06/04/10 – Dallas/Fort Worth – Single Family

Posted on: April 6th, 2010 | 70 Comments

Day 77 Which House Should I Buy – Part 2 ( video )

Oakdale by Beazer Homes
Eastland by Beazer Homes

Eastland – Slow Home Test Results (JPG)

Oakdale – Slow Home Test Results (JPG)

  • MollyK

    Good morning,
    First, some housekeeping…when I open up the ‘submit comment’ section the map for Toronto appears in the SlowHome map area. Perhaps Erik should take a look. Thanks.
    On to the exercise…I’m confused as to why the Eastland study scored No…it appears on the floorplan and seems adequate. Also, why score the outdoor living in both plans No…they are small but do exist according to the site development on GoogleMaps.
    My overall view of the plans…they are both bad. The exteriors look like brick boxes and the lots are on top of eachother…no view, no privacy. With the exception of 1-4 on the SlowHome test, I disagree with John’s scoring of these floorplans. The Indoor living in both plans has circulation issues…the family room dimensions must support circulation on 3 sides making the actual furniture space smaller. I question the effective use of the “living rooms” as well. The Eastland “game room” is a glorified hallway…the dimensions include circulation to Bedroom 2 and the bathroom which are adjacent to the designated area. The Oakdale kitchen has no windows and the breakfast nook is too large, accomodating circulation path to the powder room and laundry area (which are in odd locations IMO). The Eastland kitchen breakfast nook can’t accomodate a table AND support bar stools and circulation from the door to the outside area. The bathrooms in both plans are disappointing. The Oakdale Master bath has no windows and the family bath sits at the top of the stairs which is less private for family and guests traveling to and from their bedrooms. The Eastland Master and family bath have no windows…this is not an apartment; these are 2100+ square foot homes. The garage in both plans impedes natural light into the house, blocks the view to the outdoors, and takes up valuable outdoor living space. (The only good point is that they are not on the front of the house.)
    One noticable positive is the bedroom dimensions in both plans…all are over the minimum 10 X 10 for adequate bed space.
    If I was forced to choose (and I mean forced!) I would choose the Eastland for the upstairs laundry and the study. If I was consulting with a potential buyer I would encourage them to look at where things are located in the homes since one plan doesn’t stand out over the other. Personal preferences would come into play…like laundry location, and number of rooms. Otherwise, I’d tell them to keep looking.

  • MollyK

    Just watched John’s review and have a better understanding of why he penalized the study, although I wouldn’t change my score.
    I, too, noted in my mind the gameroom placement in the Oakdale as being good, but then I saw the placement of the family bath and frowned.
    When I noted the presence of circulation issues in the floorplans, I did not visualize a circulation path in front of the windows in the Oakdale. In my mind I placed furniture there, forcing the circulation from the garage door to the right and around the furniture (towards dining room)in a U-shape pattern towards the stairs. John’s observation reveals circulation issues potentially on all 4 sides, thus reducing the usable space even further in my mind.
    One thing I (and John) neglected to mention was the garage entry which opens right into the living area in both plans. Unfortunately, in the Eastland one would have to trek across the family room with groceries to get to the kitchen. So the better arrangement (and I say that loosely) would be the garage entry in the Oakdale since it opens beside the kitchen area.

  • John Brown

    Molly K,
    We will look into the map issue this morning. We are also about to release a new look for the website that will have a better interface for the data entry.

    Good comments about the houses. I agree with the “keep looking” conclusion although I appreciate that kept going and chose one over the other.

    As you know, our goal is to have the Slow Home Test become a standard part of the real estate search process and this kind of comparison demonstrates a key way in which it would be used. Working on marginally acceptable examples is a good way to hone one’s evaluative skills and show that the Test can be useful even for less than ideal situations.

    Thanks for pointing out my omission with the garage entry in the Oakdale. That is too important to miss.

  • MollyK

    Hello John,
    Yes, I forced myself to choose because in the real world I may not have the luxury to “keep looking.” Unexpected job transfers, sudden illness of a parent/need for specialized medical care in a certain city, new job opportunity with tight time-line…all these things and more can dictate the need for a house ASAP. The test does help a buyer focus on the positives and eliminate the less-desirable house with less headache.
    I was impressed with certain features of the floorplans although I did not state many of them. I was trying to reconfigure the 2nd floor of the Oakdale in my head in hopes of moving the family bath away from the stair landing while still maintaining the integrity of the relationship between the circulation pattern and gameroom. I think it is possible but haven’t formulated anything on “paper.”

  • Mid America Mom

    Good Day!
    *
    I ran the test starting at Question 5. Oakdale scored better by one point. HOWEVER. If I had to choose I would buy the EASTLAND.
    *
    I found the circulation issues and light in the eastland family room to be slightly better. The oakdale is not 14 by 22 but really a working 11 by 14 – half of it is usable and only two windows.
    *
    I can see flexibility with the eastland study- though in a poor place. As you are probably not surprised :) I would turn that into a guest room and add a tub where that closet is.
    *
    Both plans have issues with the bedrooms. The eastland the walk ins for the smaller bedrooms are unnecessary. The oakdale most are too small and that is why I like eastland’s better.
    *
    The gameroom in the eastland is useless as that. I would make it into a library type space with bookshelves and a comfy chair, sidetable, and lamp near the window. Or place a desk with a smaller chair nearby.
    *
    The honey to do list if I was forced to buy the eastland ;) would also include:
    Add a door to the living room. Change the kitchen to a U in the same space. Under the window place a window seat/bench with storage underneath.
    *
    Will be interesting what John has to say.
    Mid America Mom

  • Mid America Mom

    Oops Oakdale bedrooms are too small (10*10).

  • Terri

    Before reading any other comments on this post, I’m putting my two cents in first.

