Comments on: EXCEL HOMES’ STARTING LINEUP SERIES: THE CRAFTSMAN COTTAGE

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:09:04 +0000

I don’t like it either. Too much sq footage allocated to stairs and hallways. The bathroom and 2nd BR are way too tight. There needs to be space for the washer-drier. I don’t like having to access the utilities from outside. The kitchen with the view over the stairway thru the windows is also awkward.

By: Steven

Steven — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:04:02 +0000

We actually have five homes in this particular series right now. The other two will be featured here soon, but can be seen now on our main website in the plan section under “Starting Line Up”. As a custom builder we will revise a plan, develop a new one or use your own concept to meet your needs. Give one of our fine builders a call and they will be happy to work with you on your dream home.

By: Don M

Don M — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:35:48 +0000

I love this whole starting line up series. As I can see, there are 3 models to choose from. Is that right or is there more? Can we expect to see more designs for this series?

Also, what are the chances to making changes to these designs, such as wider doors and bigger tubs?
I am a fairly large person and a house with wider doors would be a plus. I was looking for 36″ doors. Also, I have found that standard size tubs and showers do no justice to the typical obese adult. Just recently I stayed at a hotel and still felt cruddy after showing in the morning due to the inability to turn around.

Once again, great series and can’t wait to see more.

By: John Munn

John Munn — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:46:54 +0000

The “Craftsman” Cottage floor plan is interesting but the design shows no Craftsman elements; it’s a “shoebox” modular but for the horizontal trim board between the two levels. It would make a great apartment but would serve poorly as a home for a young couple starting out and building a family or for a retired couple. A basement is customary in the Northeast and the small bedroom would best be sacrificed for a stairway down, the necessary but missing laundry and additional closet storage. More living space is necessary for hobbies/office/computer, mechanicals and possibly a guest bedroom and these could occupy a basement level. If one were to accept three level living, this would make a great vacation home design; but please don’t call it Craftsman.

Some practical considerations:

How do the windows over the stairwell get cleaned? Designers love inaccessible windows.

Inadequate storage for everyday needs: Where would a vacuum, broom, pail and cleaning supplies be stored? Coats, boots and other winter wear would not fit in the entry closet.

Bedroom not functional. The bedroom would be a challenge with a queen size bed and its closet is barely adequate for one. The actual bedroom width after subtracting for the closet would be about 12-5 x 10, leaving only enough space to walk around a queen size bed. Other than end tables, bedroom furniture would not fit in the room. The bedroom could be made much more functional by adding 2′ bump outs to the gable and side wall.

Despite the criticisms, I like the plan; it has a lot of potential for expansion, and it would make a great vacation home.

By: Steven

Steven — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:00:06 +0000

Some clarification from the architect. For many, having the bath and bedrooms on the first floor with the living space on the second may be a little unusual, but keep in mind this type of design is intended to take advantage of views from the living room. By having this space on the second floor you elevate it, increasing the opportunity for spectacular views. Additionally, the second floor was kept as open as possible; no solid walls from bathrooms or other rooms to block views. As for furniture going to the second floor, the open ceilings allow for items such as a couch to be stood on end and manipulated up the stairs. (Believe me, being the big guy with the truck I was asked to help many friends move into those upstairs apartments with stairs just like this and you can do it with a little thought.) In this particular rendering we showed the home specifically as it would be delivered. Our hope is that the builder and home owner will take the time to add those site built items like porches, planters and decks to dress the home and tie it to its environment. The placement of the trim board is a case of form follows function. This trim covers the connection between the first and second floor

By: Joey

Joey — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:26:38 +0000

So let me get this right. The bedrooms aree on the 1st floor. Kitchen and living on the 2nd. How do you expect someone to carry a couch, appliances andtable to the 2nd floor. Once you come in the front door, you will never turn a couch to get it up the steps.
Also, as a person who sleeps in the nude, getting out of bed and going to the bathroom, neighbors could see thru the Foyer windows or the glass front door.
Very differant, odd design.

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:14:50 +0000

I agree with Helena, I do not like this exterior look at all. It is way to plain!

By: Greenotter

Greenotter — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:18:20 +0000

Hello, the latest post on my blog details my feelings on all 5 of Excel’s new green \ultra-value homes.\ I include photos of each one, and make changes (using Photoshop) to show something small that would improve the design of each one. For example, on this Craftsman Cottage model, I moved the white band up about a foot, which took away the top-heavy look. It also looks better with no white band in the middle.

I like the Trailblazer, Craftsman Bungalow and the Prairie View especially. While this 2-story Craftsman Cottage might be a little plain for most people, and the inconvenience of a bathroom on the 2nd floor only, I think it adheres to the craftsman ethos of simplicity very well.

Although my blog is mainly about the Clayton i-house (I’m not associated with that company), I’m also introducing to my many readers, all the new competition in AFFORDABLE and well-made green modular homes, and I think these 5 by Excel are worth checking into for the people who live in the states where they are available.

By: Helena

Helena — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:38:39 +0000

Don’t like it at all. I don’t see anything suggesting a craftsman style, or frankly any style on the exterior. Sorry, just looks like a double high instead of a double wide.