Less is more

A recent article in Parade Magazine made me think about just how much is needed when we do an additon or renovation. Their basic point was that the recent recession has made us more conservative financially but more to the point, looking harder at the value of what we do and have. The contrast is easy, of course, and almost cliche'd: pre-recession= big cars, larger homes, pulling money out of thin air via rising housing values. Post-recession= more careful spending (duh!) and looking more at function and rationality.

Looking back at the past couple of years, I have certainly had to do with a lot less. I bring this to the table with projects now, sort of an existential paring knife. Two possible projects make me think of this. One is the expansion of an attic dormer across a ranch house for more useful space. Another time this would have been ripe for a new 2nd floor. This time we realized the existing space is actually really interesting, and the value of the structural machinations, new windows, flooring, systems, etc, for a dormer could be worth it. Still, the big question to be asked, are you staying or not? Sort of like a car. You spend a rediculous amount of money for something that only wears out. No future value, but considerable present value. In a house, you can get both, but the break-even point should be if you will get to use it, because you won't get your money back as an investment.

The other project is an in-law suite. The folks are helping support one of the mothers-in-law, and realized it would not only save money for her to move in, but would bring her closer to her grand kids, and as a bonus, be a valuable addition to the house, one that any family could use. There is always a yin and yang, of course. The design must give both parties autonomy as well as proximity, but in a healthy household, the value is both present and long-term.

The priorities should be quality of life, I think. That is best helped by good design that may include expensive things, but at a minimum must include opportunities for the special moments in life.