DESIGN XXIV.
A FARM-HOUSE COSTING $2,800.
This plan will be recognized as comprehending the general characteristics of those given in Designs [XXI.] and [XXVI.] It is designed to be constructed of similar materials, with a like variety of pleasing and decided outlines, and to give an equal amount of accommodation and convenience. The division and arrangement of the several parts, however, are entirely changed, being especially intended to meet the requirements of a location having a western frontage. Location is an important consideration, involving many questions of adaptation, that should always guide to the selection of such a plan as will express a natural fitness for the situation, and truthfully indicate its purpose.... Exterior, ([fig. 99].)—Only two feet of the foundation-walls are exposed to sight, which brings the frame-work of the building quite near enough to the ground. The surface of the earth surrounding such buildings should have a grade of at least one-half inch to the foot, for the distance of 50 feet in every direction, to insure the turning away of all surface water from the walks and grounds. Another good result derived from such grade is the additional altitude given to the building, imparting a much better appearance. The general outlines of the elevation are very simple, devoid of all pretentious ornamentation. The wide frontage, the large and numerous openings, and ample roofs, are each expressive of frankness and hospitality, eminently befitting the home of the farmer. The front Porch is unusually wide, and arranged to have large columns, and stationary seats at either side. The Bay-window has square projections, instead of octagonal, which are equally appropriate in this case, and less costly. The cornices of the principal building project 20 inches, and those of the wing 16 inches, and both are provided with scroll-sawed trusses. The chimney-tops are large, and heavily capped. The same general finish, as is shown on the front, is put on the sides and rear, so that the building presents an equally complete and satisfactory appearance from every direction. Buildings of this character should be set back from the street line at least 50 feet—150 feet would be much better—to give room for trees, shrubbery, and walks.... Cellar, ([fig. 100].)—The plans provide for a cellar under the principal building only, which gives a clear space of 22 × 25 feet. If desired, the space beneath the wing may be included at an additional cost of $65. The excavations for the cellar in the earth is 3 feet 8 inches deep; this allows the foundation-walls to be 7 feet high. The earth thrown out is to be graded around the building to the hight of 1½ foot, thus leaving two feet of the foundation exposed on the outside. Country houses are frequently set so low down as to be a matter of regret ever afterwards. There are constant accumulations of dust, and other matter, caught and held by the shrubbery and grasses, so that there is soon discovered a seeming growth of the earth upward around the house and immediate grounds, making it impossible to adapt the grades that are desirable. It is far better that foundations are a little too high than too low, for when too high, the approaches can easily be raised at any time with a few loads of earth; but when too low, there seems to be no cure, except to raise the entire building. The foundation-walls are designed to be constructed of broken stone, laid in coarse mortar, as more particularly described for [Design XXI.]... First Story, ([fig. 101].)—Hight of ceilings, 10 ft. Entire floor measurement, 1,206 square feet, affording ample space for good-sized apartments. The several divisions have especial regard to comfort and convenience. The front hall, or reception room, is nearly square, of good dimensions, is entered from the front porch through double or folding doors, and adjoins the parlor and living-room, and contains the principal stairs. The Parlor is unusually large, is provided with windows in its sides, and has stucco cornices and centers in its ceilings, with an arched finish in the bay-window. The Living, or Dining-room, is commodious, pleasantly situated, with outlooks front and rear, and is easily accessible all around. The Family-room is large, connects with the dining-room and parlor, and is intended as a sitting or sewing-room. If occasion require, this room might be used as the bed-room of an invalid. The Work-room, or Kitchen, is conveniently arranged to have a range, boiler, pump, sink, wash-tubs, and pipes for cold and hot water, and adjoins the dining-room, a large pantry, and a rear entrance door, and has a private stairway leading to the second story, with a closet underneath. The Pantry is of ample dimensions, is conveniently arranged with shelving, and has a zinc wash-tray, with cold and hot water-pipes, and adjoins the kitchen, dining-room, and a china closet. The latter is useful for storing wares not required daily. The rear shed is paved, and the cellar doors are constructed as described for [Design XXI.]... Second Story, ([fig. 102].)—Hight of ceiling, 9 feet in main building, and 8 feet in wing. Floor measurement, 1,276 feet, divided into 8 good-sized rooms, besides halls, closets, and stairways. The principal hall connects with each chamber in main building, and one room and passage in wing. The door between the principal hall and wing-passage may be closed at any time, cutting off communication at pleasure. The side, or “breast” walls, in the wing, are vertical 3 feet, and are continued upward at an angle of 45° to the ceiling, thus securing sufficient head-room. The bath-room is exactly above the kitchen, and contains a tank, bath-tub, and seat-closet, with pipes for cold and hot water.... Attic.