Looking for roof designs for my floor plan

[Plainwacky]

I designed my floor plan but not real happy with my roof and front of house design. The problem I have is that I can't visualize a roof design, so I'm looking for someone to give me some ideas. 

This is a mostly a single story house (see the floor plan) with a second story (game/gym room) over the bedrooms and baths

I initially had the front of the house and garages all in-line and thought it looked like all garage, so I decided to angle it as shown. I'm open to changes to the garage. I just don't want to go with an L-Shape with the garages cause of how I enter my property, which right now is a vacant lot. 

If this is something you'd be interested in, please let me know your ideas and how much you might charge. I'm not sure how this would work cause I certainly don't want to pay someone for something that looks ridiculous, or I really dislike. The only way I can think of getting around this, is for you to give me your ideas, perhaps a mark-up, and if I like it, I can send you the plan and pay you for implementing your ideas with my input.

[basketballman]

6 hours ago, Plainwacky said:

The only way I can think of getting around this, is for you to give me your ideas, perhaps a mark-up, and if I like it, I can send you the plan and pay you for implementing your ideas with my input.

 Hmmm. sounds pretty open ended - risky.

    Judging by your name, wondering if this be a joke ?

[Gawdzira]

Does this idea of asking to verify if you will enjoy a product before you agree to pay for it work at restaurants? Asking for a (hungry) friend.

[Plainwacky]

What I am saying is.... shoot me your ideas, tell me what you would you do differently, what you don't like about my plan, etc...and if I like your idea(s), we come up with an agreement including cost for the service. It could be as simple of marking up my camera view using Microsoft Paint and sending it to me. 

I'm not expecting someone to work for free, and to me this is no different than having an interior designer/contractor come to your house to tell you their ideas prior to hiring them. Such as "we can move this wall, put an kitchen island here, etc". 

As an example, if someone responded to this posting and said, "what I would do is get rid of two of the garages, or I'd separate the garages from the main house, or I'd get rid of the balcony, or get rid of the second floor, etc", of course I'm not going to enter into an agreement, cause I don't like any of those ideas. 

In regard to the restaurant comment.... It's no different than looking at a menu to see if there is anything on it you like prior to ordering.  Do you pay for dinner without knowing what the restaurant is serving? 

I believe a confident and experienced designer would immediately have some creative ideas and have no problem sharing them, knowing I'd going to love their ideas. 
 

[Rookie65]

Yes, it is very different. Most interior designers and contractors charge a consultation fee. This is what separates the serious people from the time-wasters. We don't just walk around handing out free advice because someone doesn't want to make the effort to learn on their own.

As for a restaurant, you go there with the expectation that you will find something on the menu you will like, and subsequently pay for it. It's not like servers from each restaurant stop by your car to bring you something to try and hope you'll want to order it. 

Your expectation of "a confident and experienced designer would immediately have some creative ideas and have no problem sharing them." is expecting them to give you ideas with the risk of a) not getting the project, or b) you taking their idea, figuring out how to draw it yourself, and ignoring their request for payment.

For them to be confident and experienced comes from many years of practice and learning. For you to expect multitudes of people to spend time on your project for free, that's a selfish ask. Learn how the program works and try it yourself.

If I remember right, you also used to be on the Home Designer forum regularly and have been asked, multiple times, to create/fill out your signature so people know what version and year software you are using. Yet you still haven't.  

[Plainwacky]

Sorry, don't agree with about everything you said.

There are many interior designers and contractors that will come out to your house and give ideas. Here are just some examples...

When I went to remodel my kitchen, I had contractors come out and give me ideas; they each had different ideas...remove this wall, put in an island, bigger window, move a door. I went with the contractor that I felt was the most creative and experience. Same with kitchen/bath companies...they typically sending someone out to see what you have going and give ideas and costs

I had different window companies come out and show me their designs, styles, and explained to me why their windows are the best or how I had to have a tempered safety glass if I went a low as I wanted, where another contractor made no mention of it. I didn't know this, cause I didn't have the experience. 

Same was when I wanted to build a pool. I had about 4 pool companies come out and give me idea, including building a rock waterfall (which I didn't even think of) and the costs.

 

Same was when I had a new roof installed. I had about 5 roofing companies come out and show me their products and how they would so things...including installing skylights. 

