I know what you are going through. The good thing is that you have a clue to building. So what I did was take plans and the of the shell of the place and did the velum trick and did each section that you wanted done electric switches and receptacles. fixtures. plumbing, windows, doors, hardware ect. then hand that to arch. to see if it fits in there rules of building. They do not like to tell you the rules to play by and it gets very frustrating. So just do it in reverse. When they say no. then get the clarification on why then you can alter your plans. different culture and rules, you are in there game now. the key is the rules to play in their world. a lot of the time they are stuck in a one way thought process. think out side of the box but to their rules. just food for thought in how we are doing in a 3rd world building.
Completely support 😉 moving your bedroom to the back. (I do realize that I don't actually get a vote.) But I'd have done that too. Will be green with envy when you move in and have that lovely closet...
Oh, so true: indeed, the questions to ask are SO important, yet so unknown! Your description is right on, and it sounds as though you have a good team to work with. The Architect is so important to the successful progress, and it sounds as though Ana understands your wants and needs. Kudos!
Are you familiar with Sarah Susanka’s books? Her “Home by Design” is my go-to for understanding the principles architects use but perhaps can’t always convey clearly! Her section on varying ceiling heights was such an “a-ha!” moment: it’s one of 27 concepts she covers. If we realize our dream to build in Portugal, this book will be in my carry-on! ☺️
Super interesting and thanks for the great detail. As a trained architect now living in Lisbon I sympathize with your renovation frustrations, but even more so because the process seems so different than in USA. You appear to be doing a great job! I hope to learn more by reading any ongoing post about your project:)
very interesting and very confusing. Glad you have lots of time on your hands. I agree the master BR needs to be in the back to accommodate closet space. BTW, what happened to all your golf clothes? Np closet it big enough to accommodate all those.
Oh my, what a process. I love the idea of your master being in the back of the house across from the courtyard. You are missing a bidet in the master bathroom. Did you get permission to omit it? Wasn’t it part of the building code? I have found when multiple questions are asked, you don’t get answers back to each and EVERY question. That was frustrating to me. Pinch yourself every now and then knowing it is real and oh what a journey you two are on!
I know what you are going through. The good thing is that you have a clue to building. So what I did was take plans and the of the shell of the place and did the velum trick and did each section that you wanted done electric switches and receptacles. fixtures. plumbing, windows, doors, hardware ect. then hand that to arch. to see if it fits in there rules of building. They do not like to tell you the rules to play by and it gets very frustrating. So just do it in reverse. When they say no. then get the clarification on why then you can alter your plans. different culture and rules, you are in there game now. the key is the rules to play in their world. a lot of the time they are stuck in a one way thought process. think out side of the box but to their rules. just food for thought in how we are doing in a 3rd world building.
Completely support 😉 moving your bedroom to the back. (I do realize that I don't actually get a vote.) But I'd have done that too. Will be green with envy when you move in and have that lovely closet...
Oh, so true: indeed, the questions to ask are SO important, yet so unknown! Your description is right on, and it sounds as though you have a good team to work with. The Architect is so important to the successful progress, and it sounds as though Ana understands your wants and needs. Kudos!
Are you familiar with Sarah Susanka’s books? Her “Home by Design” is my go-to for understanding the principles architects use but perhaps can’t always convey clearly! Her section on varying ceiling heights was such an “a-ha!” moment: it’s one of 27 concepts she covers. If we realize our dream to build in Portugal, this book will be in my carry-on! ☺️
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31069337881&searchurl=kn%3DHome%2Bby%2Bdesign%2Bsusanka%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title2
Super interesting and thanks for the great detail. As a trained architect now living in Lisbon I sympathize with your renovation frustrations, but even more so because the process seems so different than in USA. You appear to be doing a great job! I hope to learn more by reading any ongoing post about your project:)
very interesting and very confusing. Glad you have lots of time on your hands. I agree the master BR needs to be in the back to accommodate closet space. BTW, what happened to all your golf clothes? Np closet it big enough to accommodate all those.
I like the floor plan. Guess we will have to come back to see it completed.
Oh my, what a process. I love the idea of your master being in the back of the house across from the courtyard. You are missing a bidet in the master bathroom. Did you get permission to omit it? Wasn’t it part of the building code? I have found when multiple questions are asked, you don’t get answers back to each and EVERY question. That was frustrating to me. Pinch yourself every now and then knowing it is real and oh what a journey you two are on!