What lessons can we learn from the Age of the McMansions?  Marianne Cusato answers this question in her book, “Get Your House Right – Architectural elements to Use & Avoid.”  The architect who designed the Katrina Cottages for the victims of Hurricane Katrina as a permanent alternative to the FEMA trailers, Cusato has a keen sense of what types of homes we might be living in during the next phase of our economy.

Standing proud along this beautifully  landscaped street, the New Economy Home offers  flexible rooms to meet the changing needs of today’s families, whether accommodating boomerang children or aging parents.  The square footage is smaller than we are used to, but so is the price tag.   Priced in the $300,000s, the home uses eco-friendly materials and offers neutral finishes.  It is designed to get the most bang for the buck in a compact, traditional style that is flexible enough to fit any family.

The first two New Economy Homes have now been completed in Warwick Grove, a community in historic Warwick, New York.  Cusato is working with Lowes to provide home plans for purchase (ranging from 300 sq ft to 1700 sq ft) and they will even deliver all materials needed to build the home to the job site.

If you take a road trip to see the house, be sure to stop for lunch at Hog Heaven on Rt. 17 in Tuxedo, New York.  This family owned restaurant has the best pulled pork sandwich ever and the folks who run it are great.  Rumor has it that they may be thinking of opening a Westchester location.  We can’t wait!

http://www.neweconomyhome.com/Site_2/New_Economy_Home_2.html

http://www.builderconcepthome2010.com/