The planning tag has no wiki summary.
15
votes
6answers
2k views
Should I hire an architect to design my house?
I am planning to build a house for my family. It's relatively simple and modest by modern American standards. I plan to do much of the work myself, and want to keep costs down.
I have been working on ...
5
votes
4answers
680 views
What's a good way to sharpen a carpenter's pencil, without buying a special sharpener?
I have a carpenter's pencil that's getting pretty blunt and I've realised I don't know how to sharpen it.
How can I sharpen it without buying a special dedicated tool for it?
5
votes
4answers
537 views
Looking for alternatives to AutoCad to make floorplans and interior elevations for my kitchen
I am looking to remodel my kitchen. I want to start with floorplans and inside elevations of the 4 walls, cabinets, and major appliances. I've been using LibreCAD because it supports Autocad 2000 ...
5
votes
1answer
607 views
What's the best/official way to draw a building's electrical system?
We are installing home automation systems, and we have serious problems with electricians. Short: they are stupid and lazy. So, we have to do something.
There're some stories:
We have a spreadsheet ...
5
votes
3answers
112 views
Where can I find plans for building a chicken coop?
I was hoping to build a chicken coupe for 3-4 chickens. Does anyone know where I can find some plans (preferably free) for building a decent chicken coop? It doesn't have to be the Taj Mahal, but I ...
4
votes
2answers
181 views
Are most contractors capable of building any home?
I know very little about building homes. However, I have a vision of what I want my next home to be like. But when I look at the websites of local builders and contractors, it looks like they only ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
What are the standard sizes/clearances for bathroom elements?
I expect to be asking several more questions about this project; but I'm starting with a general one, and will get more refined as things develop.
We are working on finishing our basement, which ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
How can I calculate the load capacity of a platform?
I'm planning to build a very basic bed frame, but I'm not sure what size lumber to use.
I was thinking of building the entire thing from 2x4s (legs would be 4x4), but I'm not sure if this will be ...
4
votes
3answers
541 views
What voltage/amperage garage circuits should I install for welding tools and an air compressor?
As a part of renovating my garage this fall, much of the wiring is being re-done. Since doing the work before putting up walls will be much easier now than adding circuits in the future, I'd like to ...
4
votes
4answers
2k views
Where can I find garage building plans?
If I wanted to build a detached garage/workshop, where can I find complete, detailed plans? I'd like to be able to estimate building cost from a materials list.
I'm not certain what style I'd want, ...
4
votes
1answer
398 views
Woodworking Plans for an Office Desk
I am looking to build a desk for my office (L-shaped), but I am rather new at woodworking. I have the tools, and this would be a long project, but have no idea where to start.
Are there any good ...
2
votes
2answers
52 views
Does it make sense to add an upstairs dormer in two phases?
We are planning to add an upstairs dormer to our 900-square-foot ranch (adding about 500 additional square feet).
The entire project for us is very daunting and we don't yet have enough money to ...
2
votes
1answer
352 views
Should I hire a structural engineer or an architect?
Our house is a standard 2-up 2-down terrace (well, end terrace) with the usual kitchen / bathroom extension on the back done many years ago.
Beside the kitchen, in the gap between our kitchen and the ...
0
votes
1answer
85 views
How to read this floor map scale?
I'm not an interior designer, but I'm going to do the home design myself. I don't know how to read the scale of this floor plan. I'm going to put this into a floor planner website and design, but I ...
0
votes
3answers
168 views
How to make a floor plan?
First, I'm not good with home improvement or anything too manual for that matter - I'm more of a computer geek.
I am soon to move into a new empty apartment and I am going to go furniture/appliance ...
0
votes
1answer
429 views
What is the standard distance between a table and a banquette?
We just moved into a new condo that has a small area (43"x120") off the kitchen that I am thinking of converting to a dining nook with a narrow table. Considering the dimensions, it seems ...
