Over the past 10 years, we have seen (at least from TIC) how homes are changing to fit what some will call "the modern family's desires". I think some of it is marketing BS, but some of it is legitimate. I don't know who coined the phrase, but one of the most popular buzzwords these days is "open space concept." We see this in the CalPac (TIC) offerings that started in 2004. Slowly things have changed. No more formal living/ dining (I'm okay with this). Huge islands with cabinets everywhere in a kitchen (okay with this too). Tech spaces and lofts are now very commonplace. So what else is going on?
The newest thing that is being compromised in new builds is the fireplace. I recall growing up, we had a traditional fireplace. My dad would actually roast sweet potatoes and chestnuts in the fireplace. Our stockings were hung on the fireplace. Now? Even in Lambert Ranch, fireplaces are "optional" and a the plan 1 model in the Field doesn't have one. 3 friends of mine have just purchased houses new houses in Irvine and NONE of them are getting a fireplace. My wife agrees in that her parents haven't used theirs in 20 years. Even in my condo, I used my fireplace all winter long. What is going on? To make things worse, code on new housing is changing. From the traditional fireplace, to the newer flip the switch, things have changed even more and I had no idea. Does everyone know that in new fireplaces, you can't open the glass? I mean, the fireplace HAS to be closed glass. How do you get heat? I received the comment "well, the glass will get hot, so you should probably get a screen." A screen for hot glass? With the new fireplace, and with homes with limited space/options, it seems as this is the growing trend.
How does everyone else feel about fireplaces? Must have? Care less? I've always felt that I HAD to have a fireplace. But with this new crap we are subject to, I'm starting to shift.
The newest thing that is being compromised in new builds is the fireplace. I recall growing up, we had a traditional fireplace. My dad would actually roast sweet potatoes and chestnuts in the fireplace. Our stockings were hung on the fireplace. Now? Even in Lambert Ranch, fireplaces are "optional" and a the plan 1 model in the Field doesn't have one. 3 friends of mine have just purchased houses new houses in Irvine and NONE of them are getting a fireplace. My wife agrees in that her parents haven't used theirs in 20 years. Even in my condo, I used my fireplace all winter long. What is going on? To make things worse, code on new housing is changing. From the traditional fireplace, to the newer flip the switch, things have changed even more and I had no idea. Does everyone know that in new fireplaces, you can't open the glass? I mean, the fireplace HAS to be closed glass. How do you get heat? I received the comment "well, the glass will get hot, so you should probably get a screen." A screen for hot glass? With the new fireplace, and with homes with limited space/options, it seems as this is the growing trend.
How does everyone else feel about fireplaces? Must have? Care less? I've always felt that I HAD to have a fireplace. But with this new crap we are subject to, I'm starting to shift.