Some architects and builders should not be allowed to build homes

Mr. B took me house shopping (this is his hobby..we never buy anything...we just neb nose around)..


What is it with some of the ugly houses.....???

They put useless porches on the homes...that have no room for a chair let alone for someone to turn around...
then they put weird "accent features" on the roof...a small triangle in the middle of the roofline...that just doesn't seem right...

So tell me...why!!!!

I see this more on what is considered "new and affordable"...but you can still build an affordable home without making it hideous...

Though economically I'll probably never buy or build a house of my own, it doesn't mean I don't do plenty of looking, and I agree with your OP. Plenty of houses look good on paper or seem like they're filled/covered with "nice touches," but are indeed cluttered or schizo or unlivable.

A few years ago, I happened on a great little book (see below) and read it with growing appreciation. Witold Rybczynski is an architect/write/teacher/critic who has some wonderful things to say about our personal relation to our architecture, especially the home. I'd really recommend this book: The Most Beautiful House in the World. It's a short read, but is informative, charming, and best of all will reassure you that you aren't crazy in seeking something simple and appropriate in your living space.

Good luck in your search!


:hi:



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Most_Beautiful_House_in_the_World
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witold_Rybczynski

The owner of said firm spent about 3 years designing his own McMansion and then redrew it as it was being built.

Why must they always try to reinvent the wheel???

I can't take credit for this, but I read an architectural article a while ago about when a "home" deserves the MacMansion label.

The author decided it was because the building has overly ornate elements from different styles that clearly were never meant to be squashed together on one building. All this in an effort to say: luxury, first class, affluence, .... I'VE ARRIVED.

Instead the Cape Cod dormer windows and widow's walk, the Victorian filigree door-frame, the bay window jutting into the minuscule front porch, all really fairly shout "I'm so confused!! I'm trying WAY TOO HARD TO IMPRESS you with my newly-found wealth to be anything more than a monstrosity.

What self-respecting architect really enjoys designing these crapily designed homes?

they are just suburban eyesores...

and what is sad is that they can command prices from $250K and up...

I can fix what's wrong with those--the solid construction is what I am buying.
ANd the potential for mature trees....
WHAT is with putting houses RIGHTNEXTTOEACHOTHERSOICANSEETHENEIGHBORUSINGTHELOO ?
Drives me CRAZY.