Readers suggested a topic on post bubble housing. "Is home design going to change now? Cheaper homes built in factories and assembled at the site? Energy efficient homes smaller with fewer windows better insulation? I think there will be a backlash against all the large expensive crap built in the bubble years. Many large home builders will just go out of business anyway. Will new smarter home builders replace them?"

"In Phoenix very large 2 story homes were built with dozens of large windows facing west a very bad design in my opinion. Dark screens cover all these windows anyway so why are they designed in?"

One asks, "The elements of good energy-efficient design are basically known quantities. And some aspects are merely common sense - building to maximize natural light and prevailing air patterns, for example."

"The question is, will architects, developers and contractors utilize energy-efficient design? Will municipalities incentivize it? Will consumers seek it out?"

"Or will the Crapbox Reign Supreme?"

A reply, "Most of the new stuff priced in the slow as molasses price range of 300-600k is McStuccoShacks. Considering the spiraling cost of utilities, I see nothing but the headache ball in store for these abominations."

Anoterh question, "Would someone please tell me what is the big deal with natural light in bedrooms? Most of what happens in my bedroom is sleep and a few other bed-based activities and most of those happen at night. The only time I want a lot of light in my bedroom is when I try to make sure I'm picking out navy blue socks instead of black ones or vice versa and a small lamp on the dresser works just fine."

"Lots of windows in the bedroom is pratically a mantra on House Hunters, like it is some sort of holy grail. Now, in a living room or kitchen, fine. Windows are great (though I want enough blank walls to take all the book shelves). But NOT in the damn bedroom."

An answer, "Windows in the bedroom - many (if not all) residential building codes require one window of a certain size, in case an occupant has no other way to escape a house fire or similar emergency."

More input, "I wouldn't be surprised if we start to see a shift in local buiding traditions. For example, in the South it is common to use 2×4 studs for exterior walls. In contrast in the north (as I understand it) it is common to use 2×6 which allows for additional insulation."

"If energy costs (including especially electricity) continue to rise I could see it happening that you start to get more people building with 2×6 to save on air conditioning and heat."

"I'm curious, at what point does diminishing returns kick in on this? Is there any where they build 8 inch exterior walls to get even more R rating??"

One from Canada. "They already have factory houses outside of Toronto. Not what you would think though as manufactured housing (AKA - mobile homes) but actual proper stick built houses constructed in a temperature controlled factory right in the middle of the subdivision."

"They can work on the houses 24 hours a day inside away from the elements and when its ready roll the houses out on big trailers and drop it onto the poured basement foundation. Pretty fascinating stuff as keeps the workers happy as everything is done inside and the quality is topnotch with very quick turnaround times."

One predicts, "Almost certainly the McMansion goes away. People start buying smaller homes with less wasted space. Who needs a formal living and dining room that is used 1-2x a year? Who needs four bedrooms when 2-3 will do?"

"Smaller homes that are more efficient are the future. Applicances can use a lot of changes too, especially HVAC units that run constantly."