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http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9805E4DF103BF93AA3575BC0A96E958260


HOME CLINIC; Pros and Cons of Different Designs

By EDWARD R. LIPINSKI
Published: August 9, 1998

A NEW house is a major investment. All home buyers are concerned that their money will be well spent. They dread the prospect of discovering major flaws or defects after they buy and move in. The problem is that most people don't really know what to look for when buying a house.

Start by considering the style of house. It is important to understand that even though a house looks elegant, it may not fit your needs.

Ranch houses, for example, are the most popular houses in America, but they do have some drawbacks. Since the entire house is on one level, it has a larger roof area than a two-story house. The big expanse of roof allows more heat to escape in the winter and absorbs more sunlight in the summer, so heating and cooling bills can be higher than for other houses. These costs may not be excessive, however, if the attic has adequate ventilation and insulation. Also keep in mind that if you have to replace the roof, it can be a costly proposition

On the plus side, ranch houses are easy to maintain because all the rooms are on one level. Exterior painting, roof repair and gutter cleaner can be done from a step ladder. Ranch houses are a good choice for older people or those individuals who find stair climbing difficult.

Most real estate agents call any two-story house a ''colonial'' as long as both floors are the same size, with the bedrooms on the upper floor. Two-story houses are cheaper to heat and cool than large one-story houses.

Maintaining the exterior of the house can be a lot of work. You will have to raise an extension ladder to paint the upper story or clean the gutters.

Bi-level houses are essentially ranch houses raised so the basement/lower level is largely above ground. The lower level may also include a garage and storage area that, although convenient, cuts into the living space. Bi-levels are ideally suited to sloping lots, where the upper level opens directly onto the backyard.

The Cape Cod house is a one-and-a-half story structure. The top half story is the attic, which may or may not be finished. If the attic is converted into living quarters the rooms will be small because part of the sloping roof serves as the walls. These top rooms may be difficult to heat or cool if the roof is not properly insulated. Cape Cods are attractive to first-time home buyers because they are less expensive than larger houses. A large family, however, will probably feel cramped in one.

Many home buyers love the elegance of Tudor-style houses. The stucco and wood trim, leaded-glass windows, roof gables and angular chimneys create a romantic facade, but these features also make Tudors expensive. Take time to carefully inspect a low-priced Tudor that seems like an exceptional bargain. