1. This may be my favorite Houzz thing [comment posted on last year’s list].

2. A house should not be a collection of popular features; there should be a main idea with features that support it.

3. Context is key.

4. When refining the design you have to consider the context of what criteria you gave to the architect, the context of where this house is, and what you want the end result of the design to be. That is the context that most threads on this forum disregard when commenters state their preferences for how they eat, or how they work from home.

5. Simple stands the test of time.

6. Nothing wrong with having and spending lots of money, but spending lots of money does not always result in something tasteful and handsome.

7. People spend entirely too much money self creating mediocrity and settling for builder driven poor design. People can adapt to poor design. But that doesn't make it good design!

8. Custom is not a synonym for quality. Passing a code inspection has zero to do with quality of the work being inspected. It can be terrible, and still be code compliant.

9. Good design doesn't mean high end. It just means something that works for you.

10. You'll pay more for what's important to you. That's being happy.

11. If I were going to blow the budget on something, it would be windows.

12. Toilet idea was rejected. My wife brought up a good point, there could be space competition if someone happens to be sitting down peeing while another is getting out of the shower.

13. Thread Title: 10ft ceiling - lower to 9ft for powder & Mudroom? Reply: I never look up when I am sitting on the toilet and go ... “darn, I wish this ceiling wasn't so high. I don't need it that high but I don't need it lower either”.

14. If your photo includes a toilet - please put the seat down before taking the picture.

15. Don't think of architects like other professionals. They run the gamut from "should've been an artist" to "should've been an engineer". Not all have a design flair and not all can make a building stand up.

16. Be picky about your architect - they are not created equal.

17. Just because somebody is a professional, doesn't mean you'll get great service.

18. Realize the architect will interview you as much as you will them.

19. C'mon. Fess up; an architect didn't create this.

20. That [the house plan] has a lot of similarities to an Escher drawing. Find a better architect.

21. As it is with designers, it seems there are two kinds of architects. One designs their way. The other follows the client's ever changing whims, fancies and fantasies.

22. You need an architect , a wish lust, and a budget. Reply: "a wish lust" I hope you do not mind if I use that term.

23. It's one thing to know exactly what you want and another to find what may be even better.

24. Sometimes when we become so invested in a plan, we lose perspective of how it could be better.

25. Getting stuck on any single concept, whether it be symmetry perfection or something else such as too large a wish list, can fracture a relationship between you and the arch or the arch simply gives up and gives you what you want - to the detriment of the house.

26. It [the house design] will be fine. Everyone doubts themselves at some stage of the game.

27. There are two times when you should consider taking a step back from any plan or project to get a different perspective: (1) when there is some doubt, and (2) when there is no doubt.

28. There are times that the internet is great for crowdsourcing solutions and there are times when you need local professional help.

29. It would be unwise to rely on the opinion of an internet chatroom member regarding the structural capacity of a foundation from a photo.

30. This forum is primarily intended for design advice, not cost advice. No matter where you live, it is difficult if not impossible for people on this forum to provide accurate cost information.

31. Houzz is good for tweaks, and minor suggestions, but it is no substitute for a hired architect.

32. Professionals don't waste time. Unless it's on Houzz!

33. Streetwalkers don't give freebies--I've heard. Just architects.

34. I'm not suggesting the OP accept the status quo, merely that they adopt a collaborative rather than confrontational tone when they approach the builder about the issue. Most builders want their clients to have a good experience and will work hard to remedy problems. When problems do occur, clients who are nicer to work with typically get better results.

35. Is running off to an attorney or engineer the default answer to every problem posted here? Contract, schmontract. I don't care what it says because life isn't fair. It's all about the position of strength. You either have it or you don't.

36. No attorney is going to protect you from a bad contractor. There is nothing you can put on a piece of paper that is going to stop bad actor from acting bad.

37. Being in the right is a far cry from being whole. It is easy to know you are correct and a whole lot harder to get the contractor to agree you are correct.

38. Usually a builder's problem becomes the owner's problem, blatantly or stealthily.

39. When you consider the number of components that go into the construction of a custom home and the number of individuals involved in building one, you'll understand the potential for mistakes.

40. A 24" door used to be a standard for bathrooms. Then people got bigger.

41. I think [a forumite] accurately described the Hardie Board solution using the architectural terminology "it would look stupid."

43. Design is not one of each [material] on a Chinese menu. Consistency is important.

44. The more exterior materials you use, the more important it is to get the mix right.

45. If you want to simulate a something, simulate the real thing rather than a fantasy.

46. You should be able to eliminate the doghouse dormers. They are just warts on the roof.

47. A Modern door on a traditional house looks like a crop top on your grandma.

48. But that fancy kitchen in the middle of builder grade everything else is the equivalent of the unpainted little house out in the country with a brand new Escalade sitting out front!

49. As to screen names? Worst invention is the user id of HU what the heck? ! I loathe it. Don't be HU 324678643. You can do better.

50. We often see owners on the forum who ask our advice in order to get ahead of their chosen design team. We tend to discourage that approach because we all know from extensive first hand experience that it is usually counter productive.

51. Comment: And our plans go to an architect soon Reply: You take plans to a drafter, you get plans from an architect. [emphasis mine].

52. There is a messed up mindset on these forums about ripping everything out and starting new. Posters ask “Can you help with a paint color recommendation” and then get pummeled with every imaginable issue.

53. Ahhh…. The design forum. Haven’t posted here forever and was just immediately reminded how grumpy you people tend to be.

54. I think that’s exactly what I am going to do! Start over from scratch! I do appreciate all the feedback and I feel like it was honest. Comment: You can't start over yet, no one has been overly rude.

55. The Houzz boards can be just as bad as HGTV in regards to discouraging thinking outside the box.

56. If you are looking for really genius, artistic, think outside the box advice, this is not the place. The bent of this forum is pretty mainstream and the thinking is rather traditional. But if you are looking for smart thinkers, people who know the rules, and can flag you when you are about to make a dumb mistake, this place is a gold mine.

57. Comment: I'm new to the forum, and I'm thrilled to be here with all of you! Reply: Welcome! Be forewarned browsing on here tends to become an addiction….

58. Love it when we take the time to answer and get no feedback from the OP.

59. You're kind of coming in on the end of the black-and-white farmhouse trend. This style of home is going to look dated in no time at all.

60. Developing a plan is more than finding a place where something fits.

61. Design goes past looks.

62. Details are important especially when you're trying to fool the eye.

63. Software doesn’t create skill. It just creates faster mistakes.

64. If you can't do it with graph paper, you can't do it with software. The limitation is the limitations of the user. Software cannot correct for that.

65. I add 30% to my hours estimate if the client is pregnant. Or an engineer.

66. Mistakes will cost more than a good consultant.

Delays will cost more than a good consultant.

Your time will cost more than a good consultant.

67. There is a danger in telling someone how to do their job. If you do not trust them, find someone else that you do trust.

68. Is it wrong that I am enjoying these comments as though watching a spectator sport?

69. Thank you all for the helpful and generous feedback.