Area calculations
This sometimes causes some confusion so a definition is included here. The Interior square-footage figure represents area as calculated using the industry standard of gross heated floor area and does not include adjustments for two story or vaulted spaces, garages, decks or any unfinished areas. These measurements are from the outside face of exterior walls. Stairs are counted for each base floor from which they descend only and vaulted areas are not counted. For instance if you have a two story house, the footprint of the stairs is counted on the area of the second floor.
Garage area and deck areas are calculated and shown separately.
These measurements are broken down in this way so that appraisers, zoning officials, and contractors can use the figures for their specific requirements. For instance some zoning rules need to know the footprint of the building structure in addition to the total living area.
Construction costs
Consult a local builder or architect for local cost information. Building costs in different regions vary widely dependant upon availability of labor and materials, seasonal fluctuations, economic conditions, etc. The level of interior finishes and their associated cost usually has the most dramatic effect on costs. The level of finish refers to what materials and how and where they are installed to appoint the interior of the house.
As a baseline, expect these houses to cost about $150 sq. ft. not including site development costs and dependant on the level of quality of interior finishes, cabinets and materials. Costs in different regions could be $50 above or below these costs. Not all interior spaces are finished with the same level of detail and trim so it is helpful to start with baseline finishes and then apply upgrade costs to different room types to establish more accurate cost estimates. We can do an optional preliminary cost estimate to help get a better rough estimate of construction costs.
Building Code Compliance
Building codes vary widely throughout the country; it is the responsibility of the owner and contractor to build the home in compliance with local building codes and regulations.
Plans may need to be modified to comply with local building conditions, energy codes, seismic and soil conditions, snow loads, zoning regulations, and other ordinances or requirements. Authorization is granted to use documents prepared by VillaModern on the condition the owner or builder shall be in strict compliance with all local building codes and ordinances. The homeowner and/or builder may need to consult with a structural engineer to review and possibly amend the drawings to meet local requirements. More information can be found in the section discussing structural basics.
VillaModern designs are designed to conform to the international residential code. Design parameters will be printed on the cover sheets of the construction documents. It is the responsibility of the contractor and owner to insure compliance with all applicable national, state and local building and zoning codes.
Because building codes and construction requirements may be different from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, VillaModern cannot warrant compliance with any specific local building or zoning code or regulation.
Contact local building authority for requirements for more information.
Structural and Framing
Typically the homes designed here are designed to be built with the standard American building methods using wood stud frame walls with plywood sheathing and wood joist or truss floors and roofs with plywood sheathing. Optional post and beam floor construction is optional. We understand that different builders prefer to work with different products and so we often provide options right on the construction documents.
Framing members and beams may utilize dimensional lumber, glulam or LVL laminated veneer lumber framing members and beams. Roof design loads are based on a typical 25 psf live load and will need to be verified to compare to the requirements of the local roof snow loads. These plans are drawn to conform to the International Residential Building Code, except as stated concerning local environmental issues.
The floor designs are based on loads as called for in standard building codes and the specifications are listed on drawings. The floor structural designs used here are typically stronger and stiffer than what the minimum code requires. Typical building codes try to balance two major elements in the design of floors - building a sound structural floor that does not sag or bounce, and being efficient and cost effective to build that floor. The floors we design tend to be stiffer to minimize sag, bounce and resonance. There is plenty of information about the wood products used through the APA - The Engineered Wood Association.
The owner and/or builder should consult and verify load designs with a structural engineer, or building materials supplier. The sizes of beams that accumulate loads from the roof structure must be verified, as the snow loading requirements are regional. Verify local conditions and code requirements.
Alternate options
We love the new technology and benefits available with some of the newer building methods and encourage people to consider the benefits. We have designed homes to incorporate some of the more advanced building methods including AAC (Aerated Autoclaved Concrete), ICF (insulated concrete forms), and SIP (structural insulated panels). We will gladly work with you to accommodate any new building techniques into the construction process.