10.01.08

Cost vs Value

Posted in architecture at 6:31 pm by Administrator

It is clear that the value of well designed and detail driven residential projects are a hot button for architects and designers. Recently an Editorial in Residential Architect by S. Claire Conroy (September/October 2008 editorial, “a disservice to the house.”) touched on the subject and the response was immense. Check out the article and the response.

This subject is close to my heart and I was impressed with this comment:

“Building cheaply is not the same as building economically. Brain power focused on good design will usually uncover an economical way to build something with design integrity.” (Ed Rahme, Architect of Kennett Square, Pa.) Well stated Mr. Rahme!

When we let the general immediate perceived cost of something override the specific value in the component parts and combined whole, we leave a legacy of despair. It is possible to build economically without being cheap. We can and must do better than leaving a legacy of homes that are built cheap regardless of the price paid. Large or small budgets can produce cheap, legacy poor homes. Homes need to encompass purpose, a reason that is recognizable, an identity that has design integrity. For example, we have been building homes that meet the minimum code for insulation values. Yet, they are placed on a lot with no thought of sun orientation and rooms are created that are miserable to live in. A failure in or to design well is invested in a home that we mortgage for thirty years over and over again, leaving a legacy of despair.

The “Home Makeover” bus simply cannot remodel and rebuild all of the housing in America. It will take a change in what we will accept as typical housing. We need an increased desire to be part of the Makeover Team rather than be the muddle it up, run to the bank and leave the problems for the next occupant, individual. Home sales should not be categorized with used car sales.

When the housing market works through its woes. Let’s consider how the market will re-emerge. Let’s not miss the opportunity to demand more efficient homes in energy and budget, more robust homes in integrity and value. This is different than a balance sheet on cost and an inflated appraisal. Building a home is a social act that affects individuals, communities, nations and OUR world.

Firm, functional, delightful homes and housing is the American Dream that comes from work, integrity and our entrepreneurial spirit.
Architectural Design and Cabinet is about this work and this dream.

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