Guides
Guides for planning your house and home
From zoning and building permits to furniture in real measurements. Read, then try it on your own drawing.
Permits & zoning
Zoning and setbacks explained
What your zoning district allows on your lot: setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, easements and HOA rules in plain English.
Read the guide · 6 minBuilding permit checklist – step by step
From zoning check to certificate of occupancy: drawings, plan review, fees, inspections and how long permits last.
Read the guide · 6 minDrawing your own permit drawings – what is required
Site plan, floor plans, elevations and sections at 1/4" = 1'-0" – what US building departments normally expect.
Read the guide · 6 minBackyard ADUs – size, height and permits
Accessory dwelling unit basics: typical size and height limits, setbacks, utilities and when a backyard studio becomes an ADU.
Read the guide · 5 minLayout & furnishing
Furniture clearance guide – walkways and free space
How much space around the dining table, bed and sofa? Practical clearances in inches for comfortable rooms.
Read the guide · 4 minPlanning a bathroom – sizes and accessibility
Turning circle, toilet clearances, shower sizes and ADA-inspired guidance for home bathrooms.
Read the guide · 4 minRenovating a condo: how to plan it right
Remodeling a condo or co-op? How to plan the layout, bathroom, electrical and noise – and what to check with your HOA or board before work starts.
Read the guide · 8 minBuilding a house: how to plan it right from the start
Building a new home? Choose the lot, house type and floor plan in the right order, understand permits and avoid costly mistakes.
Read the guide · 10 minPlanning a backyard: what to think about first
How to plan a backyard in the right order: map sun and shade, divide it into zones, place the patio by the sun and build in phases without costly mistakes.
Read the guide · 9 minConstruction
Wood framing basics – studs at 16 inches on center
Sill plate, studs, top plates and headers: how a typical US stick-framed wall is built.
Read the guide · 4 minBuilding a mountain cabin – layout, permits and common mistakes
Planning a mountain cabin in Colorado or the Rockies? How to design for snow, mudrooms, ski storage and sleeping space – and what to check with the county first.
Read the guide · 8 minBuilding a vacation home – permits, layout and mistakes
Planning a lake house or beach cottage? How to think about the lot, permits, septic, moisture, the porch and guest beds – and what to check first.
Read the guide · 8 minBuilding a home addition: what to think about first
Planning a home addition? How to choose between building out or up, connect the new floor plan to the old one and avoid the most expensive mistakes.
Read the guide · 9 min