key takeaways
- Statement architectural features, such as large windows and spiral stairs, are impractical for daily life.
- The attached porches, additions, and guest houses cannot have zoning permits, and are expensive to remove.
- Indoor planters and popcorn roofs are often hiding water damage and structural issues.
Even though there is no such thing as a picture-permanent house, the statement element and attractive ad-on place can feel suddenly more elevated and attractive, especially as a potential buyer.
But Whether they are modern And on-trends or indifferent and retro, some architectural home features are not really what they seem; These are the experts who ask to look out during your thoughts.
Meet experts
- Miles Smith The home design software company Graphisoft has an architect and solution manager.
- Patrica cunningham Is an architect, and a co-founder of the design-bed firm C&C partners.
- Philip J. Kansalvo PJCarchitecture is the founder and prominent architect.
Spiral stairs
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Although show-stopping sculptural features such as Spiral stairs Catching the eyes while visiting potential homes, architect Miles Smith says that prioritizing accessibility and day-to-day use on appearance is important.
“The spiral stairs add drama to any place, but are practically more aesthetics,” Smith says. “They can be strange and insecure to navigate, especially for children and big adults – and if you do not want to carry the full weight of laundry for stairs, the house may not be for you.”
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Windows from floor to roof
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Nothing seems to have a step in a ditch in a house Natural light During a view, but our architecture professionals say that the reality of the entire windows makes an expensive monthly bills in the reality of the walls, and the potential fading on furniture and decorations.
“An important factor to keep in mind is that the windows reduce the insulating properties of the large structure, possibly leading Higher utility bill In hot summer and cold winter, “Smith says.
You are not only giving external temperatures, however, you are also giving subtle into elements.
Architect Patrick Cunningham says, “Many of us want to bring as much light and scenes as possible, however, with it, very strong sunlight comes.” “If you have a custom couch or artwork directly in that line of the sun, Damage to those items Can be expensive. ,
Attached porch and balcony
Andreas von einsiedel / getty pictures
Attached porch, There may be courtyard, and balconies seem Like an ideal place for hosting a year, but they are not always made with perfect permissions or zoning permits. This can cause an expensive and disappointing situation after move-in.
Architect Philip Kansalvo says, “We have seen the porch or balconies attached to the owners of the new house become a major headache, as they were originally added without proper approval.” “If a house is considered an ‘overbuult’, the structure may need to be removed, resulting in unexpected demolition and repair costs, a fine of the possible city, and the loss of the location you may have used.”
Guest House, Extension and Annexes
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The attached porch, like the courtyard and external structures – are often made without permission – especially in older houses.
If you are prepared by a property with an additional, guest house, or annex, make sure that Check its blueprint And see if all zoning permits are in order; If you are considering any idea, then give it even big priority Remodelles or renovation,
“Sometimes, people fall in love with the converted garage or secondary structure built on the back property line,” Cunningham says. “But while remodeling a prominent remodel in most courts, you have to bring everything Code toAs a result, one can say goodbye to the small pool house that you liked very much. ,
Popcorn roof
Trigger Photo/ ISTock/ Getty Image Plus
According to Kansalvo, Popcorn roof Not just one Old house facilityThey are also a major architectural red flag and can cover severely severe structural issues or decades -old damage.
The “spray-on texture ‘was super popular from the50s to the 90s because it was an easy, inexpensive way to hide flaws,” he says. “If you see one today, it often hides cracks, uneven joints, or moisture stains.”
Indoor planters
Mary Martin / Getty Images
Bring out for one Nature-induced house The increase in the last few years, and indoor planters – a retro feature popular in the 70s – initially a great way to bend in this trend.
But Cunningham warned that they could actually be a secret source of moisture damage.
“Indoor planters were very popular once, but could indicate compromised waterproofing,” they say. “We would recommend checking any spread of mold and water before deciding to keep them.”
