Mar
4
An Update From the Architect
Hi all,
We sent your best questions to DIY Blog Cabin 2010 architect James Crisp. Read through his answers. We’ll be gathering questions for the builder soon, so put your thinking caps on.
Thanks so much for answering some of our questions! I found it interesting that there are no plans to renovate the basement. This is, indeed, a very different animal than the other BC's.
Mr. Crisp and Mary, thank you so much for the answers to blogger's questions. Your time is much appreciated. Things are so different this year. I am still a lil confused! None the less I am excited to see the changes coming and on cabin cams. You workers have already knocked alot of work out. The chimney, shingles, windows and part of the roof and it's raising. I'm happy, it seems things will be kept into perspectives "budget wise". This will allow the winner less taxes in the end. Knowing DiY, I'm sure they will pull out a few surprises. I love the idea of the "shaker inspired built in", dresser for the master. I'll be honest, though, not liking the placement of the refridgerator but I think anyone can work with it. It may be wider in that area than it appears. And it will be beautiful in the end. Good luck on the project.
Thank you for answering some of our questions. I am very surprised that the basement will not be finished.
I also noticed that one of the most asked questions was not answered. Can the garage door that currently enters the kitchen be moved over some so it will enter the laundry room (and that can also serve as a mud room)? That would add some much needed space in the kitchen. Perhaps this question can and will be answered by the builder.
Well put Kathy. I agree completely that they dodged the issue of the garage/kitchen door completely, as they did the questions on recycling. However, the architect may not be the person to ask these questions to (at least the recycling ones).
Do you think I am correct in assming there may be some higher ceilings planned for the great room or dining room stemming from the 8-12ft comment from the architect?
Looks like the budget for this makeover is very tight compared to the previous 2 years. A sign of the times and / or a reflection of a waning popularity of 'Blog Cabin'?
Still, there is plenty to work with and less grandiose is certainly much more in keeping with the 'Cabin' theme.
These are all the things he said about ceiling height.
"We are raising the roof in the center of the house, but only to increase the height of the living room/dining room ceiling."
"In living and dining room area ceilings range from 8' – 12'. In bedrooms, etc. ceiling height is 8'."
"Basement Unfinished ceiling height is 7'8". "
So I would say yes you are correct that the Great Room and Dining Room's ceiling will be raised.
Since he also said, " Next to the Laundry Room Door is the refrigerator and next to that is the existing stairs to the basement." I would have to say that they are not going to move that garage door into the laundry room as we all had hoped.
Since they are keeping costs to a minimum that should give more people the opportunity to keep the home should they win it (if that's what they want to do). Hopefully the budget is just a reflection of the sign of the times and not one of people's disinterest. Granted things are much different with this BC than those of the past, but at least we are still having a Blog Cabin this year..
Boy I am really disappointed now. I knew the budget was going to be tight this year, especially after last years mess, but now NOT doing anything at all with the basement really sucks! I hope that they at least update the bathroom down there and run in electric wiring that will handle a decent workshop setup.
Ho humm! Oh wait a minute I thought this was a building show. I must have the wrong site or something, cause all I see is a Magic Show here! Pardom me, " Where is Bulllwinkle and Rocky? Want to see him pull a rabit out of the hat? Maybe they can pull a couple of goats Zelda and Nelda out of their winter taboggans cause they must have brain freeze from the weather. Can't wait to see the biggest baddest Blog cabin ever! No I really mean that maybe if they keep it small they can go hog wild on what they do change.. Should I appologize to the animals? Ok ! Excuse me for making fun of the animals. Biggest Baddest, ugly duckling turns into a Swan, some one else should also appologize to the animals. OK! I'm finished throwing my little tantrum. I have muttered enough and made no sence what so ever. Should I erase it or leave it.? I'll let the animals decide. No basement upgrade? What is that? They better be putting on the Ritz up stairs or this is going to be the baddest alright and they can leave biggest out of it.
Ouch George! Why don't you tell us what you really think? Just kidding, please don't take offense. Actually I am so far feeling a bit disappointed myself, but still hoping Blog Cabin will be when it's finished something DIY can be proud of.
Oh, and MARY, thanks for posting James Crisps responses to our questions, even if some of his answers did make us cranky.
Did I blunder into the wrong site? Is this a glorified 'Run my Renovation' except the family who owned the house decided not to move back after the work?
'Biggest and Baddest BC yet'. Well that's looking half correct anyway. I hope they do something spectacular with what they are doing.
Goodness,,,,, this thread has a negative vibe. While we may be "somewhat " disappointed, we can still voice our opinions as we have to this point, and try to guide DIY to the best build possible on this tiny budget. How 'bout it? Any interest?
Good luck with that. I hear the sound of much good seed rattling on stony ground this time but there's always a glimmer of hope.
My ancestors farmed. Their biggest crop seemed to be stones; eventually the soil got better and each farm had a great stone fence.
Don
I guess we can hope that the builder is more creative and flexible than the architect. That's as positive as I can get. LLL
Mr. Crisp, thank you for answering some of my questions. I appreciate the idea of rough-sawn siding, and hope the lumbar is locally harvested.
Regarding the current steps to the basement, would it be possible for the future homeowner to open up the stairs should they finish the basement? Is that wall a load bearing wall?
I personally am glad the basement will be left to the future homeowners to finish as they see fit since that will keep the price value down. Is the downstairs bath built to code?
Before everyone turns this into a huge gripe session I hope they stop for one second and think back to each Blog Cabin and remember how awesome each of them were when they got through. We do not know what the end results will be.
Don G., I agree, we should continue to voice our opinions in hopes they might use them. If they don't then perhaps who ever reads them might find them useful in some other project. We have been pointing out some good improvements so far, so why stop now?
I for one hope there is electricity and water that goes to the barn. That way who ever wins the BC can easily make that barn into what ever they want or need.
Thank you. All ahead full!!!!!
Agreed Kathy, I do hope they will add power and water to the barn. At the very least power for a light or two.
Personally I would add security lights to the side facing the house so you could walk up to at night if you had to.
Well, they did listen to us. We have a home not in a development, away from restrictions and covenants, with acreage, etc etc … and they are trying to keep the costs lower so anyone or most anyone can afford to keep it. So, they really have listened to us in many many ways. Plus with the downturn in our economy and construction in the tank. well, enough said.
What type of heating and cooling system will be installed? Will the stove be gas or electric?
The heat plant has been boiler with baseboard cast iron radiators; cooling is an unknown.
Sorry DGustaf, I'm not following you. What is the heat plant? Do you mean that is what is in there now? Do you think they will keep the current baseboard heating system? Thanks for answering me.