The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live

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Summary: The Extremely Expensive Not SO Big House.
Review: Not a practical book for someone on a budget. This book is still for someone with lots of time and money to spend on a home design. However, the book is a great reference for someone w/ the time and money to spend on a home design. Just be prepared to spend more than thought w/ this as a reference. My advice for budget minded home builders, look elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Title should be "the expensive not so big house"
Review: I made a list of my favorite ideas from this book, and I took that list to our builder. What I learned is that the author has told us how to build a wonderful small house -- but the kinds of details and materials she advocates will produce a small house that costs as much as a large one! I still agree in principle with the idea of building great smaller homes, but this book is only for those who have lots of money to spend.

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Summary: Nice, but most of the "not so big" still seems huge.
Review: The illustrations are beautiful, and the idea is interesting, but when she called a 2300 square foot house not very big, I had to laugh -- I'm trying to figure out how I can make my 1200 square foot house work better for this family of three (and more planned). I see her basic points, but even her "not-so-big" houses are in the fantasy realm for someone of our income.

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Summary: This book validates the construction of modest homes.
Review: My husband and I designed and are currently building our own 1700 sq foot (rectangular) 4 bdrm home for our family of five. We were mid way through construction when I came across this book. The book validated and exemplified what we have felt all along; simple design, best use of space, energy efficiency, all incorporated into a comfortable, homey, living space. However, the authors talked the talk in building modest homes but the pictures certainly didn't match the simple features espoused in print. To the budget minded, middle class, or owner builder, the pictures showed a lot of extras that would negate the purpose of building a-- Not So Big House--which typically means spending --Not So Much Money! May I suggest the next book in the series, "The Not So Big, Affordable, House"

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Summary: If you are wanting to build or remodel, start here.
Review: When I first bought this book, I found that it articulated extremely well similar ideas I have been suggesting to my own clients. As an architect, I began suggesting this book to those who wanted to build a new home. Soon, new clients were coming to me for initial consultation with this book already in their hands, often dog-eared and full of Post-it-Notes. It joins "House" by Tracy Kidder and "A Pattern Language" by Christopher Alexander, et.al. as among the books people should read when considering a new home.

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Summary: A Must-Read for those who want a new home
Review: When I first bought this book, it validated the kinds of ideas I have been suggesting to my clients. As an architect, I began suggesting this book to prospective clients. Soon, new clients were coming to me for initial consultation with this book in their hands, often dog-eared and full of Post-it-Notes. It joins "House" by Tracy Kidder and "A Pattern Language" by Christopher Alexander, et.al. as among the books people should read when considering a new home.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for anyone in the market for a new house.
Review: Grab this book and read the text carefully. Don't just glance at the great photos. It is an excellent guide for anyone who is trying to figure out what they want in a house to make it a personally perfect retreat from the world! It has changed the way I look at rooms and spaces. Interesting and helpful exercises enable the reader to understand and design his/her unique space. This would also be a good book for someone who lives in a small house and dreams about moving to a "starter palace" in the suburbs. Excellent concepts to ponder.

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Summary: READ the text also!
Review: Don't just look at the pictures, READ the book! The text is just as good as the pictures! Realtors and developers `(natural dislike) love to tout "square footage". This book shows what skilled craftsmen can build for people with intelligence. I like the common sense approach to really analyzing what your needs and expectations are in a house. The real shame is the lack of respect trained trades-people receive in parts of this country. I took advantage of the good Mid-West (MN-early 70s) vocational school system after my military tour. On moving to Southern California, I quickly realized that my special carpentry skills were not needed or wanted by the local market. I then finished a Bachelor's degree and went into const. management. This book made me dust off my Stanley (hand saw) mitre box, "real" framing square, and start tearing out painted wood and drywall in my house to make it a real "home". A must have for the home library!!

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Summary: Quality over Quantity
Review: Sarah Susanka's book put into words how my husband and I felt when we were looking to purchase a home. The homes available left us uninspired and cold. "The Not So Big House" emphasizes quality over quantity.

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Summary: It's good to rethink our "bigger is better" orientation.
Review: I'm all for advocating the beauty and practicality of smaller spaces. We no longer need to be ashamed that we can't afford a huge house, but proud of our ability to get along with less and infuse it with efficiency. Who wants to spend all that time maintaining a mansion?? Not me. Congrats to Sarah for putting forth the logic and appeal of the appropriate rather than the excessive. In the same vein, read "A Home for the Soul" by Anthony Lawlor, another inspiring voice.