In all the above examples....just cause a company/contractor provides ideas, doesn't mean a person is going to "steal" their ideas and do it themselves, especially when a person doesn't have the skills and knowledge to execute it! Which is the whole reason for this post!

To claim a person is too lazy to learn how to do things themselves, really shows a lack of understanding the difference between having the knowledge to build someone and DESIGN! A person can know how to build a engine and car, doesn't mean they have the knowledge or creativity to design one...including the body! 

Also to claim that I'm the kind of person that would "ignoring a request for payment" without knowing me, shows a lack of insight and arrogance (know it all when one doesn't). 

And lastly, if you (or anyone else) don't want to get involved with this post cause it's not how you work, then don't....It's the simple! But just for the record, I specifically said, I'm not expecting someone to work for free! I believe someone that can immediately "see" something that I can't, shouldn't take much time for them to communicate me their ideas. I'm not asking that you design something! Could be as simple as going online and sending me a photo saying, "what do you think of this"? 

Also... I did put on my profile what version I have...why it's not showing or not included...I haven't a clue. Regardless, you can always ask.
HOME DESIGNER PRO 2024

You spent more time responding and not giving me a single idea, and you're concerned about wasting your time?? Do us both a favor and don't waste either. 

[basketballman]

Just an FYI:

Home Designer has their own website and forums..

  This one is for Chief Architect Premier users ... 

[Rookie65]

No one owes you an idea. Did you buy anything from those people you had come to your house? Or were you just asking for their free advice and suggestions?

You have the program and only you will know the style roof you want. Play around with it at your leisure and come up with something you want. The rest of us don't "know" you, so it's guessing on our parts. Here's my idea for you...maybe look at some house plan websites and something will make sense to you. Plus, you don't include information on what part of the country it's being built in. That makes a difference in knowing if it should be flat or pitched, trusses or stick frame, etc. You have been chasing roof ideas for a while, and it doesn't sound like you've had any responses or interest in people "helping" you. Maybe that's a big hint for you. And just because you said you don't expect someone to work for free, those of us with experience know that's exactly what you want. 

[Plainwacky]

3 hours ago, Rookie65 said:

No one owes you an idea. Did you buy anything from those people you had come to your house? Or were you just asking for their free advice and suggestions?

You have the program and only you will know the style roof you want. Play around with it at your leisure and come up with something you want. The rest of us don't "know" you, so it's guessing on our parts. Here's my idea for you...maybe look at some house plan websites and something will make sense to you. Plus, you don't include information on what part of the country it's being built in. That makes a difference in knowing if it should be flat or pitched, trusses or stick frame, etc. You have been chasing roof ideas for a while, and it doesn't sound like you've had any responses or interest in people "helping" you. Maybe that's a big hint for you. And just because you said you don't expect someone to work for free, those of us with experience know that's exactly what you want. 

I don't think anyone owes me anything, including you. Like i said, if what I'm asking isn't the way you operate, or even think what I'm asking is unrealistic, then why bother even contributing to this post??

To answer your question, I hired every contractor. It's laughable to think I know how to build a pool, much less design one!! And a person can look at all the pools in the world, doesn't mean the design they like will work in your backyard! 

And to say, "I have the program and ONLY YOU know what style of roof you want" is even more ignorant, when I have no idea what kind of roof I want, until someone shows me what is possible! 

 

Let me see if I can explain this in another way.....a person can be a fantastic piano player but cannot write a song if their life depended on it! This is cause they are technical competent but lack creativity. This is what COMPLETELY eludes you!! I tried to explain this when I said a person may know how to put a car together but hasn't a clue how to design one...and you didn't get that either. 

I do agree with you in your comment..."the rest of us don't know you", so it's guessing on our parts. Why guess?? Why not ask?? Such as you saying I didn't include information on what part of the country I am at. Again, I certainly didn't think of that, and now I can see how that would be important information. I didn't think of this, cause I don't have the experience! 

Just like looking at pools...I did look online at different roof designs, but that's like looking for a needle in a haystack...just cause I see a roof design I like, doesn't mean it will work...doesn't matter how long "I play with it"!  One would think you'd know this. The fact is, I haven't a clue what you know. It works both ways, paying someone that says they know how do to things, only turn around and find out they don't know crap!

