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5 dumbest renovation fads

A remodeling trend may look good on paper, but it may not make your home more livable - or more valuable. These five alternatives from Money Magazine will.

Porches: The right way
The porch (in blue on the floor plan) doesn't dominate the view from the living room but sits off the corner of the house, allowing light and air to flow indoors.
Porches: The right way
Rooms such as the living room and dining room often have the best views.

Rather than obstruct that with a porch, why not place the outdoor space to the side, as shown in the floor plan above, along an otherwise viewless hallway or kitchen?

It may take a little creative thinking to make the roof scapes work, but hey, that's why there are architects.

The Payoff:

How much more you should expect to spend to pay for an architect to put your porch in the right place: 15% (compared with slapping it on your house's front).
Great Room Craze Great rooms - the right way Kitchens on steroids Kitchens - the right way Gaudy garages Garages: The right way Porches in the wrong place Porches: The right way Built-in lighting Lighting: The right way
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