Pros & Cons of Owning an Eichler
For people who pay attention to architecture and home building, Eichler Homes have really made a leap in popularity. It is a natural part of the vocabulary for California home buyers in particular. There are tours of Eichler homes, books dedicated to them, fan groups, and Facebook pages. Still, is owning an Eichler home all it is cracked up to be?
It is important to note that Joseph Eichler was actually just a developer. He didn’t actually design each of the homes. That belongs to architect firms Anshen and Allen, Edmund and Jones, or Claude Oakland.
Pros
The first thing to get out of the way is that you officially have a home that thousands of other people lust over – they are that popular. Your home will look unique, which is quite a positive in a world where cookie cutter developments are taking over.
For most people, the sunlight and natural beauty that the homes highlight are the best part of them. The atriums are amazing for an entry way and can be extremely versatile. You can get private outdoor space that is quieter than usual. Of course, you can also customize them how you want, even adding a retractable roof or sealing them off.
On the inside, the sliding doors are numerous, extremely easy to use and are perfect for people with different schedules. You can also personalize how much light you want in your home.
Also on the inside, the radiant floor heating is extremely popular amongst Eichler lovers. It keeps your feet warm and doesn’t dry out the air like other types of heating do.
These homes are gorgeous and well constructed homes, they really took their time and did these right.
Cons
Most of the “cons” to owning an Eichler home have to do with keeping up the maintenance.
One of the bigger problems with the windows at least is that they let in a lot of light, which isn’t great for people who don’t work traditional hours. You have to get pretty expensive customized curtains or other ways to block the sum if the previous homeowners don’t keep them with the house (which is common).
As for those sliding doors, there are a lot of them and some people worry about safety. One specific door that most people complain about is the garage door, which does need to be replaced every so often and can be a little pricey, especially of the homeowner wants to keep the original Eichler siding look. Another thing that is pricey to fix is the post and beam construction used on the ceilings. These beams are prone to rotting and can be expensive to buy and requires a lot of work from a qualified team. The heating portion of the floors are also prone to degrading, but the heating doesn’t have to be replaced.
Some people regret not having attic space that gives insulation and storage space – you do have to lead a bit more of a minimalist lifestyle, which can be a pro or a con depending on who you are.
Finally, a lack of insulation is also extremely hard for people who are cold. The heat is easier to live with because you can get great airflow, but the cold is harder to protect yourself from. Be ready to wear sweaters.
It is important to note that each Eichler is different and there will be problems with some and fewer problems with others. As long as the home has either been well cared for or has been restored, it should be a fantastic place to spend your time. Plus, the pictures you can share on social media to make your friends jealous might just be worth it. You are living in home history!