Architectural Designs

What are the limitations in designing a custom Type-V home?

Hi there, I want to build a small (1000 sq.ft.)home on a TIGHT budget. I just want alot of open space, like a loft, but I'd also like HIGH ceilings, maybe slanted ceilings, plant shelves, inset lights or track lighting, maybe a couple of columns, etc. I'm told that a Type-V home is easy to get plans approved (the home will be in Los Angeles) and approvals can take over a year if the home is complex and the plans needs to be changed several times. What cool stuff can and can't be done to Type-V standards? I've got a Type-V sheet, but I don't understand all the technical stuff. I'll get a builder to do the real plans, but I've got to give him a starting point. Feel free to point me to books/web sites, etc., and through in some ideas! Thanks!! Hi there, I want to design my own small (1000 sq.ft.)home on a TIGHT budget. I just want alot of open space, like a loft, but I'd also like HIGH ceilings, maybe slanted ceilings, plant shelves, inset lights or track lighting, maybe a couple of columns, etc. I'm told that a Type-V home is easy to get plans approved (the home will be in Los Angeles) and approvals can take over a year if the home is complex and the plans needs to be changed several times. What cool stuff can and can't be done to Type-V standards? I've got a Type-V sheet, but I don't understand all the technical stuff. I'll get a builder to do the real plans, but I've got to give him a starting point. Feel free to point me to books/web sites, etc., and through in some ideas! Thanks!!

Public Comments

1. i think as the user of the house, you should design what you want so that you wont regret it, although it will take a lot of time to be approved, you'll get the most of the satisfaction that you deserve if you know that what you want is achieved. i can help you in designing the house if you want, just email me.
2. You want to design a house with standard framing. this is what type V (or type five) is. Best thing to do is use not a contractor, but a residential designer to lay it out. Dwain Lind (pasadena), Bob Hughes (Glendale), Steve Lamb and Neil Smith (Both Altadena) are really good designers who have a lot of Frank Lloyd Wright,Greene & Greene and Schindler influence in their work and they get nifty stuff built to type five. Dave Smith (no relation to Neil, also Altadena) is a real good honest contractor