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In The Spotlight

URBAN LIVING

The city lights are clearly visible from this three-story beauty. Floor one incorporates a great room open to the kitchen/ dining areas and includes a power room, utility room and covered patio. The Stairway leads to three bedrooms and two baths. The master bedroom opens to an uncovered balcony. And for more enjoyable living, the third floor includes a lounge and covered balcony, perfect for an evening’s entertaining.
3 bedroom/2 ½ baths/ single garage/ 1,995 sq. ft.

TOWER CASITA

This is truly a guest house with a view! And who wouldn’t want to stay here? It boasts a huge bedroom (14x18) with a sloped 10 foot beamed ceiling attached to a luxurious en suite bath. The tower has ample windows for bringing in light from the great outdoors.

CABANA

Call it a cabana, call it a guest house, either way it’s perfect for leisure living. The gameroom is spacious enough for both a pool table and a shuffleboard and is separated from the kitchen by an inviting bar. The en suite bath opens to the comfy bedroom. For outside fun, the covered porch provides space for further entertaining.

THE SAN ANTONIO PEARL

This “gem”, aptly called the San Antonio Pearl, will fit perfectly on a small, urban lot but doesn’t shortchange its occupants for space. The three stories keep separate the open concept first floor which includes a spacious living room, kitchen and dining room combo as well as a convenient powder room, from the three second floor bedrooms and two baths. As a bonus, the third floor boasts a multi-purpose loft which opens to a covered balcony.
3 bedrooms/2 ½ baths/single garage/ 2,103 sq. ft.

Augustus

This single-story beauty stands strong and proud with its facade of stone and brick. Inside, the spacious floor plan has a few surprises in store that you may not expect... The large great room can be opened up to be made even greater with sliding doors that lead to a fully screened patio, allowing fresh air to flow in while keeping unwanted pests out. An open concept kitchen and formal dining area round out the entertaining space. A sizeable pantry and utility area offer plenty of storage. A tech center off of the dining room provides a great spot to house all of the home gadgets or could serve as a good place for the kids to do their homework. The master suite is a true sanctuary, cleverly tucked away, providing privacy. The en suite bath features dual his and her vanity areas and leads to a walk-in closet with built-in cabinetry. This home is flanked by TWO, 2-car garages - perfect for a car enthusiast, for those needing boat or RV storage, or for a large family! Another unique feature of this design is the studio space with its own powder room - purposely designed to be multi-functional.

3 Bed, 3 1/2 Bath
3,224 sq ft

Mayfair

Amenities abound in this garden home design! Meander in through the private courtyard, in through the vaulted entry into the open concept living and kitchen areas with access to not just one, but two covered patios – perfect places to take in the sounds of nature while enjoying either your morning cup of coffee or evening nightcap. A gallery takes you on to a formal dining room as well as a media or game room. Off the main entry a powder room and spacious study serve as the perfect spot for setting up a home office. Each of the three bedrooms has its own dedicated bathroom. Relax and recharge in the spacious master with en suite featuring his and hers vanities, opening into a large closet that has its own access to the laundry room. The three-car garage enters into a mudroom or dropzone – keeping all of the day-to-day essentials close at hand, but out of sight.
3 bed, 3 ½ bath, 2,925 sqft

Camden

This garden home design greets you with an arbor opening up to a private, open courtyard. Entry into the home takes you past a spacious study, and into a large, open and airy living, kitchen, and dining area. Direct access onto the back patio with space for a built-in grill makes this home perfect for gatherings of any size! Each of the bedrooms has its own dedicated bathroom. A detached casita functions perfectly as a guest house, mother-in-law suite, or even a home office. The master en suite is a true retreat featuring his and hers vanities, and opening into a large closet that has its own access to the laundry room. The three-car garage has plenty of room for a workbench and extra storage.
3 bed, 3 ½ bath, 3,008 sqft

Capulet

Entering into this garden home through the romantic, private courtyard you may feel as though you’ve stepped into a Shakespearean play. The wow factor doesn’t stop there – follow the entry past the formal dining room into a large, open and airy living and kitchen area. Through the windows along the back wall, you can see out onto the covered outdoor living area. A window-lined nook provides the perfect spot for sipping morning coffee or unwinding with a glass of wine. A private study with powder room and quick access to the one car garage is the perfect setting for a home office or guest suite. Each of the three bedrooms has its own dedicated bathroom. The master en suite is a retreat featuring his and hers vanities, and opening into a large closet that has its own access to the laundry room. The two-car garage enters into a mudroom or dropzone – keeping all of the day-to-day essentials close at hand, but out of sight. 3 bed, 3 ½ bath, 2,899 sqft

Tahoe

The master suite is a sanctuary complete with a generous master bath and walk-in closet. Bedroom 2 is perfect for guests and could serve as a mother-in-law suite with access to its own secondary garage. The open concept kitchen, living, and dining areas make this home perfect for family gatherings. Four bedrooms, three and a half baths.

Austin

The exterior finishes of cedar, stacked rock, and stucco take their cues from nature, while the floor plan provides four opportunities to soak in the sights and sounds via two private balconies and two private patios. A spacious loft area could serve as a game room or office, while the third-floor vestibule with built-in bar serves as the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Two bedrooms, two baths, and two half baths.

Custom Transitional / Rustic

Open, airy, room to spread out, entertain and grow, and all on one level! This transitional/rustic beauty marries elegance with casual living spaces. The private master suite includes a large dual entry shower, free standing tub and an exercise area. Bedroom 2 is a perfect guest sanctuary. Note the ceiling treatment in the spacious game room as well as the wet bar. A tech center is conveniently located adjacent to the kitchen. The oversized outdoor living area features a cooking space. Four bedrooms, three and a half baths.

