# New Construction Plans? Use Caution

- Link: https://www.oldhouseguy.com/new-construction-plans/
- Published: 2014-03-25T13:14:27-04:00
- Author: Daniel Lane

[⌊architects elevation⌉⌊architects elevation⌉[When we think of new construction 
plans many of us think of McMansions.

The word [McMansion ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/aesthetics-the-problem/#mcmansion)
has evolved to a meaning of bad tacky architectural design.

Although the trend for McMansion style has passed, popular styles for new construction
plans today lean towards a more tradition design.

If Traditional design is what you want it doesn’t mean that is what you will get.

True traditional design is based on proper proportion, harmony, balance, etc.  This
method is long gone. Elements and styles are now replaced with watered down interpretations
of what the designer assumes it  to be. The results appear like more of a cut and
paste project gone wild instead of all the elements working together. Read more 
about [aesthetics in design here ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/aesthetics).

An architect that specializes in historic preservation will use their expertise 
to create new construction plans that can be (if you want) contemporary with a traditional
feel that will be aesthetically pleasing.

## Problems Found When Reviewing Elevations for New Construction

In this case a client purchased custom architectural plans designed by an architect.
The elevations were sent to me for review.  I saw many changes that needed to be
made not only for a better appearance but some parts of the design were absolutely
ridiculous!

Here we will only focus on the simpler South Elevation of this house.

Adjustments were made to correct:

 * skinny window casings
 * absence of a window sills
 * abnormal mutant [transom window ](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transom_%28architectural%29)
   s
 * [belt course ](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belt_course) horizontal trim cutting
   through the windows
 * two conflicting windows at the top looking lost and disrupting the harmony
 * vertical boards in gable just stops for no reason.
 * a wood sided chimney

**Here you can see them both side by side and compare the difference for yourself.**

[⌊architects elevation drawing⌉⌊architects elevation drawing⌉[

Architects drawing.

[⌊corrected house elevation⌉⌊corrected house elevation⌉[

Old House Guy drawing

**Building a new house or addition? [Let us review your plans ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/old-house-renovation-restoration-additions/)
before it’s too late.**