Prefabricated Wooden Frame Houses
Checklist: How to Choose the Optimal House Size
This checklist will help future homeowners correctly determine the required house size. It includes key points: defining the number of permanent residents and guests, calculating the required area per person, number of floors, bathrooms and bedrooms, the need for a basement and attic, consideration of shared and additional rooms. This approach simplifies the process management, ensuring timely completion of construction.
Step 1:
Determine the number of permanent residents
- Define the family composition. Consider all family members who will permanently reside in the house.
- Consider guest space. Decide how many additional guest rooms you need if you plan to host
guests overnight.
Taking into account the number of residents when building a house is important for optimal space design and creating comfortable living conditions. This helps plan the required number of rooms and amenities, improving the quality of life for all family members.
Step 2:
Calculate the required area per person
- Calculate the area for each person. Keep in mind that on average, one person requires about 20–25 square meters of living space.
- Consider personal preferences. Decide whether you want more private space or larger common areas.
Calculating the required space per person allows for optimal organization of the living area to ensure comfort and safety. It also helps in planning resources such as ventilation, lighting, and sanitation, which are especially important in residential premises.
Step 3:
How many floors will the house have
- One-story house. Suitable for families with children or elderly people, as it has no stairs, making movement safer.
- Two-story house. Allows efficient use of land and creates opportunities to separate spaces for rest and work.
- Multi-story house. Can include additional levels such as a basement and attic, increasing usable space.
Determining the number of floors helps account for functional needs, compliance with building regulations, construction costs, maintenance, and land use planning.
Step 4:
Decide on the necessity of a basement and attic
- Basement. Can be used for storage, a workshop, a home gym, or technical rooms.
- Attic. Can serve as additional living space, storage, or a playroom for children.
A basement and attic provide extra space for storage, technical purposes, or cozy rooms. They also optimize space usage, protect the house from moisture and cold, and can improve the overall energy efficiency of the building.
Step 5:
Plan the bedrooms»
- Determine the number of bedrooms. This depends on the number of permanent residents and guests who may stay overnight. Everyone should have access to a personal bedroom.
- Think about future needs. Consider possible family expansion in the future.
Planning bedrooms is necessary to create a comfortable and functional living environment that meets the needs of all family members.
Step 6:
Determine the number of bathrooms»
- Main bathroom. At least one for the family.
- Additional bathrooms. It is recommended to have one bathroom per two bedrooms, as well as a separate guest bathroom.
Determining the number of bathrooms ensures convenience and comfort, especially in larger families or households that frequently host guests.
Step 7:
Plan common rooms
- Living room. Should be spacious and comfortable for relaxing, family gatherings, and hosting friends.
- Kitchen. Plan for convenient cooking and dining space.
- Dining room. May be combined with the kitchen or designed as a separate room.
Planning common rooms is important for creating a harmonious and functional space that encourages interaction and relaxation for both family members and guests.
Step 8:
Plan additional rooms
- Garage. Decide how many cars will be parked and allocate space for tools and equipment.
- Terrace/veranda. Allocate an area for comfortable outdoor leisure.
- Garden. Plan a space for games, gardening, or barbecues.
- Pool. Possible if there is sufficient space and desire.
Planning additional rooms allows for optimal space utilization and increases the functionality of the house.
Step 9:
Plan for the future
- Family expansion. Consider additional rooms if planning to have children.
- Aging family members. Plan for the needs of elderly family members in the future.
Planning for the future ensures the house will continue to meet the family’s needs for years to come and adapt to life changes.
Step 10:
Consult professionals
- Architects and designers. Consult them to create the optimal project based on your needs.
- Construction companies. Seek advice for realistic building options and expansion possibilities.
Consulting professionals ensures harmony between functionality, aesthetics, and technical requirements, resulting in a high-quality and comfortable home.
House design should also consider furniture placement to avoid mistakes in room dimensions.
This checklist will become your reliable assistant in determining the optimal house size. Using this tool, you can define the number of floors, rooms, additional spaces, and overall square footage.
Instructions for using the checklist:
1. Review the checklist. Go through all points to understand the upcoming steps.
2. Adapt to your project. Make sure all points align with your plan and add necessary details.
3. Follow the steps in order. Mark completed tasks as you go.
4. Monitor quality. Compare completed work with project documentation and plans.
5. Keep records. Store all important documents (contracts, permits, acts).
6. Consult professionals. When necessary, seek advice from lawyers, architects, or engineers.
7. Regularly control the budget. Monitor expenses to avoid overspending.
By following these recommendations, you will simplify the process and increase the chances of successful construction completion.