This whole conversation would have been different had you started off asking...
What version do you have?
Do you have any designs in mind? (the screen shot I included was my attempt at incorporating ideas...I'm just looking for others). 
Where do you live? Is there snow?
Do you know if your design would require trusses or beams? (which I don't know)
What would be the pitch? I haven't a clue. I'm guessing that would depend on what design works. 

And just to show how you think you know it all, when you don't.....

I was working with a person I found on this forum, for years...his name is David Potter...great guy and very helpful. Prior to entering in an agreement (paid by his hourly rate), he sent me some ideas on different designs, and when I selected one, I would ask him how long it would take and charge to do the design, and after he finished, he'd send me an invoice, which I had no problem paying. Sometimes, he would send me a video of how to do things. One time he completely redid my garage (when I didn't ask him to) and made it an "L-Shape" and asked, "what do you think of this? I didn't like it...and although he spent time doing it, he didn't charge me. I even offered to pay him for some of the things he did, and there were times he would say, "don't worry about it...it took me all of 5 minutes"!

Unfortunately, he died, and I found this out cause his son called me and said, I see you were working with my dad on the design on your house and unfortunately, he has died. He asked me if there were any files I might need, which I didn't. 

So, for you to claim that "just because I said I don't expect someone to work for free, those with experience know that's exactly what you want! This just goes to show what an arrogant know-it-all you are, when you really haven't a clue! You really should drop the mind reading and actually ask someone what they are thinking. 

I appreciated Dave's help....he would never create drama, insult me, claim that I'm too lazy to learn how to do things, claim that only I know what I like.... there was a mutual respect. 

Secondly, I have had people send me private messages to assist in prior postings, but after doing some research, I decided to not go with some of them, and some I have when they have an expertise in a certain task. 

At this point, I could careless how much you know, or how much you could help me...I wouldn't work with you if you paid me. You're just too negative and one of those chest-pounding individuals that feels the need to insult people instead of being helpful. The fact that you responded when I asked you not to, just shows how you like to create drama.




 
 

[Rookie65]

I wondered what happened to David. He went away suddenly and that is sad to hear. Good luck with your project. You don't know me either, yet your impression of me is incorrect. 

[Plainwacky]

basketballman ....

Thank you for providing me that link that actually shows me you know what you are doing. I would be happy to discuss you helping me with my design, in particular when it comes to the roof. I'm pretty happy with the floor plan, just not sure if the front/roof is the best design...in fact, I don't think it is....again, cause I will be the first to admit I don't know what I'm doing. 

As I said, Dave Potter helped me a lot with the roof design, but then my better-half didn't like it and I tried to do it myself, but really lack the experience and creativity to visualize what is possible. 

Send me a message in how you'd like to proceed and possibly working together.

Thanks!

[Plainwacky]

10 hours ago, Rookie65 said:

I wondered what happened to David. He went away suddenly and that is sad to hear. Good luck with your project. You don't know me either, yet your impression of me is incorrect. 

So, let me see if I get this right. My impression of you is incorrect?!!? That's laughable!

Here you make all these claims and assumptions about me such as I'm the kind of person that doesn't pay invoices,, too lazy to learn for myself, only I know what I want (doesn't matter what is possible), basically calling me a liar when I said "I don't expect someone to work for free" and you saying, "those of us with experience know that's exactly what you want"! Need I go on?

And I got a kick out of you saying "go online and see what you like and play with designs".... seriously??  That's like telling a person that has never played piano to "just play a song" when they have no experience. It takes YEARS to develop these skills including architect and design....it's not as simple as "go online and see what you like".  

You know you could have driven this conversation in a whole different direction by simply asking, "I see in the past you posted help on a roof design, have you had anyone help you"? Instead, you just assumed nobody has; even saying, "should be a hint" (claiming nobody is going to work with me). 

It wasn't until I mentioned Dave that everything you said fell apart and you got exposed as an arrogant know-it-all. My impression of you isn't wrong...it's spot on! Here's an idea, how about taking some accountability in how you came across, instead of blaming me. 

A real man would apologize and even perhaps ask or say, "I'm sorry, I got you all wrong. I have some ideas...interested in hearing them"? 

