The perfect house?
Who knows for sure whether Edgar & Liliane Kaufmann, the wealthy owners of Kaufmann’s Department Store in Pittsburgh, really believed that this amazing house known as “Falling Water” was the “perfect house”?
The home, completed in 1938, was created for them by Frank Lloyd Wright and is, by any standard, an inspiring sight as well as a remarkable feat of design and engineering.
But it’s far from perfect.
(Read more here about the amazing history of the Kaufmanns, Frank Lloyd Wright and the stupendous challenges faced by preservationists in restoring this structure which turned out to be more of a visionary work of art than an engineering masterwork.)
Here is the point: there is no perfect home. Period.
I could get all philosophical here by asserting that nothing built by man—himself an imperfect being—could ever be perfect, but there’s no need. There are better reasons.
Clients seeking a perfect home simply do themselves a significant disservice. By insisting on perfection they often bypass homes that would shelter, protect and enhance their family’s lives comfortably and proudly long into the future.
Certainly some homes are better than others. Thorough and diligent searches and evaluations need to be done in order to identify them.
But the perfect home? You are kidding yourself.
Property characteristics vs. your list of wants and/or needs (Some of which you may get…)
At the beginning of your home search you will need to create a list (preferably written) that identifies the characteristics—in order of importance to you—of your perfect home. (I know, I know—just bear with me while I unpack the idea.)
Below is a short list of major elements that merit consideration as well as examples of some choice points associated with them. (You could undoubtedly think of many more.)
- location
- city, village, town, countryside
- commuting distances
- where on the street, where in the neighborhood
- proximity to schools, parks, house of worship, shopping
- type (single family detached, condo, fee simple)
- school system
- home size
- lot size
- lot characteristics (ravine, lots of trees, zero lot line)
- home orientation on the lot
- interior configuration
- number and size of bedrooms
- number and size of baths
- kitchen size and style
- family room
- floor plan
- ceiling height
- style (1-story, 2-story, split-level)
- age
- amenities (laundry, basement, garage, fireplace)
Key To Success: Accustom yourself to the idea that you will be modifying this list-perhaps many times-with items added and items removed as well as reprioritizing. It is a healthy sign of progress towards a satisfactory conclusion to your home search.
In fact, one of the signs that clients are making meaningful progress in their search is the anxiety and frustration they experience when they realize that their perfect home comprises the kitchen from H1, the basement from H2, the yard from H3, the floor plan from H4, etc.
By engaging in this process editing and reediting their “list” they are doing the necessary intellectual—and perhaps more important—emotional work required to assure long-term satisfaction with their home choice. They are getting closer and closer the point at which they will recognize the right home when they see it.
More: Your Desire for Perfection
What do you think about the idea of a “perfect home”? Do you agree with my analysis? What would you add…or dispute? Are there other dimensions that should be addressed and weren’t? Please share your ideas.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
You’re right, the perfect home is elusive, you can’t define it, but you know it when you see it.
During our quest for a home, we saw lots and lots of houses that met our criteria, but none that were “home” until we walked into our present house. And it wasn’t home until we moved in, and made it ours.
The perfect home is where your kids feel safe and happy. It is what you make of it, the materials are but a shell, the dog hair, dust and Sharpie Marker Murals make it home.
Having said that, sometimes I wish “home” was something like the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, MN. or Falling Water (minus the engineering nightmares) But in the end, even if I’m living in my car, if it’s where I’m comfy and happy, then it’s the perfect home for me.
I agree, defining the meaning of the concept of home is very elusive indeed. I find that sometimes clients are so concerned about making a wise decision that they try to suppress input from their emotions. I encourage folks to “experience” the property as much as possible to help them get a sense of its viability as home for them.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. And please come back often.
Amy,
Your comment reminded me of a song about home written by Marcie Fink. I hope you enjoy it. http://georgeblack.com/blog/2009/06/20/home-by-cathy-fink/