Fun Quiz

Q1: What's wrong here?

A: It's good that the dishwasher is close to the sink, but....With the door open it keeps you from standing in front of half the sink, it blocks the lower corner cabinet entirely and will make it virtually impossible to reach any upper cabinets behind it in the corner.

The question was easy, huh? Let's try again.
(Ch. 14)
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Q2: This fridge looks like it is in a good location, but it's not. Why?

A: With shelves on the doors, refrigerators need to be placed where both sides can be opened all the way—almost 180º. You might be able to squeeze your gallon of ice cream into the narrow freezer on the left, but you'll be unhapy with the arrangement for as long as you own this house and this refrigerator.

A freezer-over or -under model would have a different set of problems with this corner.
(Ch. 15)

"He addresses both materials and function, which can be very
helpful for people window-shopping before they build or remodel."
—Backhome Magazine, Jan/Feb 2005
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Q3: What could be wrong with this drop-in sink? It's solid, it's attractive, and it looks modern.

A: The sink is fine; it's the "drop-in" part that could be objectionable. Builders like them because they are easy to install. But that high lip means that cleaning up the countertop and wiping debris into the disposal is more inconvenient.

On a laminate counter you may have no option but it shouldn't be on a nice tile counter like this. (Ch. 13)

"He's written Better Houses, Better Living to help people think through those myriad details before they buy, build, or remodel."
—Akron Ohio Beacon Journal, Sept. 11, 2004
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Q4: These vanity-top basins are all the rage in upscale houses, particularly in guest bathrooms. Ever wonder why you don't often see them in the master bedroom?

A: Home designers and interior decorators love to include "style statements" like this basin in rooms where guests will be able to admire them, and the day-to-day inconveniences will be of less concern to the homeowner. If you do your own cleaning, imagine wiping the counter behind and underneath this bowl.

And they're less frequently seen in the master bathroom because that's a more functional place. (Ch. 19)

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Q5: Welcome to my front door, and everything inside, too! Do you see the security risk in this entry?

A: Not only does the large amount of clear glass invite unwanted attention, but it's relatively easy to break, reach in, unlock the door and go right in. (Ch. 9)

"Book helps home buyers avoid some common problems."
—Atlanta Constitution Journal, Nov. 20, 2004
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Q6: You answered the earlier question that showed a dishwasher opening across the sink. So what's wrong with this one?

A: It seems we're never satisfied. This one is too far away. It is almost as inconvenient as the other one that was in the corner. (Ch. 14)

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Q7: You need to use the facility. So what's the procedure with this arrangement?

A:
1. Open the door
2. Sidle in alongside the toilet to make room.
3. Now close the door.
4. Do your thing.
5. Sidle in along side the toilet again to make room so you can
6. Open the door

It's what we call a "sidle toilet." It's small and it's not user-friendly (even the airlines don't make you do this). (Ch. 19)

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Q8: Why is the door missing from the doorway (see the exposed hinges)?

A: The current homeowners obviously discovered the design flaw already; namely, that the door to this walk-in closet had to be closed in order to get at clothing behind the door. (Ch. 20)

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Q9: Here's a common design problem, especially when the laundry area is in the corridor between the garage and the rest of the house.

"Honey, I'm home!"

A: Ouch! If you are like us, you can almost feel the door opening and banging into someone leaning over the washing machine. Note that front loaders won't help a bit.
(Ch. 22)

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Q10: Do you see the problem here with the lights on the front of this house?

A: Well, that depends. If the lights are just supposed to light the porch, OK. But if someone is looking for house numbers at night, this simply won't do it.
(Ch. 23)

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