Pack Cellulose (exterior load bearing)
Conventional Pre-Manufactured trusses
Bathroom next to outside door
Steep metal roof
Earth Bermed?
Is it cheaper to build a 16ft wide home?
I talked with one general contractor--how does this process work? Is it better to find an architect first--and where for something this simple? Has anyone seen similar plans online? Can I find almost the same plans and just have the contractor deviate? Will he do that? Or if I have plans, am I supposed to put it out to bid just to get a general contractor?
I don't mind rustic, but the bank requires that it be finished to a certain degree. Am I nuts for getting a loan? My son is 17months. Should I just save up?
And how do I know how much overhang for the south windows?
Thanks for any input!
Karen
