Cape Cod renovations - what not to do (even more)

A bad (really bad) late 1990's remodel. The thin vertical windows are so bad that they almost prevent you from noticing that hideous addition.

Cape Code renovations - what not to do (yet again)

WTF were they thinking? A super-hideous pseudo Dutch Colonial roof added .... for what? Was it just so they could add that skylight? There isn't enough room for a second story, so this makes no sense at all.

Pictures from vacation

Mrs. E and I spent part of our vacation in Palm Springs, so here are a few photos of houses in the neighborhood near our hotel. The neighborhood ("Deepwell") looks like it was mostly developed in the 1940's and 1950's, and most of the houses are mid-century ramblers. I bet many of them started out looking like the one below.

Now, onto the renovations.

Adding some privacy at the front of the house is a pretty common renovation in this neighborhood. The first one below is a pretty basic example. Most of the renovations emphasize the long, low lines of the original architecture. This one exemplifies that as well.

Raise your hand if you think the fake Babylonian sculpture makes the house look classier. I didn't think so, either. Otherwise, a nice exterior.

.

Below are three well-done renovations, keeping with the character of the house and not going (too far) overboard. The angled rooflines are a nice touch.

Everything below is well-done. I bet keeping that grass green is pretty expensive. But they can probably afford it - most of the houses in this neighborhood are worth $500,000 to a million.

This one is also well done. The classic mid-century modern roofline is terrific.

Cape Code renovations - what not to do (again)

Siding done wrong

If you're going to renovate a Cape Code, just slapping on some wooden shingles and clapboards isn't going to do it.

You should also change the window trim to complete the transformation.

...and done right

Cape Cod renovations - a coat of paint (part II)

Here's another Cape Cod that doesn't appear to have much done to it aside from a coat of paint and a small front deck, but it too makes me smile every time I walk by.

Great job!

Mrs. E's favorite house

This is Mrs. E's favorite house

I like it as well. I love the color choice. I just wish they'd get around to finishing the front steps.

3 April - on vacation

Mrs. E and I are on vacation. We'll be back in three weeks or so.