—The stairs to this are over the first flight, and are designed to be neatly ceiled in with 4½-inch beaded ceiling-boards, with a door at the foot. Double windows in each gable admit sufficient light, and afford ventilation.... Remarks on Construction.—An insight into the character of this plan, is best had by carefully considering the materials and cost in the estimate added. We would urge the importance of good methods and workmanship in construction, without which all materials, however good or sufficient, can never produce good results. The old maxim, “whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well,” especially applies to building a home in which one is to spend a lifetime. This does not imply extravagance in any sense, only demanding such careful and intelligent application of the ordinary rules of construction, as shall insure substantial work, that will not be a continuous source of anxiety and expense. Any one of ordinary intelligence should be able to generally superintend the operations of the mechanics employed in constructing a farm-house. The following points are of the greatest importance. Carefully watch that the foundation-walls are substantially laid, and accurately leveled on their upper surfaces, so that the doors shall not strike the floor or carpets in opening, nor the tables, chairs, or other furniture be obliged to stand on three legs. The frame-work, when raised, should be plumb, so that all work on or in the building can be cut square, and applied without tedious fitting. The siding should be thoroughly “seasoned” in the open air before using, and carefully applied with close joints, and well nailed. The edges of all water-tables, corner-boards, and window-frames should be painted before setting. The shingles should be carefully laid, breaking their joints at one-third of their width, and double nailed. The flooring should be dry, close laid, and nailed with two nails to each beam. The partitions should be set with studding of selected widths; and their angles or corners should be anchored firmly together, to prevent the walls from cracking in those parts when finished. The chimneys should be carefully constructed; all joints between the brick-work should be surely filled with mortar, to prevent sparks from passing through to the frame-work. All mortar for plastering should be properly mixed, and allowed sufficient time (at least one week), for the thorough slaking of the lime, and a complete permeation of its caustic properties. Thin coats of plastering are better than heavy ones. A mortar that does not crack in setting or drying is sure to be good. The interior wood finish should not be commenced until the plastering is completely dried out, and all loose mortar is removed from the building. All wood-work usually painted should be primed as soon as in position. For more explicit remarks and sundry suggestions on painting, see [Design XIII.]
Estimate of Materials and Cost:
| 110 | yards excavation, at 20c. per yard. | $22.00 | |
| 1,371 | ft. stone foundation, at 15c. per ft. | 205.65 | |
| 3,000 | brick, furnished and laid, at $12 per M. | 36.00 | |
| 46 | ft. stone steps, sills, and coping, at 30c. per ft. | 13.80 | |
| 1,030 | yards plastering, complete, at 28c. per yard. | 288.40 | |
| 5,713 | ft. timber, at $15 per M. | 85.69 | |
| 1 | sill, 4 × 8 in. 186 ft. long. | ||
| 6 | posts, 4 × 7 in. 21 ft. long. | ||
| 3 | posts, 4 × 7 in. 14 ft. long. | ||
| 1 | tie, 4 × 6 in. 256 ft. long. | ||
| 1 | plate, 4 × 6 in. 186 ft. long. | ||
| 2 | girts, 4 × 8 in. 25 ft. long. | ||
| 57 | beams, 3 × 8 in. 25 ft. long. | ||
| 36 | beams, 3 × 8 in. 13 ft. long. | ||
| 24 | beams, 3 × 8 in. 11 ft. long. | ||
| 3 | valleys, 3 × 8 in. 20 ft. long. | ||
| 24 | rafters, 3 × 5 in. 16 ft. long. | ||
| 100 | joist, 3 × 4 in. 13 ft. long, at 16c. each. | 16.00 | |
| 300 | wall-strips, 2 × 4 in. 13 ft., at 11c. each. | 33.00 | |
| Materials in water-table and cornices. | 50.00 | ||
| 300 | novelty siding-boards, 9½ in., at 28c. each. | 84.00 | |
| 400 | shingling-lath, at 6c. each. | 24.00 | |
| 69 | bunches shingles, at $1.50 per bunch. | 103.50 | |
| 84 | ft. gutters, 132 ft. leaders, and 134 ft. porch roofs, 10c. per ft. | 35.00 | |
| 355 | flooring, 9½ × 13, at 28c. each. | 99.40 | |
| Porch and hood, complete. | 75.00 | ||
| Stairs, complete. | 90.00 | ||
| Bay-window, complete. | 60.00 | ||
| 20 | windows, complete, at $10 each. | 200.00 | |
| 6 | cellar windows, complete, at $6 each. | 36.00 | |
| 4 | dormer windows, complete, at $20 each. | 80.00 | |
| 32 | doors, complete, at $10 each. | 320.00 | |
| 1 | cellar door and hatchway doors. | 20.00 | |
| Shelving and hooks in closets. | 20.00 | ||
| 2 | marble mantles and 4 shelves with trusses. | 75.00 | |
| Range and plumbing, complete. | 215.00 | ||
| Nails. | 25.00 | ||
| Bells and speaking-tubes. | 20.00 | ||
| Painting. | 150.00 | ||
| Cartage, 1 mile. | 35.00 | ||
| Carpenter’s labor, not included above. | 250.00 | ||
| Incidentals. | 32.56 | ||
| Total cost, complete. | $2,800.00 | ||
Fig. 99.—ELEVATION OF FARM-HOUSE.
Fig. 100.—PLAN OF CELLAR.
Fig. 101.—PLAN OF FIRST FLOOR.