    Both homes have major circulation issues with the positioning of the stairs in the corner of the family room and the garage entries coming directly into this room too. But I’m voting for Eastland. I know it has a major circulation problem with that garage door entering right next to the stairs, but overall, there’s a better connection to the outdoors from the main rooms (more windows anyway), which for me is paramount.

    The kitchen in Oakland has no window at all–a major sin, IMO. If Oakland were to flip the kitchen with the utility area behind it so that the utility area was next to the garage, we would have windows in the kitchen and a proper entry from the garage. Plus the kitchen would be adjacent to the dining room (as it is in Eastland).

    I like the laundry upstairs in Eastland; however, getting up there to change loads would be a real pain.

  • MollyK

    Terri,
    It never dawned on me that having the laundry upstairs meant being up there to tend to it. Wow. I’ve never had a laundry on the second floor so I’ve never been in that situation. But I don’t like its location on the first floor of Oakdale either. Hmmm…what to do?
    This new development (I mean the laundry location) is going to have an impact on my future scoring criteria. Gee, I hate bringing in yet another criteria based on a “judgement call.” I guess it is unavoidable sometimes.

  • Joti Singh

    Comment: The problem with this plan is in trying to fit 3 bedrooms and a 2 car garage all onto a single floor in a narrow lot condition. This invariably means that something is going to get stuck in the center of the plan. Here it was the kitchen, living and dining areas. So the main part of your house, the part you spend the most time, gets the least light and air. Not good. As well, the circulation route from the entries cuts right through the center of the plan. While the K/L/D space looks pretty generous in the drawing, once you put in the furniture and try to move around, suddenly there is a whole lot less room then there seemed!

    Project Name: Chisholm Ridge Villas – Lebaron

    Size: 1375 sq ft

    Project Address: 7428 Lazy Spur Blvd, Fort Worth TX

    Project URL: http://www.beazer.com/new-homes-for-sale/Dallas-TX-Chisholm-Ridge-Villas-new_home-LEBARON-134937.aspx

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Matilde

    Comment: No site plan, got the enviromental points. The entry has a fireplace in it – how quaint. In general, I like the left side of the plan – the relationship of the kitchen, breakfast and family room is good. The dining room will be seldom used since it is so cut off from the kitchen, especially since the breakfast area has a much, much better connection and proximity. You could use the dining room as a study, but then again it’d need to be enclosed for privacy. The family room is great (except for the stupid colonnade) and the door to outside is right next to the big windows. On the right side of the plan, too many rooms face the side yard. Only the master bedroom gets light while the others are for kids and they don’t deserve to have good light or ventilation right? ;) Bathroom 2 is a bit wacky all split up and narrow like that, and the master bathroom is cramped as well.

    Project Name: Remington Point – Worthington

    Size: 2014 sqft

    Project Address: 1113 Grand National Blvd, Fort Worth TX

    Project URL: http://www.plantationhomes.com/plandetail.aspx/Dallas-FortWorth/Remingtonpoint-50ft-Plantation-homesites/STND/2014

    Slow Home Test Score: 0

  • Matilde

    sorry that’s not supposed to be a zero
    I’m trying again, I’ll just copy my text.

  • Matilde

    Comment: No site plan, got the enviromental points. The entry has a fireplace in it – how quaint. In general, I like the left side of the plan – the relationship of the kitchen, breakfast and family room is good. The dining room will be seldom used since it is so cut off from the kitchen, especially since the breakfast area has a much, much better connection and proximity. You could use the dining room as a study, but then again it’d need to be enclosed for privacy. The family room is great (except for the stupid colonnade) and the door to outside is right next to the big windows. On the right side of the plan, too many rooms face the side yard. Only the master bedroom gets light while the others are for kids and they don’t deserve to have good light or ventilation right? ;) Bathroom 2 is a bit wacky all split up and narrow like that, and the master bathroom is cramped as well.

    Project Name: Remington Point – Worthington

    Size: 2014 sqft

    Project Address: 1113 Grand National Blvd, Fort Worth TX

    Project URL: http://www.plantationhomes.com/plandetail.aspx/Dallas-FortWorth/Remingtonpoint-50ft-Plantation-homesites/STND/2014

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Terri

    MollyK,
    I usually like having the laundry near to the bedrooms because 99% of the “dirty” laundry is generated from these rooms (and bathrooms are usually near bedrooms). But that means that I need one that’s right near the top of the stairs AND those stairs have to be located in a more central place for access from the main floor. In these homes we have to navigate through the family room to get there (I’m imagining being in the study or the kitchen and realizing it’s time to do the machine switch upstairs). Maybe I’d turn the Eastland’s games room into a computer space, and then I’d be fine, since it seems I’m spending quite a few hours on here everyday. ;)

    There are a lot of criteria to consider; and as John says, there’s always a trade-off for potential buyers to decide what elements matter the most. At least the Slow Home test is helping to clarify the major issues for consideration, and once you begin to dissect a plan, you begin to see the other, less obvious nuances of space planning.

  • Joti Singh

    Comment: Decent. The lack of environmental features and the poor location make this an 11 instead of a 17. My old qualms are with the entries – the back is shared with the laundry (making neither a good space), and the front goes right into the dining room. As well, the ‘game room’ is really just an enlarged stair landing without privacy or decent light, so it couldn’t be used as a study. I like the kitchen a lot and its relationship to the family room. With the door outside right there, you’d use the outside space (looks like you have to build your own deck) more often. The powder room is in a very good spot (private but accessible).

    Project Name: Vista West – Cypress VI

    Size: 2518 sq ft

    Project Address: Prairie Heights Dr, Fort Worth TX

    Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/225/ModelsAvailable/CYPVI/InteractiveFloorPlan.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Terri

    John,
    In reviewing your test results for Oakdale and Eastland, I wondered at you giving points for the garage in the Oakdale plan. I feel that it does interfere with the rest of the house, or at least the family room and kitchen. Because of it’s position, there are limited windows in the family room, and also the kitchen has no window at all (though possibly there could have been one put on the side).

