Downsizing | Project Update

 

Hello RCD readers,

Let's start with definition of downsizing:

Downsizing a house refers to the process of moving from a larger home to a smaller one. This often involves selling your current home and buying a smaller, less expensive property. Reasons for downsizing a house include saving money, needing less space, and wanting to be closer to family or friends.

Both YouTube clip links:

Bad Economy | Low income | Starter house possibilities in Suriname

Downsizing your home |Middle Class Retirement Lifestyle in Suriname

Downsizing your house can offer several benefits, including:

• Financial Freedom:

 - Reduced Costs: Lower mortgage payments, property taxes, utility bills, and maintenance costs can significantly improve your financial situation.

 - Equity Release: Selling a larger home can free up significant equity, which can be used for retirement savings, travel, or other expenses.

• Simplified Living:

- Less Clutter: A smaller space encourages decluttering and minimizing possessions, leading to a less stressful and more organized lifestyle.

- Easier Maintenance: Reduced cleaning, yard work, and overall upkeep can free up valuable time.

• Improved Mobility:

 - Accessibility: Smaller homes often have more accessible layouts, making them easier to navigate as you age.

 - Flexibility: Downsizing can provide the freedom to move more easily if your circumstances change.

• Reduced Environmental Impact:

 - Lower Energy Consumption:  Smaller homes generally require less energy for heating, cooling, and other utilities.

 - Sustainable Living: Downsizing can align with a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing your overall resource consumption.

• Community and Social Benefits:

 - Closer to Amenities:  Downsizing may allow you to move closer to family, friends, or essential services.

- Enhanced Social Connections:  Smaller communities often foster a stronger sense of community and social interaction.

By carefully considering your needs and priorities, downsizing can be a positive step towards a more comfortable, financially secure, and fulfilling lifestyle.

Project Downsize

I'm talking about project from Covid years. I got a client via my oldest cousin. She is very supportive with my business and I know she is one of the few that would actually read or share my content.

Project Backstory

The client is a nurse that left Suriname for a better future. She wanted to invest for her retired years. The point was to come back and built so that she had a home rent free. The purpose was to design a house for home renters now but for herself and her children in the future. 

The first design

We didn't have a design process at all. She had been looking for layout concepts for awhile before she finally contacted me. This was one of the few E-design services for me. Mostly because everything was done online. But she did want to meet in person. So we did the site visit when she came to Suriname. After that back and forth mailen online the entire design process.  

  

Stagnation

The design was halted because of personal issues on her side. So we decided to come back when she was ready. And that was 2024. She did want to meet in person this time with her son. We'd discussed her design but this time she wanted a change.

Downsizing

The years that she took to look for her contractor. She changed her mind with the current layout. Mostly the area m2 but the design overall she wanted to keep because it was her concept.

December Update

We discussed the price for downsizing with the changes in the drawing. On the first consultation I came up with a simple concept to keep her new area m2 in check. She liked it with that came the drafting in AutoCAD. Mind you this was my last work week of 2024. I had two days to make the preliminary drawings for her. So that I could end 2024 on a high note plus I could actually enjoy my vacation on a high note.

First work week back

The point was to already know if she agreed with the drawing but she still wanted it bigger than previously discussed sketch. So that first week was coming with a concept to create bigger sleeping areas as she wanted and also still making it functionally moving.

Construction week

Now because she agreed to the layout and facades. I had to go further and do the concept construction drawings so that the engineer can do the calculations. Because it was bigger than discussed his price obviously went up. The drawings are;

- cross section

- beam and floorplan

- layout and facades

- roofplan

Ofcourse he is really fast and within a week I got his calculations plus sketches.

Definitive week

This last week consist of making the definitive drawings for her. So wish me luck.