CannibalCrowley
Member
Rogue6 said:
Which book in particular?
Home Defense Design/Architecture
- Thread starter perdurabo93
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Which book in particular?
For defense against outside threats:
A wrought iron or chain link perimeter fence would serve as a barrier without providing cover or concealment.
I've seen a couple threads about people legally shooting intruders through the door as the intruder was attempting to kick it down. So sturdy exterior doors that aren't bulletproof might be a good idea.
On a similar note, you might harden the wall on the strike side of the door full height so you can have good cover while at the door, but leave the wall on the hinge side unhardened, or hardened only up to the windowsill as others mentioned. Then design the porch such people have to access the door from the hinge side and won't be able to take advantage of the cover on the strike side.
In the front room you could build a hardened pony wall around the basement stair opening located and oriented such that you can cover the front door, windows, and possibly even the back door while standing on the stairs. In the basement of course you will have your safe/storage room with all concrete walls, floor, and ceiling, maybe this is under the porch. And of course in that room will be the secret door to your escape tunnel, because as long as we're throwing around ideas, you might as well have the tunnel.
A wrought iron or chain link perimeter fence would serve as a barrier without providing cover or concealment.
I've seen a couple threads about people legally shooting intruders through the door as the intruder was attempting to kick it down. So sturdy exterior doors that aren't bulletproof might be a good idea.
On a similar note, you might harden the wall on the strike side of the door full height so you can have good cover while at the door, but leave the wall on the hinge side unhardened, or hardened only up to the windowsill as others mentioned. Then design the porch such people have to access the door from the hinge side and won't be able to take advantage of the cover on the strike side.
In the front room you could build a hardened pony wall around the basement stair opening located and oriented such that you can cover the front door, windows, and possibly even the back door while standing on the stairs. In the basement of course you will have your safe/storage room with all concrete walls, floor, and ceiling, maybe this is under the porch. And of course in that room will be the secret door to your escape tunnel, because as long as we're throwing around ideas, you might as well have the tunnel.
perdurabo93
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What is this "basement" of which you speak, north-man?
Seriously, basements in Texas are unheard of. If you even try to ask an architect or builder what exactly it would cost to have one put in, they look at you like your head is on fire. All the books I have read recently on secure home design (especially The Secure Home by Joel Skousen) all insist you need a basement and many just flat out assume you will have a basement as a matter of course. I have had zero luck finding anyone in central Texas in the building trades who doesn't think I'm bugnuts insane for wanting one or who is isn't going to charge me FAR more than market rate to build it because its so "unconventional".
What are my options here? How can I find an architect or builder who is willing to entertain helping me build a house with a basement in central Texas without overcharging me for the privilege?
Seriously, basements in Texas are unheard of. If you even try to ask an architect or builder what exactly it would cost to have one put in, they look at you like your head is on fire. All the books I have read recently on secure home design (especially The Secure Home by Joel Skousen) all insist you need a basement and many just flat out assume you will have a basement as a matter of course. I have had zero luck finding anyone in central Texas in the building trades who doesn't think I'm bugnuts insane for wanting one or who is isn't going to charge me FAR more than market rate to build it because its so "unconventional".
What are my options here? How can I find an architect or builder who is willing to entertain helping me build a house with a basement in central Texas without overcharging me for the privilege?
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
Yep. Everyone in Amarillo has them, but thats the only part of the state I see them. I don't think you will get one built in central texas, I suspect the builders liability won't allow such a thing because there is no way it will stay watertight.
Now what I see all the time, and I am very tempted to buy, is one of these metal "bury it in your backyard" bomb shelters. Living in Tornado alley I can justify that, plus getting one big enough for gun storage. Not gonna solve your defense problem, but it gets the valuables out of sight if you are cautious about where you put the entrance to the thing.
Rogue6
Member
Jeff Cooper books re: home defensive architecture
If I remember correctly they are "To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth" (as mentioned by someone earlier) and "Principles of Self-Defense."
If I remember correctly they are "To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth" (as mentioned by someone earlier) and "Principles of Self-Defense."
That's too bad you can't get a basement. They are really good for energy efficiency too. Up here just about everybody has them because we have to dig down pretty far just to get below frostline, so it makes sense to just put in a basement.
Is the water table really that high in your lot? Is the excavation difficult? (i.e. rock?) Or is it just a matter of nobody ever does it so nobody ever does it? Do commercial buildings ever have basements? Do people have in-ground pools?
Is the water table really that high in your lot? Is the excavation difficult? (i.e. rock?) Or is it just a matter of nobody ever does it so nobody ever does it? Do commercial buildings ever have basements? Do people have in-ground pools?
Doesn't it flood a lot in certain parts of Texas? Doesn't make a lot of sense to have a basement if you live on a flood plain.
My dream home would be a contemporary cape on some acres. I like high ceilings and tall windows for some reason.
I'm all for geothermal heating and cooling but I heard it is so expensive on new construction.
All the entrance doorways would have steel frame doors. I think it would be hard to beat a pair of dogs as for alarms.
My dream home would be a contemporary cape on some acres. I like high ceilings and tall windows for some reason.
I'm all for geothermal heating and cooling but I heard it is so expensive on new construction.
All the entrance doorways would have steel frame doors. I think it would be hard to beat a pair of dogs as for alarms.
Jack Halloran
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There was a story on the local (DFW) news about underground garages being the new big thing for McMansions here. They'll set you back about $120,000.
Check your local zoning codes or local municipal building department. I've bounced a few ideas off of the local zoning department so far and have received fair and friendly replies.
When I see news reports of tornados in Texas they always seem to show at least one cement slab where a house used to be, nothing left but a few pipes sticking up.
When I see news reports of tornados in Texas they always seem to show at least one cement slab where a house used to be, nothing left but a few pipes sticking up.
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