Home Unit Ones > Designing and Ordering Your Unit One
Talk with your local building or zoning officials to see whether you can build a house where you want it. Ask if there are unusual local conditions such as high snow, wind or seismic loads. Try to determine what, if any, technical information or drawings they will require. In some cases, a printed copy of the Unit One Specifications page will be sufficient. Frequently, floorplans and elevation drawings will be required. Shelter-Kit can provide these once your design has been finalized.
Designing a Unit One is easy. By combining standard components, many different sizes and shapes can be created to meet almost any need. The drawings on this page illustrate the Unit One components and how they can be combined.
Unit One Modular Components
Standard modules can be combined to create an almost infinite number of shapes and sizes. The chart below lists the name each module and its overall size. The schematic drawings and models illustrate the size and shape of each module and their relashonship to each other.
| Unit One | UO | 12' x 12' |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porch | P | 9' x 12' | |
| Enclosed Porch | EP | 9' x 12' | |
| Deck | D | 9' x 12' | |
Combining Unit One Modules—What You Can and Can't Do
Standard modules can be combined to create an almost infinite number of shapes and sizes, either as single building projects or over several years. The schematics drawings below show how the modules can and can't be combined.
Typical layout of Unit One modules, note that the module sides and corners are aligned.
Some things you can't do with Unit One modules. Note misalignment of corners and roof slope.
Despite the versatility of the Unit One design, there are some limits. The basic frame components of posts, headers, rafters and joists cannot be eliminated, moved, cut or modified in any way. This occasionally means moving a door or window to accommodate the frame. Note also the 12" step down from a Unit One to any rear Deck, Porch or Enclosed Porch. There are some limits on the number and size of door and window openings; these limits can be addressed as your floorplan is refined. The basic components and their dimensions and specifications are described in Unit One Specifications. Refer to Unit One Floorplans and Gallery for examples of what others have done. Note the space allowed for hallways, doors, windows, appliances, fixtures, and the thickness of walls and interior partitions.
Start by making a list of the things you need or want in your house. Describe how the house will be used. Is it a seasonal or vacation home? A primary residence? A studio? Do you plan to enlarge the house at a later date? How much money do you want to spend? Does your site have a view that you would like to see from the house? Spend some time working on the list and include all the ideas that you can. Organize them according to importance, with the most important or essential items first and the least important items last. Compare the sizes of the rooms in the drawings with the sizes of the rooms that you want.
Ordering Your Unit One
- The drawings Unit One/Deck/Porch and Two Unit Ones/Decks/Porches show Unit Ones with Decks or Porches on the front and rear. Using the modules needed and working from your list of desired features, sketch in the details of your floorplan. Do this several times, moving rooms and objects to different locations to get the best use from the space. Using the prices shown in Unit One Prices, estimate the cost of your houses. Note that because of the way the modules are joined and the duplication of some items in the kits, it may be difficult for you to accurately estimate the cost of your kit.
- After you have laid out your floorplan, located the
doors and windows, and indicated their approximate size and style, send
a copy to us. We will check it to be sure it meets our design requirements
and quote a price for the kit, with and without doors and windows. If
you tell us the location of the site (town and zip code) we will estimate
the shipping charge. If required, a drawing package consisting of three
sets of floorplans, elevations, sections and specifications can be ordered
at this time. The drawing package costs $350; the amount is refundable
if you place an order within six months.
Our contact information is:
Shelter-Kit
22W Mill Street
Tilton, NH 03276
E: buildings@shelter-kit.com
T: (603) 286-7611
F: (603) 286-2839
- Once your design is finalized and you have received a building permit, or are sure that one will be issued, print and complete an Order Form/Purchase Agreement (HTML or PDF file) and send it to us with the 5% retainer. We will knowledge receipt of your Order and Retainer by return mail. Your Unit One order will be placed in our production schedule and a Construction Manual will be sent to you. If you are unable to view or print the Order Form/Purchase Agreement or if you have any questions call, write, e mail or fax us.