Of Modifications and Moria

We took a big step forward today: all the blueprints, paperwork, and applications for our building permit have been turned into the building department. I've spent the last few weeks going over the plans and paperwork, modifying the blueprints, checking the modifications on a scale model, re-modifying the blueprints, rechecking the plans and paperwork, and generally being completely neurotic about everything.

The plans are for one of countryplans.com's small houses. You can see some of the details here: Victoria's Cottage

One of the big selling points was the bridge loft option. It has a loft in the front of the house, a loft at the back of the house, and a sky bridge connecting the two. A sky bridge.

OMG, a sky bridge, you guys!

Now, I'm very happy with the package I've received from countryplans. They are very detailed and they have a really good forum for owner-builders to ask questions and share their experiences. The only thing I had an issue with is that there isn't an overview of the bridge loft in the blueprints. There's one for the full loft, but the loft bridge is only shown in cross section. So, I got out my white out and modified it. I'm pretty sure I have it drawn out so that it meets code, but I'm still a bit nervous.

See, I NEED the loft bridge across the great room. It's absolutely vital to my existence. You don't even understand. It will do so many things:1. It allows sunlight to pass into the lower level of the house. This will provide ample natural lighting and will aid passive heating in the winter.

                                       

2. It allows heat to rise from the lower level to the very peak of the roof, thus passively cooling the lower level in the summer.
                                       

3. Every time we have to pass one another on the bridge, it will go something like this:

4. Nerf Wars. 'Nuff said.

Now we wait some more. Fingers crossed, it will be approved and we can move forward.