[Rookie65]

You want to keep going? You also made claims and assumptions about me. Neither of us know the other, so why not just let it go? You found help, so you should be all set to get your result. My thought on the playing with the designs was to turn auto roofs on, then try different combinations of gables and hips and see if something there gets you close. Then manual roofs could possibly clean it up for you. That was my idea for you, and if you took it as a personal attack, I can't help that. We can agree to have different ideas on this subject, and that's fine. 

[para-CAD]

So whomever this plainwhacky goes with.........plan on a total bill of 50 hours of time total.

 

Then whacky can pay a deposit of 50% that those hours are worked off against....a retainer.

As the hours are worked, the designer transfers payment from the retainer.

 

Once half is expended, reload the retainer.

 

Then again, if the designer is a dud..........stop the project..........designer only keeps for hours worked and the rest of the retainer is refunded.

 

 

 

There is NO WAY IN HELL that I will take the time to figure out a good roof plan only to have whacky say it's not what he's looking for and then use my ideas.

 

What kind of whack job idea is that!!!

 

 

This has to be someone messing around to energize the forum.     Too funny

[para-CAD]

Hire Larry Belk to redo your plans.......

[Plainwacky]

3 hours ago, para-CAD said:

There is NO WAY IN HELL that I will take the time to figure out a good roof plan only to have whacky say it's not what he's looking for and then use my ideas.

 

If there is no way in hell you'd take the time to present some ideas, then why even comment? Why not just ignore this POST? Or at the very least read it and understand what I'm asking; cause I keep saying, I'm not asking people to spend "HOURS" (as you said) designing a roof. All I'm asking is for some ideas of what you may do differently or what you don't like...such as. 

* I would keep two garages at the front of the house and angle the other two
* I would get rid of the 4 garage doors and put in 3 of one being a 16ft wide
* I wouldn't put a balcony all along the top - I'd extend just the section over the front door area is.
* You may want to think of extending the balcony so that cars can drive under it for loading unloading.
* I don't like how the balcony ties into the garage area...I would do this instead...(and explain)
* Or thoughts of what you like or don't like about the current design
* I have some ideas I'd like to run by you...(briefly tell me what they are) and if you like them, send me your plan and I'll work on it for $/hour. 

If someone was asking me for some ideas and I had a lot of experience and creativity, I'd perhaps say...here, check out these ideas (see enclosed)

This took me all of 10 minutes and I have no experience when it comes to designing a roof/front section. 

 

[Plainwacky]

I also keep saying....if this isn't how you work...they don't comment on this POST...just move on. 

 

[para-CAD]

You want free ideas............figure it out yourself premium boy.

 

Or

 

Hire someone.

 

Do you ask your doctor for free health care..............or your mechanic for free auto tips?

 

I'm a stick framed roof expert.  I won't help you 1 bit because your attitude sucks.  

[Plainwacky]

12 hours ago, para-CAD said:

You want free ideas............figure it out yourself premium boy.

 

Or

 

Hire someone.

 

Do you ask your doctor for free health care..............or your mechanic for free auto tips?

 

I'm a stick framed roof expert.  I won't help you 1 bit because your attitude sucks.  

There is a BIG DIFFERENCE between quickly throwing out some ideas, and spending hours designing a roof; so, don't distort what I'm asking for. 

It obvious that the only reason you posted here was to boast about being a "stick frame EXPERT". Doesn't mean you can design one! A point I made in this POST had you actually read it. 

As I said, I created this POST cause I worked with senior forum contributor David Potter for years, but unfortunately, he died. He was constantly throwing-out different ideas; some I liked, some I didn't. He even created instructional videos showing me how he did things. Those ideas I did like, I'd pay him to implement, which created a "win-win". I'm just trying to find someone of his caliber to work with.

If this doesn't describe you, or how you operate, then don't get involved (this includes posting)!! Spend your time where it would be more productive. 

[para-CAD]

I like to comment whether YOU like it or not.

 

"You ain't the boss of me."

 

If you had stopped at asking for help.....maybe someone would have.  But you went on some money comments and showed you are fishing for free and let's see.......

 

QUOTE

I designed my floor plan but not real happy with my roof and front of house design. The problem I have is that I can't visualize a roof design, so I'm looking for someone to give me some ideas. 