    With both garages, though, their entries impact detrimentally on those family rooms. This was a major problem for me. I know it’s more expensive to separate the garage from the house, but in these cases, that would have made a huge difference (and in Dallas, I assume the weather is more moderate than in northern climes).

  • Preston

    Comment: No site plan, so there’s no way to tell what direction this plan faces. All Pulte homes are designed to be both water and energy efficient. The only thing on this plan that doesn’t really work are the entries – neither has a closet, and the back one is too small and door-swinged to leave your stuff. The doubled (tripled?) eating spaces, nook and dining, are a bit redundant, especially given the quality of the kitchen-dining relationship. I like how the study is given a great spot on the plan for light and access. The second floor has one bedroom facing the sideyard, but that’s to be expected. Good stair location. I’m not completely sure about the games room since there will be some competition between activities noise-wise, but if everyone is civil then it can work. All in all, a pretty good plan (for a house a long way away from the city).

    Project Name: Vista Meadows: Alder

    Size: 1956 sqft

    Project Address: 10404 Jaybird Dr, Fort Worth TX

    Project URL: http://www.pulte.com/templates/av/index.html?plan=../../communities/tx/fort-worth/vista-meadows/plans/av/adler

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • Elizabeth

    Slight preference for the Eastland which feels a little less stingy on the windows. They got the same score (8), but Eastland seems to work out better.

    Oakdale:
    no window in kitchen?!
    entry: is a door, period. Garage entrance lurches directly into family room.
    family rm: have to give considerable floor space over to circulation, so it’s not really clear what area is available and what any focal point might be.
    Living and dining rms: too small, plus each of these rooms get exactly the same window area as the powder rm and utility room. huh?
    staircase: inconveniently located
    breakfast nook: ok, but is that a coat closet beside the pantry? need to hang up your shirt before entering the powder room? (George Costanza?)
    2nd fl: is ok, including the game room. we have an open area here and it’s a great spot, used a lot!

    Eastland:

    Covered porch is humourously small.
    kitchen at least gets a window.
    Study gets 2 windows!
    Entry slightly better with a closet around the corner.
    Stairs better situated.
    Slightly less circulation thru family rm.
    Upstairs OK, tho I’d prefer laundry on main floor.

  • Terri

    Comment: Walkscore: 11 This development is built by a builder who advertises a Green package, which is more than just Energy Star appliances, so I gave it environmental marks, even though the driving around might negate a lot of the house’s environmental performance. No siting information offered on the site.

    For one-level living this plan is quite efficient. We don’t see an extra powder room, and the laundry is actually separate instead of being an “entry” space from the garage. We even get a foyer for the front door with the garage entry beside–not bad for 1,916 SF!

    All major rooms have good windows, though the dining areas are side views, as are the two secondary bedrooms. The master bedroom is accessed from a separate hallway off the family room, but this hall doesn’t impede with furniture layout in the family room.

    Project Name: The Bluffs–Atlas

    Size: 1,916SF

    Project Address: 8008 Plateau Dr, Ft. Worth, TX

    Project URL: http://www.plantationhomes.com/plandetail.aspx/Dallas-FortWorth/TheBluffs-50ft-Pioneer-Homesites/STND/1879

    Slow Home Test Score: 15

  • Preston

    Comment: Redeveloping area and a walkscore of 43/100, and an Energy Star home. Overall proportions are pretty good, but the layout of the house is pretty bad. I think that the most frustrating parts have to do with the unnecessary and useless duplication of spaces, and the incessant chamfering of walls (especially on floor 2). Seriously, every bedroom on floor 2 has a chamfered wall or door (worse). On the main floor there is the chamfering issue in the master bathroom, near the back entry and on the kitchen island. Why the dining and living room are separated off from the rest of the house like that is to make them seem more special – if by special you mean seldom used, and by seldom used you mean always presentable / clean, then great. But really, your guests are going to come in right? So just having these unused, but clean, front spaces really means nothing (and yet it of COURSE means something to the price!!!).

    Project Name: Fannin Farm West – Aspen X

    Size: 3230 sq ft

    Project Address: 1911 Santa Anna Dr Arlington, TX

    Project URL: http://www.meritagehomes.com/images/data/attachments/0000/3109/7090-revised_8-1-09.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Laura K

    Comment:

    Project Name: Ridegemont

    Size: 2283 sq ft

    Project Address: Wheatland Meadows, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.gehanhomes.com/floorplans/fp_ridgemont.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Laura K

    Comment:

    Project Name: Knox II

    Size: 2170 sq ft

    Project Address: Little Elm, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.gehanhomes.com/floorplans/fp_knox2.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Catherine Taney

    Comment: Another very ordinary floor plan with the same types of design errors seen time and again in Dallas. The back entry and shared laundry space is happening on all of the house plans that I have looked at. The kitchen with its double island and large appliance triangle has been seen in many other plans as well. Why can’t anyone design a large but FUNCTIONAL kitchen properly? The standard bath layouts are OK but the master ensuite is poorly planned out and therefore the house loses the bathroom points altogether. The master closet also seems really inefficient.

