Staying at home requires the building to remain usable and safe. Discuss this for each stage rather than as a general promise.
Decide this before construction
Choose layout and storage needs before fixing window divisions. Then coordinate lighting and connection points with the remaining usable walls.
Define essential facilities
List the toilet, water, cooking, heating and safe routes needed each day. Identify when facilities stop working and the temporary arrangements required.
A situation to test your plan against
In a compact living space, a large window may compete with the only wall for storage or a desk. Map required functions first. Light, privacy and storage need to fit on the same plan.
What the drawing needs to explain
Draw fixed furniture, sightlines and opening windows together. Allow room for screening so it does not later obstruct cupboards, heaters or passages.
Questions for your own property
- Is safe access maintained?
- Which facilities are unavailable?
- Where are materials and waste kept?
Illustrative design situations, not evidence of completed work. Assess decisions against the actual property.