Um before you add another element, may I kindly suggest you simplify the exterior? Having brick, stone and shakes is just too much. And then on the rear you have a 4th material?

Pick one or two materials. No more. If you choose brick or stone as one of the materials, put it only along the base of the house so it looks like the brick or stone is the foundation of the house and not like a stuck on detail.

Additionally, this is not a craftsman house so I wouldn't choose the craftsman window grids. I'd do the ones like in your upstairs window. 6 over 1.

If it were me, I'd do that pretty brick along the foundation and do clapboard around the rest of the house. Then I'd do a brightly painted door (red?) (yellow) since your other colors are dark.

As for the door? That will depend on what you do with the rest of the materials. :)

I agree, that exterior has way too much going on. It needs to be simplified before thinking about a door.

In which document can the masonry percentage requirement be found? Can you post that section, please?

And I get it if you want to cry...just get it out of your system in the privacy of your loved ones and not in front of the builder! ;)

Amber I have a meeting in 20 minutes but will work something up to make it look beautiful. There is nothing really craftsman about the house but it can be a beautiful house that looks like a more traditional house. Please don't get upset. This can be "fixed".

I say that because builders put on some touches and call it craftsman when craftsman has specific details that make it craftsman, such as wide open eaves with rafter tails, and a low to the ground feel.

But it doesn't mean your house will be ugly with a few tweaks. It won't. It will be quite lovely.

Is the masonry part of the HOA documents or is he requiring it because he wants to make more money?

Also does it need to be 70% masonry on the front or all together?

Can you post your full elevations since all elevations need to work together?

Also, why did your builder not notify you about the masonry requirement from the beginning? That should have come up when you were discussing your desire for a Craftsman home.

Is the masonry part of the HOA documents or is he requiring it because he wants to make more money?

My thoughts exactly.

HOA requires it.

Is this in a legal document?

We keep typing at the same time! ;)

Can you post the wording of that section?

BTW: I don’t know which I hate more, HOAs or HOAs.

Amber I emailed you. :)

You may want to try simplifying it some. Other wise good luck!

If you're still working on this issue post the wording of the requirement. It may be possible to meet the minimum 70% with concentrations on side and rear facades. Then you can tailor the front more to your preferred style.

I'd like the 'wood' door. We have an actual wood entry door on our north-facing house near Chicago. It will be getting refinished this summer -- not stripped, just refinished. It has weathered well for 17 years under a four foot deep enclosure. It looks like your door will face south, and it has protection too.

A great entry door can 'make' a house -- sell one, too!