    Project Name: Castle Ridge Estates, Newport

    Size: 3520 sq ft

    Project Address: 3615 Carlton Court, Rockwall TX

    Project URL: http://www.firsttexashomes.com/homeplans/Castle%20Ridge%20Estates/Newport%20R

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Laura K

    Comment:

    Project Name: Mequite La Frontera

    Size: 2095

    Project Address: South Arlington, Dallas

    Project URL: http://www.gehanhomes.com/floorplans/fp_mesquiteLF.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 2

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 15/100
    I don’t trust the site plan for this development. There is no house shown on the satellite image provided by the home builder. Google map doesn’t even recognize the street address. The description of “Green Star/Green Build North Texas Home” doesn’t tell me anything about Environmental Performance. Therefore, SlowHome Test #1-3 scored NO.
    The house is very large and has circulation issues, mostly on the second floor. SlowHome #4 scored NO.
    Formal entry is behemoth, yet garage entry is good…still felt Entry should be penalized…No.
    Indoor living was a struggle but scored is Yes…family room is good size and the upstairs game room is appropriate for the size of the house (I think…). Both spaces have windows for natural light and view.
    Kitchen is supersized, which is more evident when you look at the photos…scored No.
    Bedrooms were o.k., except for master closet location. I didn’t penalize it however.
    Bathrooms…No. Master is supersized and the rest don’t have a window. The powder room is located in a small hallway which leads to bedroom 2…odd.
    Garage seemed to blend nicely with the exterior even though it is on the front of the house. Did not seem to impede on the overall flow of the floorplan.

    Project Name: Enclave in Colleyville–5704 Arbor Gate

    Size: 4292 sf

    Project Address: 5704 Arbor Gate Lane, Colleyville, TX 76034

    Project URL: http://www.caryclarkehomes.com/neighborhoods/1505710548/homes/2145942344

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Laura K

    Comment:

    Project Name: McGee

    Size: 2100 sq ft

    Project Address:

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/NEWHOMELIFESTYLES/homedetail/market-275/planid-561425

    Slow Home Test Score: 3

  • Laura K

    Comment:

    Project Name: Castle Hills Fairweather

    Size: 2264

    Project Address:

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/NEWHOMELIFESTYLES/homedetail/market-275/planid-561354

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • Andrew

    Comment: This plan is poorly organized with a lot of internal circulation and long hallways. It feels like this house will be very dark. Huge and opulent entry with no closet and the rear entry is shared with the laundry and it is too tight for both functions. The kitchen is too big and is in a circle? What is the function of that tiny island in the center of the space? The front dining room is open right to the entry and is less than ideal. The master bathroom has too much floor space and suffers from super-sizing and a bad tub on an angle.

    Project Name: Maxwell Creek–Bradbury X

    Size: 2599 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 630 Waters Edge Way, Murphy, TX

    Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/138/ModelsAvailable/D16J/InteractiveFloorPlan.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Manolo

    Comment: Really terrible. And what realism in the rendering (don’t praise the machine)!

    Project Name: Villas of Stoney Hollow–Shakespeare

    Size: 2650 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 3601 Bella Vista Drive, Plano TX

    Project URL: http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-home/9-dallas/4555-villas-of-stoney-hollow/19069-shakespeare.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Vickie

    Comment: Using the 45 degree angle a little much?!
    Again, good divide between public space and private space.

    Project Name: The Sienna in Enclave at Wyrick Estates

    Size: 2154 sq ft

    Project Address: n/a

    Project URL: http://www.davidweekleyhomes.com/Site/Images/MCs/B335DCBE55964E6A919A8475A56AEE15/MI_BCE428FD7C5F4BD0B440786FB21F55A8_ORIG.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Manolo

    Comment: This is a 3985 square foot one bedroom house on the main floor with ample wasted space and lots of bad design to go around. No site plan or environmental performance considerations for this one either. Walkscore was 15/100 for the community.

    Project Name: Villas of Stoney Hollow – Pierce

    Size: 3985 sq ft

    Project Address: 3601 Bella Vista Drive, Plano TX

    Project URL: http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-home/9-dallas/4555-villas-of-stoney-hollow/19056-pierce.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 15/100
    After further investigation, I believe that the development may not be pictured on the google map provided by the developer. It may be that what you see on Arbor Gate Lane is an old site that was torn down to build this new development. Either way I can’t tell anything about orientation or siting…not even from the photos offered with the house.
    This house has better circulation IMO…everything is on the first floor except for the game/media rooms. The kitchen and family room are the central hub from which you can access the other rooms.
    The formal entry seems more in line with the rest of the house…not so behemoth.
    Indoor living scored No…I just couldn’t believe someone needed a media room that big. It reminded me of a supersized bathroom.
    Kitchen scored No. Triangle too big and colliding geometry between breakfast bar and circulation path to back door.
    Bathrooms scored No. Supersized master bath with no window. No designated powder room for guests. They have to use Bathroom 3 which is also serves occupants of the adjacent bedroom. That doesn’t seem right when your house is 3700+ square feet.

    Project Name: Enclave in Colleyville–2400 Arbor Gate

    Size: 3733 sf

    Project Address: 2400 Arbor Gate Lane, Colleyville, TX 76034

    Project URL: http://www.caryclarkehomes.com/neighborhoods/1505710548/homes/2145942339

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Vickie

    Comment: About the bathroom – If you are in the study area, you have to go through the kitchen to get to the powder room. I find that a bit far. It is a good location from the kitchen, and for the bedrooms, but for general overall use and for guests, it seems a bit too much of a private space.

    There is no mention of environmental performances or the location of the house. Only an address for the Sales Office.

    Project Name: Newman Village/ Plaza series

    Size: 2852 sq ft.

    Project Address: n/a

    Project URL: http://www.darlinghomes.com/Newman-Village-Plaza-Series-62s/plan/0/2625

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • orangeopolis

    Comment: Sorry, you have to scroll over through the pictures to get to the floor plans at the end (Image 12/13 and 13/13). Extensive standard “Smart” (environmental) features, but you have to wonder whether living in a 4700 sq ft home on the edge of the city is a “Smart” decision in the first place. It’s like, “Pardon my conspicuous consumption, but at least it’s Green”. So no point for Environmental Performance. Good siting though. Overall a terribly sprawling floorplan curved staircase and all. “Living parlour”??? hahaha And look at the master bathroom!!! I highly doubt that given the covered porch the ‘morning room’ would get morning sunlight. The auto court makes for an awful lot of paved area that could otherwise be used as a nice outdoor space!