Builder Model Transitional

A perfect blend of traditional and contemporary, an exquisite exterior draws you in. The spacious living room has a stepped ceiling and is separated from the kitchen by an oversized island. A breakfast nook opens to the patio and a separate formal dining room is adjacent to the butler’s pantry/wine grotto. This home is made for entertaining! Note the fireplace by the recessed TV space and audio-visual cabinet. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share a Jack and Jill bath and also included is a generous study. The loft conveniently includes a bath as well as a walk-in closet. The two car garage contains extra storage space and offers a mud room to the interior of the house. The crown jewel of this beautiful home may just be the outdoor living area with the tongue and groove ceiling. Three bedrooms/study, four baths.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Custom Design – Where do I begin?
Q. What should I be aware of in selecting my lot?
A. Deed restrictions, easements, set-backs, topo, trees and any features such as water, views, cliffs.
Q. What information should I provide to you after I’ve selected my lot?
A. The following are important to the design of your home:
1.How big will the house be (square footage)? Note: square footage is typically is calculated based on the heated or living area of the house and does not include porches, patios or garages.
2.Type and size of the garage. Will it be front, side, rear entry or detached? How many spaces?
3.Number of stories.
4.Plate height of stories. The plate height is the ceiling height at the outside wall, first and second floors.
5.Location of the stairs. For example, will the stairs be a focal point or utilitarian?
6.Room count, i.e. number of living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms.
7.Additional spaces such as game room, media room, tech center, wine room, office/study, outdoor living space, porches, patios, etc.
8.Exterior style such as Mediterranean, Texas Hill Country, traditional, Spanish, etc.
9.Additional information: what else do you want, such as wet bar, pool cabana, kitchen and bath appointments, etc.

Q. Do you have guidelines of questions to help me tell you what my requirements are for my home?
A. Once we have contracted with you to design your home, we will provide you with a list of what we will need to get started.

Q. Will I see a preliminary sketch of the floor plan?
A. Yes. The preliminary sketch of the floor plan will be shown on the lot. Note: this is called “Page 1”.

Q. Can I make changes to the preliminary plan?
A. Yes. We will work with you on preliminary sketches until you are comfortable with the room layout, room count and approximate square footage.

Q. How many changes can I make?
A. As many as are necessary.

Q. What happens when we’ve settled on the preliminary design?
A. Once a preliminary design has been decided on, I will start the working drawings and produce your first check-set.

Q. What does the first check-set include?
A. It includes the floor plan drawn at ¼ inch scale (1st and 2nd floor), all window and door sizes called out, all floor surfaces called out, all interior cabinets drawn, all electrical and a front elevation.
Q. Can I make changes to the first check-set?
A. Absolutely. This will be your first look at the “pictures” of the house. Again, changes will be made until you are comfortable with what you see before we proceed to the second check-set.

Q. If the exterior elevation shows brick or rock, can it be built with siding or stucco instead?
A. If brick is added to a house, a brick ledge has to be added to the foundation for support and possibly wider overhands could be required on the roof. On the other hand, if brick is deleted, the ledges on the foundation plan are not required. Many changes to the elevation finish are easily accomplished. However, some changes require consultation with a qualified professional.

Q. Explain the window and doors sizes.
A. Our plans are designed using aluminum single-hung windows. Each set of working drawings uses a generic window sizing system that does not apply to any brand of windows. In illustration, a typical size used on our plans is 3050. This window is 36” wide and 60” tall (3’0” x 5’0”). Additionally, this is the system used to call out door sizes as well. A “2-6” door is a standard 6’-8” tall door that is 2’-6” wide. Many different sized windows are carried by different manufacturers and thus adjustments may be required to “stock” plans. Bear in mind that code requirements must be adhered to regarding emergency egress windows.

Q. How long does the entire process take?
A. Anywhere from six to ten weeks (can take longer) depending on how rapidly you return your changes to the preliminary and check-sets. It also depends on how many changes are made.

Q. Do you provide any engineering?
A. No. It is recommended that the foundation and framing be designed by structural engineers.

Q. Are the plans stamped by an architect or engineer?
A. We are a building design firm and as such we do not stamp our home plans. While different cities vary in requirements, most do not require the stamp of an architect or engineer. It is your responsibility to verify with your city building officials what their requirements are in this regard.

Q. Will the plans I purchase comply with the building codes in my area?
A. Our plans are drawn with in compliance with the 2009 International Residential Code for One & Two Family Dwelling and the 2009 International Building Code with local amendments. You will need to consult with your local building officials in order to learn their requirements.

Q. Will the plans I purchase have what is required by the building department in my area in order to obtain a building permit?
A. You will need to check with your local building department to determine their particular requirements. Our plans have all drawings normally needed for construction but site specific and hvac requirements for different areas vary according to geographic locations and this information must be obtained locally.

Q. Do you provide a foundation plan?
A. No. We can provide a foundation layout if requested. All of our plans are designed for a single concrete pour. The perimeter of the slab is made of turn-down footings. Interior concrete grade beams support the structure above. An engineer’s design is required.

Q. Do you provide a rafter and joist plan?
A. No. We can provide one drawn to the IRC (International Residential Code), but it is not engineered.

Q. How many sets of plans do I get?
A. We typically provide fifteen sets. More are available at additional cost upon request.

Q. Do I own the plan when completed?
A. No. What you are buying is a custom designed home for you to use one time at the location specified. Jim Cox Designs retains ownership and copyright to the plan.

Q. If I purchase one set of plans, can I make copies as needed?
A. No. Our plans are protected by the United States Copyright Act and cannot be copied without expressed written permission from Jim Cox Designs. Our plans cannot be used in any way without obtaining permission from Jim Cox Designs. (See Copyright Information).