HDS answers your house design questions ...

Q. I don't want any steps in my new home. I want my garage floor and my house to be all the same floor level also, for aesthetic reasons. But the contractor said they can't have that done. Why not?
Lillian, Lexington, KY

A. Sorry Lillian, but most building codes require that your garage floor be 6 -12 lower than your house. Just think about this. Cars leak. Garages are where we store other things that leak too. You wouldn't want all that leaking to make a river into your kitchen, would you?
You also need a solid steel door to protect you and your home from possible garage explosions.
(Also from those leaks)

Q. We have a beautiful lake behind our home and we really want to add a deck to enjoy the view. A contractor my husband called said we have to put a 36" high rail on the deck. This will ruin the view. Any ideas?
Andrea

A. Hello Andrea. The contractor is right. This is a safety issue, and the government is quite preoccupied with rules to keep us safe and snug. But there are options available for you and your view.

Narrower spindles in a variety of materials are now affordable in most building material stores. Or maybe you would like to try the "transparent" look of an acrylic material such as Plexiglas. These are known to stand the test of time, not yellow, and will provide a clear view of your lake. The downside would be to occasional brake-challenged birds.

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