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Modern homes
By GabeSemenza in Crowdsourcing
October 5, 2007

My wife, Amy, and I share a lot of passions, including the dream of one day living in a custom home that blends modern and mediterranean styles.

Something like this house.

It's a lofty goal, no doubt. But we say 'dream big.'

In the meantime, we're learning all we can about designing a home that's energy-efficient, cost-effective to build, durable, simple to maintain and especially appreciable. We're also trying to filter through all the green technologies out there, including solar technology and rainwater harvesting systems.

But we still have basic questions.

1) Is it cheaper to build two-story homes than it is to build one-story homes?

I've read in numerous places that it is cheaper to build two-story homes. Less concrete. But I've also read there are a lot of drawbacks to two-story homes. What are your thoughts?

2) Is it wiser long-term to build (I guess today it's about $100/sq. foot here in Victoria) than it is to buy a home you'd enjoy in an established neighborhood?

Again, I've read different theories in different places, but none of the advice is for this area. What do you think?

3) To get your meter turning backward, and to the point the power company pays you for the power your home generates, the pricetag is high -- really high. To cover a roof in solar panels is upwards of $45,000. Yikes. And it'd take about 20 years to recoup your investment -- at just about the time you need to replace the panels.

How long do you think it'll be until companies will sell solar systems at a price we can all afford? Am I missing something affordable and productive out there?

Just curious.