    Project Name: Kings Lake – 6309 Carmel Falls

    Size: 4724 sq ft

    Project Address: 6309 Carmel Falls Ct, McKinney TX

    Project URL: http://www.flagstonehomes.com/neighborhoods/kings-lake.htm#6309carmelfalls

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • Joti Singh

    Comment: This is a very large home with a large environmental footprint – in principal I do not like the plan but it scored better than I though it would because some of the design elements are not too bad. The biggest problem is organization – it is a sprawling bungalow with excessive circulation and a lot of wasted space. The kitchen is super-sized as is the ensuite. However, the bedrooms are well located either to the front or back of the home. The living and dining spaces seem to make sense. The study and laundry seem to be well laid out. The parking loses a point for having a three car garage.

    Project Name: McCreary Creek Estates – Grand Maison II

    Size: 3856 sq ft

    Project Address: 7205 Meadow Glen Dr, Allen TX

    Project URL: http://grandhomes.com/gh_comm_modeldetail.php?com=34&mod=84

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Joti Singh

    Comment: I wish I could deduct additional points for the sprawling footprint of this home and the four car garage but unfortunately the test does not allow this. This is a terrible project. Only the dining, bedroom and study score points on this plan. The back entry/ shared laundry space is so small you would think you were in an 1800 square foot home. The circular staircase is terrible and the kitchen is a choppy mess. The upper floor “bonus” space is just an oversized landing with no function. This is really a lesson in excess and what to avoid in the new world of the Slow Home.

    Project Name: McCreary Creek Estates – Grand Aspen IX

    Size: 4179 sq ft

    Project Address: 7205 Meadow Glen Dr, Allen TX

    Project URL: http://grandhomes.com/gh_comm_modeldetail.php?com=34&mod=52

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • Vickie

    Comment: this test did not post. trying again.

    Project Name: Darling Homes

    Size: 2852 sq ft.

    Project Address: n/a

    Project URL: http://www.darlinghomes.com/Newman-Village-Plaza-Series-62s/plan/0/2625

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Manolo

    Comment: The biggest concern with this plan is the dining. The breakfast nook is really big and quite formal. I don’t think you also need the dining room at the front of the house – particularly because it is so removed removed from everything. The kitchen is good – so long as you add the optional island.

    Project Name: Meadows at Daniel Farms–The Alpine

    Size: 2966 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 1453 Stoney Hills Dr, Cedar Hill TX

    Project URL: http://www.meritagehomes.com/images/data/attachments/0003/1882/2965-Buzzsaw-Standard1.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • Andrew

    Comment: My eyes are going crazy from looking at all these monster house plans! What can I do but write another terrible review of this project! Again, it is enormous at 4000 square feet but we still have a jammed up front entry and a tiny shared laundry/ back entry. The kitchen is in the middle of the plan and is a whirl-wind of circulation and a horrible layout – worth a look at the really bad appliance triangle – way too many steps between appliances. The family room is oriented to the interior of the home with that terrible corner fireplace and the upper floor family bathroom is one of the worst designs I have seen – all wrapped up behind the circular stair. All in all – a must to avoid!

    Project Name: Deerfield North–Westridge (6909)

    Size: 3996 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 4569 Firewheel Drive, Plano TX

    Project URL: http://www.meritagehomes.com/images/data/attachments/0003/1318/6909.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • orangeopolis

    Comment: What can I say – laundry scored a point here!

    JOHN/ MATTHEW – Can we nominate this as the worst project in Dallas? Please do a commentary of it on the site! I want the Slow Homers to have a look!

    I have never seen anything so bad – it is a strange, rounded, misunderstood monster of a home with so many terrible elements that I can only list my top 5 worst ones:

    5. The panhandle garage – totally useless
    4. The bulbous kitchen island – just how would you reach across to the eating bar?
    3. The side yard outdoor space – nice to be looking right at your neighbor’s home.
    2. The Romeo and Juliet balcony looking from the top loft space to the living space below – are those shutters on the inside? And notice how the kids bedrooms are reached by two separate staircases – not very efficient!
    1. And the worst design element is the rotunda at the entry – are we in Cesar’s Palace in Las Vegas or Dallas?

    Project Name: Pointe West – Santa Cruz

    Size: 3867 sq ft

    Project Address: 6501 Yellow Flower Way, Plano TX

    Project URL: http://grandhomes.com/gh_comm_modeldetail.php?com=35&mod=170

    Slow Home Test Score: 1

  • Catherine Taney

    Comment: A mixed up floor plan. No front entry space and the closet is in the middle of the house. The back door from the garage opens right into the kitchen. The dining room at the front is awkward and there is a lot of wasted space at the back of that room. The master bedroom and bedroom 3 opens into the sideyards. The only thing I really think that works are the bathrooms and the laundry.

    Project Name: Anderson Farms, The George

    Size: 1936 sq ft

    Project Address: 2615 Everton Dr, Lancaster TX

    Project URL: http://centexhomes.com/PopupFloorplan.aspx?plnid=379978&nbrid=46558&dir=Neptune_379978&file=FJ1955_fp_0.gif

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Manolo

    Comment: Wow. In Dallas the pickins’ are EASY. New Home Source (http://www.newhomesource.com/) shows, when I search under Dallas, TX, 329 communities and nearly 5000 plans. Real estate must be a booming business in The Metroplex!
    This plan: too big at 4600 sq feet so the typical excessive circulation is evident here with a massive shopping mall like indoor street. Surprisingly the living, kitchen, dining, bedrooms, study and laundry are well done in this home. The bathrooms are terrible done – the master is too large and the family bathroom is trying too hard and is really choppy. The oversized stair is an opulent waste of resources and space.

