Westchester NY Residential architect and general contractor with 30 yrs experience in residential and home remodeling in Westchester county (Bronxville, Larchmont, Briarcliff Manor, Mt. Pleasant, Armonk, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck) and Fairfield county, Ct. (Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport). Home renovations, whole house makeovers, including extensive additions, kitchens, baths, home offices, libraries, great rooms, master bedroom suites, family rooms, pool cabanas.
The Village of Scarsdale has instituted a ruling requiring any home without original plans on file with the town to have plans drawn up before a home can be sold or refinanced. Many older homes in Scarsdale were build decades ago without ever have house plans drawn up and on file with the Scarsdale building department. Owners looking to sell their properties must now have complete plans drawn up of their homes showing all pertinent details.
Sometimes when planning a renovation to an existing residence or choosing a new home, people believe that soaring spaces create a feeling of openness and grandure. But I have found that these huge spaces with extremely high ceilings lack the feeling of coziness that people innately crave. There is a sense in most people of human scale. While on paper, designs that incorporate large open indoor spaces, whether residential or commercial, have the occupant feeling somewhat lost and uncomfortable and unable to relate to their surroundings. This is especially true in a residential setting. After dealing with the pressures of daily life outside the home, most people want to come home to a comforting living space which gives a peaceful feeling. Hard surfaces and high ceilings with no architectural detailing and a perception of being out of human scale often do not provide a relaxing setting for the occupant. It is important for anyone considering a renovation or new home to remember that someone's artistic vision for your space or the latest architectural fad must translate to the homeowner's sensibilities and how they want the space to serve them.