Chapter 11 “Conflicting Ideas”

October 6, 2009 | Posted by Mister P

                They stopped off at Barnes & Noble on the way back and picked up some home magazines to gather ideas from. Lisa found a book on timber framing, too. At home, John dug out the rough sketches they had from before, got out some paper and placed the stack of magazines and books on the table.

                They decided to each draw some houses and compare them later. John picked up the timber framing book, a collection of old style timber houses along with other structures. He browsed through it, trying to rate the different styles that stood out to him. There were so many nice options with timber framing. He was in awe over the way it looked! Timber framing had a strong look. It gave the homes a very comforting and secure feel. And each home had a unique style all its own.

                John began drawing. They didn’t need a very large house; two stories would be plenty, he thought. A stout, rustic timber framed entrance was crucial, a two car garage, of course, and maybe a shop.

                Lisa was busy redrawing hers again. She was going to make the best looking house! Timber framing was something they had both agreed on long ago but they needed to come up with a specific cost-friendly design. Keeping the budget in check was their first priority! Finally satisfied with her 3^rd drawing, she put down her pen.

                John was intently drawing yet another sketch, this one quite different from the first three. He still did not have a clear picture of exactly what he wanted, so he was experimenting with completely different styles and looks. After finishing the fourth sketch, he gathered them up and said, “Well, do you have some good ideas?”

                “I had several, but I’ve narrowed them down to one drawing.” answered Lisa.

                “I’ve got four drawings that I like. They are very different from one another and I can’t decide between them. Let’s lay out all five drawings and compare them.”

They cleared space and laid the sketches out. They stood back and looked over the drawings and noticed one detail that stood out immediately. All of John’s drawings showed a two-story house whereas Lisa’s perfect house was only one story.

                “Two stories?” Lisa asked.

                “Of course, I’ve always wanted a two-story house. I never liked ranch style houses very well.”

                “But that’s my favorite style!” contended Lisa. “It’s not like we need another story and besides, a one story would cheaper.”

                John wasn’t agreeing. Ranch style just didn’t provide the look he was after. He imagined a unique prestigious look and a ranch just didn’t offer that. It might cost more to build a two story but they could cut corners elsewhere. It would still be the same square footage, just two stories instead of one.

                Lisa was not impressed with this kind of argument. “I thought we had agreed on a ranch house earlier,” she said, pouting a bit.

                “I don’t know what you’re talking about. We never agreed on that. You must’ve misunderstood. Ranch houses just don’t have the exclusive look that I like. I want our house to be unique and contemporary.”

                “How can you say what makes a house unique? There’s so many more multi-story houses than spread out ranch styles,” argued Lisa.

                “The unique part will be in the timber framing, not that it’s a two story. But a ranch isn’t as classy or exciting – it’s too simple and neutral. I want a stylish modern house.”

                “A ranch is sensible.” Lisa added. “We have to save money where we can.”

                “I can see we’re not getting anywhere on this. It looks like we need to think about it some more. Why don’t we start Step 3 of the Master Method?”

                Lisa grinned. “Let’s do it! I might as well write because my handwriting is much more legible than yours.”

What is the major benefit of Step 3?

More tomorrow…

Mister P

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