What Not to Build: Do's and Don'ts of Exerior Home Design

by Judith Kay Gaman, Robby Reid, Sandra Edelman

Book Overview

The story is all too common in today's housing market: the basic principles of scale, proportion, balance, rhythm, and consistent architectural styles are often misapplied in new residential... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580112935
• ISBN13: 9781580112932
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Creative Homeowner
• Length: 223 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.6" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Very well done & exceptionally educational book

I've done a fair amount of reading in architecture over the years, mostly on historical topics, and building and designing your typical family home wasn't something I knew as much about. As I was in the process of building my own house for the first time, I decided to look at this book to see what I could learn. I was a little bit nervous, actually, since I was afraid I'd found that I'd made so many mistakes. But I was pleased to find out that overall we'd done all right, and hadn't made any horrible blunders. There were a couple of minor errors, but nothing terrible. So overall I was pretty pleased, or at least, relieved. :-) If you've never studied architecture before, this book is an easy way to get your feet wet, especially if you're planning a home yourself. The authors cover the most important topics, such as entry ways, porches, columns and open spaces; the proportions and ratios of structural elements such as that of columns to supported beams; correct design, proportion, and placement of dormer windows (the window should take up 75% of the space, otherwise it looks too small); the use and misuse of building materials; problems with walls, windows, and rooflines; and other topics. The book is liberally illustrated with many examples of correct houses, and incorrect ones on the same page so you can easily compare. Some of these well-intentioned but faulty houses were almost comical. Several houses had high, arched, entry ways that were way-oversized and would have looked fine on a Gothic cathedral, but on a family home, they looked wildly out of place. The massive entry way dominated the whole facade and just detracted from the rest of the elevation (or front of the house). Some of the other errors were more subtle, and weren't quite as obvious, but as you learn the canons of true architecture, as oppposed to merely winging it, which is what the authors say happens more and more with builders, you begin to appreciate the correct way of doing it. For example, one problem you run into is a too-complex roof line that's broken up and takes away from the facade and other structural and design aspects of the house, or a too complex facade that's just too busy. When first looking at these houses, they looked fine to me, but when I saw the corrected house illustration, I could see what the authors were saying. In other words, sometimes less is truly more. Or a better way to phrase it might be to say that good design is more about the harmonious combination and integration of all elements, which complement and flow smoothly into each other, rather than ostentation and needless complexity, which causes disruption and interrupts that flow and harmony. The book is well written, profusely illustrated, and contains a huge amount of practical advice on what to do, and what not to do, in building a house. If your average builder just read this book they'd learn a lot, as I did, about good design and how to go about achieving it. The rules really aren

brilliant insight

This book brilliantly details what is wrong with american architecture. Too often builders build what clients come up with-no matter it is a monstrosity simply because the bills are paid. Hopefully home owners will read this book and put thought into their homes, rather than going on a wing and a prayer. The before and then the photo shopped afters are masterful. bravo!!!

Don't build unless you buy this book

Fabulous book - an absolute must before you build a new home. I would love to pass this book out to many contractors in my area! My dad was a home builder and sensitive to architectural style and design. So often I see new houses being built that are the "What Not To Build" examples in the book. The authors did an incredible job of reviews, photographs, and helpful details. A must have!!

Contractors should buy this book!!!

I know half a dozen contractors whom I'd like to give this book to. I know another 6 whom I like use it to smack them up side the head. Excellent book with tons of examples and color pictures pointing out specifics of what to do and not do. Great for those thick headed people who just don't get design, aesthetics & balance.

Well Worth the Wait

This book was expected about six months ago, but I must say it was well worth the wait. It is beautifully done - as a professional graphic designer I am actually qualified to judge the book's design and format. Nice - very nice. Easy flow, easy style, straightforward and to the point. I like the way it's written, the photos are incredible, and I think your book makes a wonderful contribution to anyone considering designing a home. I love that cover - it is certainly an attention grabber. Once I realized what I was seeing I began to see more and more of the nightmare. Ah the joys of technology. I give this book a five star rating and congratulate its creators on a job very well done. I encourage anyone looking for guidance or ideas to spend a little time between the pages. Your new home will be all the better for your time and research.