This is a mostly a single story house (see the floor plan) with a second story (game/gym room) over the bedrooms and baths

I initially had the front of the house and garages all in-line and thought it looked like all garage, so I decided to angle it as shown. I'm open to changes to the garage. I just don't want to go with an L-Shape with the garages cause of how I enter my property, which right now is a vacant lot. 

If this is something you'd be interested in, please let me know your ideas and how much you might charge. I'm not sure how this would work cause I certainly don't want to pay someone for something that looks ridiculous, or I really dislike.

 

The only way I can think of getting around this, is for you to give me your ideas, perhaps a mark-up, and if I like it, I can send you the plan and pay you for implementing your ideas with my input.

 

No soup for you 

[Rookie65]

Face it, Wacky, this post, and your comments, has 550 views, 26 down votes, and no signs of anyone wanting to "help" you. So maybe try letting this horse die a peaceful death. Plus, the roofs you show with "This took me all of 10 minutes and I have no experience when it comes to designing a roof/front section." look nothing like your house and can be copied/pasted from a home plan site. Stop wasting people's time here.

[Renerabbitt]

On 6/22/2025 at 5:17 PM, Plainwacky said:

4 pool

Have you ever stopped to think for a second that in the building industry, the market is so cutthroat that people find it necessary—and even hope—that a trip to your house might win you over? But just like you, there are others out there who shop ideas and waste people’s time, effectively making them lose revenue.  

 

You want our expertise? My expertise would tell you that I personally know and converse with contractors who have shared just how badly such a business model hurts their bottom line—and even their morale. Often, the best builder may not be the best salesman, and the best builder may not have ideas just pop into their head without diving into your project and assessing the specifics.  

 

Conversely, I’ve produced designs that are widely accepted as great, yet I can tell you that I’m not a designer who can simply spit out ideas at a glance. I have to dig in and fully immerse myself in a project before I begin to understand the direction I’ll take with a design.  

 

I suppose if everyone who needed design work came in and demanded free services, it would certainly change our industry for the better—as the widespread misuse of our collective time would force reform. Designers quite literally make money from ideas, and our ideas have often been stolen. There’s a reason for the many statutes and laws surrounding architectural practice and intellectual property.  

 

By the way, using DJP’s name (or work) in this context isn’t very kind, in my opinion. I knew DJP and worked with him. He was not a designer, and yes, he was more than generous with his time—especially toward beginner technicians and even low-income families. I hope you feel fortunate that he gave you his time instead of charging you for it, as that compensation might have further enriched his life.  

[Plainwacky]

2 hours ago, Renerabbitt said:

By the way, using DJP’s name (or work) in this context isn’t very kind, in my opinion. I knew DJP and worked with him. He was not a designer, and yes, he was more than generous with his time—especially toward beginner technicians and even low-income families. I hope you feel fortunate that he gave you his time instead of charging you for it, as that compensation might have further enriched his life.  

It appears to me you really didn't read what I wrote, cause I compliment Dave's work and specifically made it known how grateful I was to find him and this POST was about finding someone of his caliber. And secondly (as I also stated), he did charge me for his time when I gave him the go-ahead to implement his ideas. Don't people read??
 

[Plainwacky]

2 hours ago, M-Reed said:

Actually, I did offer. 

Hi...Oppss...sorry I missed your message!! Thanks!! 

 

[Plainwacky]

3 hours ago, Rookie65 said:

Face it, Wacky, this post, and your comments, has 550 views, 26 down votes, and no signs of anyone wanting to "help" you. So maybe try letting this horse die a peaceful death. Plus, the roofs you show with "This took me all of 10 minutes and I have no experience when it comes to designing a roof/front section." look nothing like your house and can be copied/pasted from a home plan site. Stop wasting people's time here.

I could careless how many "down votes" I get and not part of the "mean boys" club. I'm not here to gain votes, I'm here to find someone that is willing to help me. So, vote away!! 

And of course, I copied and pasted those roof designs!! I was giving examples of what people could send me showing me ideas or their work...that is why I said, it only took me 10-minutes to find those photos and I have no experience when it comes to roof designs. READ! 

But this hasn't been a waste of time, I have gotten messages from people willing to help.