    Project Name: Austin Waters-–774 D

    Size: 4645 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 2205 Austin Waters Carrollton, TX

    Project URL: http://www.highlandhomes.com/Website.nsf/HI/237-774D.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • MollyK

    Comment: Walkscore 22/100
    This site plan/satellite image appears to be accurate and shows the house orientation as well as the deep, but narrow lot. That is truly unfortunate because with some added width the side view from the windows might be adequate. The house faces North but no information is available about Environmental Performance.
    I can’t figure out the large Media room (which I’m finding in other large houses)…do well-off Texans have theaters in their homes? I felt I couldn’t overlook the fact that the Media room is conditioned space ($$$), yet totally unnecessary for a livable house. My hands were tied…Indoor living scored No even with a family room of adequate size.
    After seeing a photo of the staircase with a window looking right onto (and I mean ONTO) the house next door I had an “Ah-Ha” moment. Any window facing the narrow side yard would have no view much less any significant light. Finally, I see what John is saying about side windows and their less than desirable view in many cases. Therefore, I scored the Bedrooms No because 2 out of 4 have only side yard windows.
    Bathrooms scored No…wasted space in Master and none of the others have windows.
    Took liberties with “Flex Room” and designated it the Study…had to give the house something.
    Laundry scored No…exterior door collides with work zone when opened.

    Project Name: Whittier Heights–517 Harmony Ln

    Size: 3963 sf

    Project Address: 517 Harmony Lane, Colleyville, TX 76034

    Project URL: http://www.caryclarkehomes.com/neighborhoods/1505710547/homes/2145942341

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Scott

    Comment: This community is very close to the center of the small town of DeSoto (nearly due south of Dallas CBD). There is too many twisting and turning corridors in this house. The gallery is a big waste of space. Why gallery – there aren’t any walls for paintings? The nook is all circulation and is the only access to the family room. The study is an odd shape and master bathroom is convoluted.

    Project Name: Silver Creek Meadows: Renaissance

    Size: 3254 sqft

    Project Address: 425 Kearsarge St, DeSoto TX

    Project URL: http://www.firsttexashomes.com/homeplans/Silver%20Creek%20Meadows/Renaissance

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Preston

    Comment: Green points, bad bad walkscore (2/100). Does a poor walkscore
    The diagonal organization basically ruins this plan right from the beginning. The circular stair is also a space killer. The kitchen, living, study, laundry, bedrooms all scored points – but reluctantly in some cases. Better than some plans I’ve looked at, but still nowhere near a Slow Home.

    Project Name: The Glen at Tribute: Westwood

    Size: 4062 sqft

    Project Address: Bankside Dr, Frisco TX

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/homedetail/market-275/planid-603598

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Manolo

    Comment: I actually thought this plan was well organized for a 4500 sq foot home – seems to all make sense – I would get rid of the round stair and clean up the plan a bit – but things seem to be in their proper spots. Meritage Green is the environmental program here (quite a few features). A couple major problems – the single car garage is accessed through the study! – I took off points for both the study and the parking as this is a really dumb plan error – the back entry shared with the laundry space is a continuous problem in these big houses. Kitchen, living and bedrooms all work to me.

    Project Name: Dominion at Indian Creek–-Mandalay (8630)

    Size: 4542 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 4141 Kickapoo, Carrollton TX

    Project URL: http://www.meritagehomes.com/images/data/attachments/0003/8011/8630.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Manolo

    Comment: At first glance, this plan looks OK, but upon inspection there are some serious problems. The organization is really bad with circulation limiting furniture placement in the living and dining spaces. The garage opens directly into the kitchen and the first thing you see from the front entry is a toilet. The bathrooms are modestly sized but have really choppy layouts and will seem smaller than they really are. The laundry room is in the best space of the house and is a missed opportunity for some better connections to some outdoor spaces.

    Project Name: Castle Hills–The Reserve Garden–Plan 502

    Size: 2687 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 2509 Sir Alexander Lane, Lewisville TX

    Project URL: http://www.amlegendhomes.com/aml_comm_floorplandetail.php?com=CastleHillsTheReserveGardenHomes&mod=Plan502

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Catherine Taney

    Comment: The side by side breakfast nook and formal dining room is really strange in this house. I also don’t like the long hallway that takes you to the family room I nthe back. The rear attached garage is good but then you walk right past the laundry machines – not good. There is also a lot of circulation upstairs and the entry into bedroom 2 is really unfortunate.

    Project Name: Millbrook, Aegean

    Size: 3444 sq ft

    Project Address: 1918 Cross Oaks, Lancaster TX

    Project URL: http://www.meritagehomes.com/images/data/attachments/0003/8418/3417.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Manolo

    Comment: This plan is a mess. The circular stair ruins the dining room and cuts into the space at the kitchen. The kitchen is at the center of the house and is really dark and badly laid out with a double island too much circulation. The bedrooms – particularly on the upper floor are awful – why give the best space in the house to the media and games rooms and put the bedrooms into the sideyard? The master walk-in-closets are accessible from the garage? What is going on here?

    Project Name: Castle Hills –North 50s–The Reagan II

    Size: 3566 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 209 Sir Brine Dr, The Colony TX

    Project URL: http://www.amlegendhomes.com/aml_comm_floorplandetail.php?com=CastleHillsNorth50s&mod=TheReaganII%28CHNorth50s%29

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Tiff

    Comment: Room by room – 3/10 (bathrooms, study, and parking)
    Walkscore 18/100.

