Think Before You Tear Down That House

I know homes are getting razed, here, there, and everywhere.

As if that weren’t sad and wasteful enough, the replacements are usually big, boring boxes built with the cheapest materials.

There’s a great article in The New York Times by Emily Badger. In it, she explains the economics behind replacing starter homes with big expensive “McMansions”.  

But now, the houses getting razed aren’t just starter homes. Sometimes they’re lavish. Just not lavish enough.

I love remodels, architecture, and design and I appreciate “good taste”.

I get it (you rich, lucky, homeowners, you).

It’s your house, do what you want.

But mansions are often impractical, cold, and lonely.

And museum-mansions are impeccably curated, impractical, cold, and lonely.

What are you going to do in your bigger, fancier box anyway?

Are you sure that’s what you really want?

Will it make you deliriously happy?

Will it support you on those days when you feel like you’re going to die?

Or will all that square footage make you feel more alone?

Remember,

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”¹

Check your priorities. Is your head on straight?

Good.

Because if you’re calling in the wrecking ball, I sure do hope it makes you happy.

Thanks for reading,

HouseRat Zero

P.S. If you haven’t seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, I’m envious and you should go watch it immediately.