“Sips” is an acronym. It means “structurally insulate panels”. These panels consist of a layer of thick urethane foam that is sandwiched between two layers of 1/2″ plywood. The panels can come in several thicknesses but is most popular in the 4 1/2″ width. This exterior only wall system is used in place of the 2x studs that are commonly used as the structure . The speed in which the walls are raised (affecting on labor cost), and the freedom to hang components (cabinets, interior pictures, exterior siding, ) without having to locate studs, and very straight walls make this type of construction favorable to home owners. Plus the insulation value (both thermal and sound) are excellent. The Panels arrive at the job site pre-assembled and ready to stand-in-place. Some companies will offer to cut window and door openings. This is not a new product in the industry and more question can be answered by searching the internet.

Since I have been designing and drafting homes here in Wichita,  one of the first question that clients ask is, “How do I know if I can afford a home this size?”  Here is my recommendation.

Clients must first decided upon an amount they are willing to invest into a new home. Then they need the help of an experienced builder. They should meet with the builder and inform him of the target price. Then they should describe the many characteristics that are to be included in the house, remembering to note items such as a fireplace, wrap-around porch, extra wide doors, all-brick exteriors, roof pitch, etc. (These particular items need to be highlighted because they are extra’s,  that is,  they won’t increase the increase the square footage,  but will increase the COST-per-square foot).   Don’t forget to mention the style of the new home (ranch, 2 story, or perhaps a slab) and the number of rooms at each level. Bringing photos or pictures from magazines will help express the ideas of what the new home is to look like. This information will help the builder give the approximate square footage of the house,  BASED ON WHAT YOU WANT TO INVEST.  This square-footage number will be a number that every sub-contractor will want to know, starting with me, the draftsman.

I will start a home design based on your sketches and the builders estimated square footage.  This design will then need to be again reviewed by that same builder.  If he feels the costs may be too strong,  the square footage will need to be adjusted in size.  This process will continue until the builder feels comfortable with those estimates.

Needles to say,  this initial step is very important and must not be hurried.

A home designer should provide more than just larger doors and hallways for the handicapped.  It isn’t difficult to incorporate handicap features into your new home.  The features will go unnoticed if you find a good designer.  Take your time to find the right designer for your home.

Door steps can be eliminated in a home design.  Top-bearing floor trusses lower the main level floor of a home down to the garage and/or porch level.  On a home design with more than one level,  a “wide-u” stair design around  central core of about 60″ square is large enough to install a future elevator, should you need one.  In most instances,  the “core” on the main level could be used as a pantry or storage closet.  The upper level core might turn out to be designed for a desk or a reading nook.  Or the core could be left completely open to the upper level.

Making a wheelchair accessible in the kitchen is crucial.  Wheelchairs need between 48″ to 54″ of free space around kitchen islands.  Island features might included a veggie sink fitted with a fixture nozzle that can be stretched out to reach pots sitting on the cook-top.  Also, a  lowered counter top with knee space under to allow a wheelchair closer access.

Bathrooms are another crucial area.  Removable vanity bases is one option.  They will allow wheelchairs close access to the bowl.  Other options include a large shower without a threshold and an easy-access toilet with railing.

Consult the professional designer for the best ideas.

The advances of computerized drafting are wonderful.  They allow clients to, literally, look over my shoulder while I make all revisions to a set of plans.  Gone are those days where I would have to separately record the instructions on what to revise and then edit a draft for the homeowner to review at a later date.  The process was slow and cumbersome.   This older process often lead to frustration when specific instructions weren’t carried out exactly.

Today,  a typical drafting job will require me to collect a rough-draft and get to a good starting point on my own time.  I can then call in the client at a convenient time and start “combing” out bad ideas and inserting more-informed details.  Feed-back is immediate.  For example,  linen cabinets are usually not deeper than 18″.  More than 18″ and the stored items at the rear of a cabinet are difficult to reach.  But if the client needed a deeper storage for a certain reason,  I’d certainly want to design the cabinet per his wishes.  I would easily divert any frustration by a few simple questions. With the CAD (computer-aided-drafting) system,  I could quickly discuss the pros and cons of any design and provide the best direction, together.

Another convenience of the CAD is to quickly calculate the square footage of a home and have the ability to easily adjust its size.  Everybody involved with the construction process will be interested in the size of your home.  As a draftsman,  I want to be able to provide to the owner a presentation,  with or without dimensions,  that can then be passed off to the builder for cost estimates.  As a draftsman,  it is critical for me to know that this information will be placed in the right hands.  And providing smaller scaled plans are fast and easy.  Not to mention,  these smaller  presentations can be sent by e-mail.

And finally,  The CAD allows me a quick library of all clients.  When the telephone rings and a I am asked a question,  it is nice to know that I can quickly get to a job and review the plan before I give any advice.

This whole process with the CAD helps to save time,  usually twice as fast as done by hand.  So therefore,  a 2000 square foot home could be completed in a month,  even faster if required.