The evolution of practical elements into ornament is one of the primary problems of the McMansion

Since entering into the building industry I have been frustrated by the fact that developers and their CCRs/ACCs have been controlling the way in which the builders design the exteriors of their homes, insisting on a certain percentage of stone on the front elevation or a minimum number of front facing gables or roof line changes. I understand they are trying to keep a certain standard in their communities, but instead of enforcing basic design principals and sustainable materials they enforce rules that don’t make sense.   

1. Eliminate snout nose garages. You by now probably know that snouts are one of my pet peeves. Every homeowner would rather come home to their home, not their garage!
2. Minimize the number of gables. One or two are fine, but more than that is typically too many.
3. Use color and texture rather than additional elements. Using colors and texture in horizontal bands rather than vertical strips like wallpaper.
4. Build sustainable buildings. Design houses that are timeless, that homeowners will want to maintain over time.
5. Ask yourself, “Could it work?” Use exterior materials for what they are meant to be used for and ask your self if they make sense. Could the shutters close? Using stone for window trim?
6. Vertically proportioned windows. Most windows have a ratio of 1:2 or 3:5. Single or double hung windows add more value than sliders.
7. Be consistent. Decide on one theme and use it throughout the entire exterior. Dressing up just the front elevation of the house looks and feels cheap.