Planning, Layout & Design

Site planning: Before basic floor plans come into play the initial planning strategy should be to create a buffer or defensible space of incombustible material around the home location. This buffer zone can be comprised of patios, driveways, or low-growing fire-retardant plants. Special attention should be paid to the potential for extremely dangerous up-slope running fire area. Site layout including driveways and turn-arounds that are wide enough to make it easy for firefighters to bring their heavy equipment in close to your home can also create this buffer.