BLUEPRINT AFFORDABLE: How to Build a Beautiful House Without Breaking the Bank

In this well-organized book, Kodis has done the home remodeler an enormous favor, presenting ingenious yet practical guidance for building economical and aesthetically pleasing houses. Using 10 sample homes from across the country, she explains why various materials and design elements illustrate the golden rule of architecture: "the precursor to affordability is simplicity." Her mantra: avoid complex shapes and angles. Starting with a 15-point checklist, Kodis shares cost-effective choices for both construction and maintenance, forever sensitive to the specific demands of location. For instance, the concerns of a property owner in California, who worries about earthquakes, are different from those of a Kansas resident, who encounters oppressive heat and cold. In addition to regional tips, Kodis (Blueprint Small ) celebrates an appreciation for natural woods and recycled building materials, such as irrigation pipes. Though she favors the less-is-more approach, she's quick to point out when an expensive option is more efficient in the long run. Each house is unique; prices range from $55 to $228 per square foot, and all are lovingly photographed. A particularly helpful addition is the inclusion of blueprints, which are shaded to indicate what the photograph is illustrating. Given Kodis's philosophy of simplicity, most of the designs are minimalist in style; what readers save on construction they can spend on decorating. (Sept.)