Picture an established neighbourhood with big leafy trees, starry night skies, winding sidewalks and one-story ranchers and bungalows. Children ride their bicycles on quiet streets, and neighbours wave hello to each other. A "Sold" sign is posted in front of a charming rambler that's painted chocolate brown with crisp white trim and has wind chimes swinging by the front door. Neighbours wonder who the new owner will be, and whether they'll be a good fit in the community.
Everything is normal until one morning the sound of bulldozers comes barreling through. The quaint little rambler is demolished, much to the horror of neighbours watching from their living room windows. What's replacing the character home is a 3,000 square feet, two-story behemoth that towers over the landscape.
Commonly referred to as Monster Houses or McMansions, these real estate giants are classified as houses that are disproportionately large for their lots and surrounding neighbourhoods. Looking like they belong on acreage somewhere, these homes leave very little room for gardens and lawns, and they cast an imposing shadow on the street below.
Opponents say that Monster Houses obstruct views, inhibit light, and disrupt the architectural flow of the area. They believe that these homes should not be allowed in established areas because of the upheaval and resentment they cause among the residents.
Neighbours who wake up to find these mansions built next door are often offended by the idea that someone would erect such an anomaly in the community. Many feel that these properties smack of greed and wealth, and are disrespectful to the existing homeowners. Older homes look shabby and shrunken next to these Monster Houses, while the mansion itself becomes the focal point of the street.
There are also those who are angry ทาวน์โฮมมือสอง about the fact that as environmental concerns are mounting, these Starter Castles are being built with little regard to their carbon footprint. Even with eco-friendly modifications in place, the sheer size of these homes requires a great deal of materials to build. This is not to mention the energy required to tear down the existing property before building can even begin.
Many residents believe that Monster Houses don't belong in their area. They say that just because the homeowner wants to live in a traditional neighbourhood doesn't mean that they should be allowed to plunk down their monstrosity wherever they want. Owners of these houses should have to consult with the local community prior to construction in order to get their feedback and to address their concerns.
Advocates of Monster Homes believe that these properties are in fact beneficial to the communities they're located in. They bolster property values throughout the neighbourhood and invigorate the local economy via property taxes. They see McMansions as an example of smart growth, and that in the long run, their presence will be beneficial to everyone.
Others argue that no one should be able to dictate the size or style of someone else's home if it's on private property. This debate is of course nothing new, as Home owner's Associations around the country have rules and regulations of their own in regards to exterior modifications and decor.
The question that comes to mind in all this is: should a person be allowed to build a home in a neighbourhood where it doesn't fit in? Among homeowners, the answer to this is highly subjective and the debate can create an atmosphere of resentment. In some cities, it's up to neighbourhood associations and city officials to decide what the community landscape should look like, while keeping in mind things like neighbourhood integrity, environmental impact, and economic viability. While extra tax dollars are a nice thing for a city, enmity among neighbours is always bad for business.
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