Not sure if this is the right section for this, but I have a question that I am hoping somewhat out there can help with.  I am looking into building a new home on an urban lot in OTR.  While I am considering looking into getting an architect to start from scratch, I am wondering if there might be existing house plans for urban development out there. (to help keep the cost down).  I've done a little bit of searching online, but most of the stuff I have found thus far is surburban in nature.

 

Anybody know of any place (or architects) that sell pre-existing plans for an urban setting?

 

Thanks.

K. Hovnanian has some that I looked at a year or so ago.  There are plenty of lots around here, (I need a house next to me to help hold mine up)

 

Other than that, I would probably recommend going to an architect, we have some great one's down here.

I'm not a big fan of the typical pre-designed home plans.  That being said, I know not everyone can afford an architect, and if you look, there are some really good designs out there.  However, almost all of them are not for urban lots.  There are a number of reasons for that.  A one size fits all does not work because the design parameters can vary quite a bit because of lot size (20' up to 50' wide lots), zoning regulations (zero lot line), building codes (fire separation walls), and historic district design guidelines that are different between each city, neighborhood, or even block that you build in.  That's also assuming a flat site, not something on the hillside which very quickly gets into more complicated foundations and structures.

 

My big problem with pre-designed plans are that they don't reflect the uniqueness of the site, whether it's where your neighbor's building is at, what your windows look onto, how the air and sun interacts with the building, or what your neighborhood looks like.  All this is magnified on the typically small urban lots.  At best, whatever plan you find would probably only be a guideline for what you build.  Your best bet would be to find examples of what you like (dwell has showcased a lot of good infill projects) and start from there with an architect.

 

Now that I've conclusively demonstrated the need for an architect  :wink:, now hear me tell you that I am one.  Feel free to contact me off the board if you have any questions.  Even if I'm not your architect, I'd be more than happy to point you in the right direction. 

 

Steve Hampton  [email protected]

As a non-registered architect (meaning I do not have license - yet) I will basically concur with mcmicken.  An architect can plan a design specifically for your needs, on your site, in your neighborhood.

 

That said, for a single family home you will need a permit.  You do not need drawings stamped by an Architect.  But at the City of Cincinnati your permit fees will be lower if they are stamped because they basically  understand that the permit process will be easier.  In affect the Architect can help with the entire permit process.  If you are building on a hillsside, I would want the foundation designed by an architect and structural engineer.  In fact the city may come back and require a structural engineer stamp for that.  If you have bad soils, etc, the Architect can help you with all that.

 

Now that all said, the cost of an architect may not be as much as you think.  Especially if they are young, looking to specialize in residential, looking to build a practice, etc.  And that expertise may be within your range.  You never know until you ask.

^i would assume that architecture like medicine and law is one of those proffessions where being liscenced is kinda important.

^i would assume that architecture like medicine and law is one of those proffessions where being liscenced is kinda important.

 

It is and it isn't.

 

Obviously if you want to open your own practice, it is.

 

Most architects work for a larger firm however, and typically only the principal(s) officially seal the drawings.  This means you could work your whole life, doing exactly the same thing as a licensed architect, without officially being licensed.  Most architects do eventually get licensed, though.

 

FYI, you can't legally call or sell yourself an architect (or "intern architect", "architectural designer", etc) in the state of Ohio if you aren't licensed.  The State Board of Architects has an enforcement officer specifically looking for infractions of this type all the time.  They even go as far as to have unrelated companies that use architect in their name (ie "Sound Architects" for home theater design) and make them change. 

And I used "architect" and not "Architect" for a reason.  It is easier in this forum to say non-registered than "Intern".  But in my every day life, my card says "Designer" to not imply any type of licensure.

 

I hate when people call themselves "Sotfware Architects" because not even I can use that term.  By I don't want this to be about registered v. non-registered. 

And I used "architect" and not "Architect" for a reason.  It is easier in this forum to say non-registered than "Intern".  But in my every day life, my card says "Designer" to not imply any type of licensure.

 

I hate when people call themselves "Sotfware Architects" because not even I can use that term.  By I don't want this to be about registered v. non-registered. 

 

I agree wholeheartedly, it's pretty ridiculous (I wasn't trying to call you out, I just thought it's one of those interesting tidbits to throw out).  Trying to explain to someone what you do when you've got a degree and years of experience behind you, but not a piece of paper is hard to do.

 

A good architect is a good architect.  Having a stamp doesn't magically make you a better designer.

Thanks for the input guys.  I found a couple of lots over the weekend that I am interested in.  Steve, I appreciate your offer for advice.  I just may take you up on it. :-)

Check out this site, you can search by width and style.

 

http://plans.oldhousejournal.com/oldhousejournal/