    Project Name: Hearthstone – Monet II

    Size: 1748 sq ft

    Project Address: 502 Hearthstone Dr, Lancaster TX

    Project URL: http://www.beazer.com/new-homes-for-sale/Dallas-TX-Hearthstone-new_home-MONET_II-135435.aspx

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Tiff

    Comment: Room by room – 9/10 (points off for bad laundry)
    No site plan, no env. features, poor location (walkscore 26/100).

    Project Name: Stillwater Canyon – Monroe

    Size: 3070 sq ft

    Project Address: 105 Cold Water Dr, DeSoto TX

    Project URL: http://www.firsttexashomes.com/homeplans/Stillwater%20Canyon/Monroe

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • MollyK

    John & Matthew, (FYI)
    Just found environmental performance information on the CaryClarkeHomes developments (good energy efficiency features) which would technically add 3 points to each of the homes I’ve submitted today from this developer. Sorry, I simply got caught up in the floorplan and satellite images and forgot to check the website for an explanation of “Green Star/Green Build North Texas Home”. I don’t think the added points would make a significant difference in the livability of the home. BUT it would make a difference statistically when analyzing certain data.

  • Tiff

    Comment: Room by room – 8/10 (points off for bathrooms and entry)
    Walkscore 26/100, env. features = yes, no site plan. Well organized.

    Project Name: Elerson Ranch – Curacao

    Size: 2675 sq ft

    Project Address: 628 Twin Hills Ln DeSoto, TX

    Project URL: http://www.meritagehomes.com/builder/virtual_floorplan_viewer/7107-Curacao

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • Preston

    Comment: Toll Brothers…we saw this developer in Los Angeles. They DO have a site plan, but the majortiy of the lots are oriented E-W, not so good in the hot Dallas sun! A pure luxury developer, so the environment is not so much as a selling feature. Location is ok, but starting at $500,000 these houses are for the few and far between.
    I can barely look at this plan it is so terrible. It looks like it could have been the movie set for the old TV show “Dallas”. I don’t know what to say other than that it is a symmetrically designed, opulent, over the top home that is not part f the real world. The fact that the master bathroom is larger than the kitchen and the dining room is a two storey space in the middle of the plan say it all.

    Project Name: Chateaus of Coppell: Montpellier

    Size: 4126 sqft

    Project Address: 788-798 Armstrong Blvd, Coppell TX

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/homedetail/market-275/planid-820727

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Tiff

    Comment: Room by room – 6/10 (kitchen, beds, baths, study, laundry, parking)
    Walkscore 45/100 in small community (very close to center) so yes for that one, env. perform. features, no site plan (again). Poorly organized.

    Project Name: Summit Parks – Lakeview II

    Size: 2789 sq ft

    Project Address: 505 Shasta St, DeSoto TX

    Project URL: http://www.meritagehomes.com/builder/virtual_floorplan_viewer/7627-Lakeview_II

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • RudyM

    Comment: The front garage in this house is good. The doors face away from the front entry. My only concern is that this would require a pretty large lot. It is too bad the front entry doesn’t have a closet because it is otherwise a nice space, as is the back entry. The family room, kitchen, and breakfast nook configuration is good and I like that the study could also be incorporated into the master suite. The corner bath and window seems a bit silly given that it opens out to the driveway but…. Upstairs the bedrooms are good.

    Project Name: Stoney Creek Bentley 6006

    Size: 3607 sqft

    Project Address: 301 Waterford Ln, Sunnyvale TX

    Project URL: http://www.standardpacifichomes.com/new-homes-floor-plans/sunnyvale-dallas-stoney-creek-bentley-6006.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • RudyM

    Comment: The family room in this house has almost no windows. The covered porch between it and the master suite is only about 5 feet wide. I like the option of the study at the foront . The bedrooms and bathrooms are good, although bedroom 3 looks into the sideyard. I like the kitchen and breakfast nook. “Energy Star” Certified just like the last one.

    Project Name: Falcons Lair Fredricksburg

    Size: 1822 sqft

    Project Address: 2900 Blue Heron Dr, Mesquite TX

    Project URL: http://www.standardpacifichomes.com/new-homes-floor-plans/mesquite-dallas-falcons-lair-fredricksburg-4005.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • RudyM

    Comment: The organization of the front entry to this house is quite interesting because the door is on the side, in between the front study and dining room. The kitchen has too much floor area and will be inefficient The family room is good as is the master bedroom. The master bathroom is inefficient and the configuration of the two vanities on either side of the door is awkward. There seems to be a lot of wasted space on the second floor. “Energy Star” Certified.

    Project Name: Falcons Lair Dover 5014

    Size: 2947 sqft

    Project Address: 2900 Blue Heron Dr, Mesquite TX

    Project URL: http://www.standardpacifichomes.com/new-homes-floor-plans/mesquite-dallas-falcons-lair-dover-5014.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Manolo

    Comment: Ok, my last one for the day – whew! It is an OK idea to have a courtyard house, but this plan just does not work in so many ways. The circulation is wasteful and key spaces like the dining room and kitchen are neglected. The family room is too small for the size of the home and the bedrooms on the top floor are really typical. The master bathroom and walk in closet take up too much room and are badly planned out – the laundry room is OK but is about the size you would see in a 1800 sq foot home.

    Project Name: Arbor Manors–Munich

    Size: 4158 sqft

    Project Address: 119 West Braewood Dr, Coppell TX

    Project URL: http://www.davidweekleyhomes.com/site/Floorplan.aspx?UID=d30df261-7818-4e6b-90f7-c7c34cfbc3cf

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Braden

    Comment: I saw that Molly K already posted this one, but I thought I’d give it a go too! All you can see is the overall score, and I was wondering how it got the points.
    LEED Platinum project (the highest LEED rating) and an Energy Star partner. A community designed by architects who were selected from the region and across America. Very close to downtown Dallas.
    Well oriented, well sited. Well organized. 10/10 in the big point categories. Entry has no closet (on main or second floor once you’re up the stairs). I don’t think the deck is very usable given the shape it is. Everything else looks pretty good!

