Barndominium/Shop or "real" House?

[turbo36]

It's not a footing. The footing is at the bottom. He's gonna need the same footing for a crawl space or a basement wall. The only additional expense is a deeper hole, the 18 additional yards of concrete, twice as much rebar, and taller forms. The labor is the same.

Correct, the footing is placed below the frost line, and then the wall has to extend up to your building surface. That's one thing about being down south you don't worry about the frost much.

 

[ETD66SS]

It's not a footing. The footing is at the bottom. He's gonna need the same footing for a crawl space or a basement wall. The only additional expense is a deeper hole, the 18 additional yards of concrete, twice as much rebar, and taller forms. The labor is the same.

My ICF design has a full basement under the main living space. It's only a crawl space under the living room. I could add that as part of the basement, but it adds a decent amount of cost. And yes, I have to go a min of 42" below grade for the footing up here in WNY.

But add in the extra 32in I need to get down to the footing, then another slab under the living room. I mean yeah, I hate wasting that, even hate wasting the area under the front porch. If I had more money I would increase the footprint of the basement.

The estimate I received back on this ICF design in 2021 was $460/sq-ft ($570k to build a 1243 sq-ft home, nope, I can't afford that), the builders' estimate for all the ICF and concrete (not including the stone veneer) was $120k. I'm curious what this new builder comes back with for an estimate in 2023.

 

[5030]

Just always keep in mind that if you live in a zoned area, you need to check with the local building inspector to see of they are even a permitted dwelling. Here, they are not.

 

[ETD66SS]

Just always keep in mind that if you live in a zoned area, you need to check with the local building inspector to see of they are even a permitted dwelling. Here, they are not.

You mean a Barndominium? The building inspector was the one who turned me on to the idea. Once my design is complete after tentatively selecting a builder and optimizing the build per the way that particular builder wants to construct it, I have to have a Registered Architect inspect my plans and stamp them. That's the stage where all the legalities are ironed out.

Now, I will say, my design might be stretching the definition of a "Barndominium".

The ICF design has already been stamped by an RA, it's ready to go, I just can't afford to build it.

 

[5030]

What I meant and your building inspector and your zoning board are 2 different things. In as much as I don't live in your state or locailty, I'd check your local ordinances first. Like I said, not allowed here.

 

[ETD66SS]

What I meant and your building inspector and your zoning board are 2 different things. In as much as I don't live in your state or locailty, I'd check your local ordinances first. Like I said, not allowed here.

All 4 builders I have talked to have built Barndominiums in the area. And at least in my municipality, the zoning board and building inspector work hand in hand. For instance, I wanted to build just a pole barn before building a house. The building inspector informed me the zoning board does not allow that. House has to come first. That new bylaw just passed in 2022 is what lead me to design a Barndominium, per the suggestion of the Building inspector. But hey it is New York, so maybe they passed a law against them already. They want to outlaw natural gas so anything goes I guess...

 

[tradosaurus]

Insurers don't like garages ready to light up a living space. Check insurance prices. I'd build a small ranch and a separate huge garage. Having to climb stairs to the house is a pain especially a wintry day with groceries or guests. Shovel required first thing. Ranch - safer, less dust and dirt in the home, quieter, etc. The cook in your kitchen gets to enjoy noises from anyone going to the bathroom, and to listen to the washer/dryer. Not my cup of tea.

Couldn't wait to get rid of my 2 story house and move into a traditional ranch style layout.

 

[tradosaurus]

I'm a mechanical design engineer, so I use primarily AutoCAD for 2D work and Autodesk Inventor for 3D work. Inventor is not really for architecture but it's what I know...

Exact same here except you are better with Inventory than I am.

 

[tradosaurus]

You mean a Barndominium? The building inspector was the one who turned me on to the idea. Once my design is complete after tentatively selecting a builder and optimizing the build per the way that particular builder wants to construct it, I have to have a Registered Architect inspect my plans and stamp them. That's the stage where all the legalities are ironed out.

Now, I will say, my design might be stretching the definition of a "Barndominium".

The ICF design has already been stamped by an RA, it's ready to go, I just can't afford to build it.

I like your two designs and the tenacity you have in seeing it through.

Are you stuck in New York because of family? Would it be cheaper to relocate to Florida or Texas and have more options with your house?

 

[ETD66SS]

I like your two designs and the tenacity you have in seeing it through.

Are you stuck in New York because of family? Would it be cheaper to relocate to Florida or Texas and have more options with your house?

Family plus I have a well paying job here. If I was to move, it would be somewhere more remote like Wyoming or Montana or the like. Not Florida or Texas...