For many production builders and homebuyers, the first concern is getting as much house as possible on a standard 60-foot-wide by 120-foot-long subdivision lot. To achieve maximum square footage, most builders simply go vertical after extending the house footprint from setback to setback. At the same time, many builders rely heavily on a few typical front elevations, distinguished only by slight variations in roof massing and detailing. To judge from what's out there, a lot of builders think the way to attract buyers is to build two-story arches with huge clerestory windows over the front entry. The Monumental Facade Unfortunately, this "house as monument" approach emphasizes visual impact at the expense of function and comfort. Is it big and impressive?