    Project Name: Urban Reserve – Cube House

    Size: 2154 sq ft

    Project Address: 19 Vanguard Way, Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.urbanreserve.net/siteManageFiles/plugins/homes_for_sale/images/1245184254_UR19%20Info%20Sheet%202008-10-30.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 18

  • Paulina

    Comment: This house is crazy. The front entry is like a townhome and the front living and dining spaces are too removed from the rest of the house. There is too much wasted circulation space on the main floor and the kitchen is really bad. The master bedroom is too big and only has windows in one small corner. The master bath is supersized in area but supersmall in terms of function. Upstairs is a colossal waste of space with a huge games room and a two storey family room.

    Project Name: Enclave @ Bluffview, Mirabella

    Size: 3488 sq ft

    Project Address: 9131 Cochran Bluff Ln, Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://grandhomes.com/gh_comm_modeldetail.php?com=6&mod=7

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Andrew

    Comment: I wish whoever designed this spent just 10 more minutes working on the plan – it could be way better. All in all, this is poor. The worst part is the living room is in the center of the house with only a side yard window. Please DO NOT put the living spaces in the center of the houses! No one likes this! The entry is also really sad.

    Project Name: Presidio Village–1540 Series

    Size: 1540 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 2121 Valley Forge Trail, Fort Worth TX

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/homedetail/market-277/planid-341273

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Andrew

    Comment: Except for the location and the environmental features, this house is a disaster. While the entry is OK, along with the kitchen and study, it is the organization of the plan that is almost worth a laugh. Look at how the master bedroom wraps around the garage and basically has no light! The side yard outdoor space does not work and ruins the rest of the layout of the home. Try putting furniture in the family room – I could not make it work at all.

    Project Name: Heritage Oaks–Cantania

    Size: 2628 sq.ft.

    Project Address: 5130 Heritage Oaks Drive, Colleyville TX

    Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/238/ModelsAvailable/CANTANIA/InteractiveFloorPlan.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Tiff

    Comment: Only points it got: beds, baths, study, and parking. A very strange plan with the living room in the middle of the house with no light or connection to the outdoors. The dining room is basically in the kitchen and the front bedroom opens right up to the front door. Really poor relationships between spaces.

    Project Name: Cielo Vista – 1280 Series

    Size: 1293 sq ft

    Project Address: 1007 Crow Ct, Grand Prairie TX

    Project URL: http://www.historymaker.com/admin/documents/1288_Web_Brochure.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Tiff

    Comment: Points for kitchen, dining, beds, laundry, parking. That’s it. This design seems really under developed. Look at the master bathroom and closet on the second floor – it is a giant room with tiny fixtures that seem lost in the space. The formal living and dining rooms are really sad – the angled staircase makes no sense and the upper floor loft is excessive in size.

    Project Name: Cielo Vista – 4000 Series

    Size: 4000 sq ft

    Project Address: 1007 Crow Ct, Grand Prairie TX

    Project URL: http://www.historymaker.com/admin/documents/4000_Web_Brochure.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • orangeopolis

    Comment: Ok ok ok. In a Bob Dylan “Theme Time Radio Hour” voice: Nuthin goes betta with a cupa coffee than a cigar-at. And nuthin would make me wanna smoke a cigar-at and drink a cupa coffee than this one. It’ll poke ya in the eyes and tell ya who’s ya daddy. So go on, drink up.

    Project Name: Desco Custom Builders – 15 Winding Lake

    Size: 5176 sq ft

    Project Address: 15 Winding Lake Dr, Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.descocustombuilders.com/15windingLake/elev.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Alejandro

    Comment: These were in Dwell magazine.
    http://www.dwell.com/articles/developer-does-dallas.html
    http://emb-arc.com/house01.html# (architects)
    A very nice, simple project. Don’t really love the view of the garage only from the street, but the interiors are nice. Love how the courtyard separates the study/guest room and bedroom from the kitchen/living/dining (more public) space – providing light and a view as well! While this is technically a semi-detached house, I still thought it was appropriate to include in our discussion on SFHs.

    Project Name: Throckmorton Prototype Housing

    Size: 1650 sq ft

    Project Address: 2712 Throckmorton St, Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/bts/archives/multifamhousing/06_prototypeInfill/images/c_lg.gif

    Slow Home Test Score: 18

  • Mid America Mom

    RudyM Newcomer to slow home? If so welcome to scoring homes, we appreciate it! If not, thank you.
    *
    Orangeopolis – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91ta0ysftW4&feature=related
    *
    Nice to see you on today Manolo.
    *
    BradW where are you these days?
    Mid America Mom

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: Small infill project by a smaller developer Urban Innovations – http://www.urbaninnovations.biz/aboutus.php. This looks to be an upscale suburbanish neighborhood with mature trees and huge lots. This lot is not that big but the back faces North with all these tall mature trees at the lot backing up.
    *
    No mention of green :( . Three bedrooms/ 9 rooms so there is alot of space everywhere. However the circulation is actually quite good as the hallways are short for such a wide and shallow plan. We see a first floor study! Front facing dining room is not huge. The master bedroom space is too large- closet- bath. Kitchen suffers from angles and the garage entry goes right into it. Upstairs bedroom 2 bath, closet, and attic entry are just strange.
    *
    Mid America Mom

    Project Name: Kessler Springs- California Mission

    Size: 3152

    Project Address: 619 KESSLER Springs DRIVE Dallas TX

    Project URL: http://www.urbaninnovations.biz/docs/Kessler_California_Mission.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • BradW

    Barbados MAM

  • BradW

    [img]barbadosslowhome1.jpg[/img]

    Since the regularly scheduled programming has been delayed here is my idea of paradise – The Sands at Paynes Bay Barbados.