Customer Reviews

Great Houses on a Budget

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This book features some fine architect designed, contemporary homes. ...but the title is very deceiving. While some of these homes may employ the use of unconvention (suposedly cheaper) materials like corrated metal siding, most of these homes have complex forms, elaborqate steel detailing, and from a construcition standpoint appear very complex.

The book offers no real strategies for building on a budget. For example, in one of the lightweight commentaries that accompany each house, the author states that the budget strategy was to use convetional wood framing! How I would love to tell my clients that I could save them big bucks by using this new, innovative strategy. Most, if not all the homes in this book appear far more expensive to construct than a typical builder's home or even a more convetional custom home.

In reality this is another one of this authors books that needed some type of cause to be published. As with all of the authors books, the homes are elegent, yet the text is superficial.

Even though the description claims that the book provides an in depth look at square footage costs, it does not. Only a few of the houses even mention the square footage and none have information about costs. This was VERY disappointing, as it seemed to be the whole point of the book. I also have to question the position of "on a budget" one house, for instance, has an exterior that is clad in raw steel. There is no mention, of course, in what this actually cost, but it would seem not be a "budget-friendly" approach. The discussion of "Keeping costs down" for each house is a short paragraph, often two sentences. The wood framing has already been mentioned by a reviewer, another favorite of mine is the ability to open the windows allowing "temperate ocean breezes" to eliminate the need for air-conditioning. There are a few interesting ideas, and the photography is quite nice, but the book does not come close to providing what it promises.

As with everything else from this author, it is just a collection of pretty pictures, with absolutely no detail on materials and construction techniques. There is a reason his books are so cheap.

Im not sure if this review is warranted since all the previous reviews touch on the same topics but I just wanted to reiterate that if you are hoping this book will provide any insight on building beautiful homes on a budget, youre in for a big let down. As an architect myself, I can tell you virtually none of these homes were designed or built with any true cost saving tactics. Structural steel framed homes with skylights, corten steel and cedar siding are by NO means "budget friendly". In fact, I wouldnt even mind if the homes displayed in the book were expensive homes, if they at least disclosed the costs. I only bought the book because the description stated it would have "square foot costs" so I could relate dollars with design intent. If you want to look at photos of some quasi-modern homes in warm temperate climates where insulation doesnt matter, this would be OK. If not, keep looking. PS, just for kicks, I love the home in Venice, CA that is built with all wide flange steel beams, clad in corten steel, has $20,000 pivoting glass patio doors, a lap pool, and a glass "bridge" spanning over the living room? SF costs? Ha!

Good photos, and some good details and ideas, that could well be developed into an expression of your own living space.

This book was very informative and has great photographic examples.

I look forward to applying them to the next house that I build.

The simplicity of the building materials breaks the boundaries of the common myths of building designs. I would live in any of these houses and find bliss.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in living wisely, environmentally friendly, and whether on a budget for building or not, one who could appreciate space and design that is well appointed.

I would also not hesitate to buy another copy to give as a gift to someone thinking of building their own home.

Look, this book is a picture book... but so are all James Grayson Trulove books. If you are not familiar with his books then you are missing out. His books are not case studies with pages of boring text. He does not teach in his books, but rather inspire. You know when you have a favorite actor and no matter what they are in you go see it... that is the type of author that Trulove is. He is constantly producing new books with great houses that can give you great new ideas. If you're expecting alot more than great pictures of great houses then get something else. But if you want to peak behind the doors of some really cool new houses then you will love this book.

I liked this book alot and refer to it often for innovative modern design in designing my own home.

I took one look and sent it back. Just didn't feel the homes in this book were places I wanted to live.