Designing Homes for Rainy Climates

Over the past several decades, we’ve developed expertise in designing Seattle area homes that are suited for a very rainy climate! As you may be aware, the Seattle region is known for its mild, temperate climate with frequent rainfall. The city experiences over 150 days of rain annually, mostly during the fall, winter, and spring. Our cool, wet winters mean certain challenges for homeowners, such as moisture management, drainage, lighting, outdoor covered areas, and an efficient mudroom. What are some ways we recommend customizing home designs for the weather?

PROPER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Effective drainage systems are key to preventing water damage. Thoughtful landscaping, grading, roof and gutter systems work together to keep water away from a home’s foundation and prevent issues like flooding, erosion, and moisture buildup.

• Proper grading ensures that the land slopes away from the house, directing rainwater away from the foundation. A slight slope (usually around 5-10% grade) prevents water from pooling near the home and seeping into basements or crawl spaces.

• Strategic landscaping helps manage water flow. Features like gravel beds and permeable pavers allow water to naturally absorb into the ground, reducing runoff. Retaining walls with built-in drainage also help redirect water away from structures. 

• Well-designed gutter systems and downspouts capture rainwater from the roof and channel it safely away from the foundation. Adding gutter guards prevents clogs from debris and leaves, ensuring smooth water flow during heavy rain. Downspouts should extend several feet away from the home, often through underground pipes or splash blocks.

• Architectural features like overhangs, eaves, and sloped roofs are designed to effectively channel rainwater away from the foundation.

MAXIMIZING LIGHT

One of our top considerations when designing for a dark, rainy climate is to maximize the home’s natural light. Light-filled spaces feel more open and airy, even on cloudy days, and enhance the home’s aesthetic appeal. We suggest:

• Large windows: Floor-to-ceiling windows, bay windows, or picture windows flood rooms with daylight and provide expansive views of the outdoors.

• Skylights: Adding skylights or roof windows brings sunlight into areas that may not receive enough natural light, like hallways, bathrooms, or kitchens.

• Glass doors: Sliding glass or French doors allow light to flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Reflective surfaces: Other design tricks include using light-colored walls, glossy finishes, or mirrors to reflect light around the room, making the space feel brighter.

COVERED OUTDOOR SPACES

In order to enjoy outdoor spaces throughout the year, include covered areas, such as porches or decks with patio furniture and heaters. Make it visually stunning by installing an outdoor fireplace! Check out our outdoor spaces in our portfolio. 

MUDROOMS

It goes without saying that mudrooms are essential in Seattle homes. With proper planning, they can be designed to handle wet and muddy conditions, providing a transitional space from outdoors to indoors. See our tips for mudrooms here!

In rainy climates like the Greater Seattle region, thoughtful home design is essential to ensure comfort, functionality, and long-term durability. With these tips, you can create a home that not only withstands the elements but also feels bright and welcoming year-round.

Ready to design your dream home? Learn more about our custom home building services.

Starting Your Custom Home Journey: Key Questions We Ask Our Clients

Beginning the process of building a custom home is an exciting and significant undertaking. It's an opportunity to create a space that perfectly reflects your lifestyle, tastes, and aspirations. At Sierra Homes, we believe that the foundation of a successful custom home build starts with a deep understanding of our clients' unique needs and desires. 

To ensure we capture every detail and deliver a home that exceeds expectations, we ask a series of essential questions right from the start. These questions help us understand your vision, manage expectations, and navigate the complexities of custom home building with clarity and confidence. In this blog post, we'll share the key questions we ask our potential clients, helping us determine whether we are the right fit for you and helping you prepare for your custom home journey. Whether you're dreaming of a modern retreat, a classic family abode, or an eco-friendly haven, these questions will set the stage for creating a home that's truly yours.

Lot availability 

We like to find out if our potential clients have a lot already, or need to find one. We can work with you either way, but the process will be different. It can be helpful for clients to utilize our expertise when finding a lot, as there is important research involved which may include topography, wetlands, and utilities to the property. 

Location 

What is your preferred location for your new home? We have extensive experience building in King County, and other city jurisdictions in the greater Puget Sound. We possess in-depth knowledge of the workings of these areas, especially concerning codes and permitting. 

House style

What is the design style of your dream home? At Sierra Homes, we can bring any vision to life whether that’s ranch, craftsman, contemporary northwest, or modern farm. Some clients choose stock floor plans while others create custom plans with an architect. Either way, we can guide you in the direction to get the house of your dreams. 

Budget 

Establishing your budget is a crucial step in the custom home building process. Determine how much money you are willing to permit yourself to spend on your dream home. When working with a trusted builder, such as Sierra Homes, we will provide you with potential costs and examples of projects we have completed in the past. Learn more about construction loans and get pre-approval from your financial institution. Our clients for custom home builds are typically working with a budget of $1.5m and up. 

Timeline

Understand that building a custom home takes time. The design phase alone may take 6-12 months for architecture, floor plans, and design selections. Next, permitting can take up to 6-9 months, depending on lot requirements and soils testing. Once Sierra Homes breaks ground, we typically take about 9-12 months to complete a project. Our commitment to superior quality and thoughtful design, delivered with unparalleled customer service, means that we focus on every detail of every home we build. 

Homeowner involvement

How prepared are you to actively participate in the design and construction processes? Each customer is different and there are varying levels of involvement in each project we have done. We enjoy engaging with our clients and have found that open communication and collaboration are essential for a successful partnership during the entire process of building your home - from the design phase, to breaking ground, to building and the final walk-through - we want to hear from you! 

These are just samples of the several questions we ask to get to know our potential customers before embarking on the exciting journey of building your custom dream home. If you are ready to bring your vision to life, contact Sierra Homes now!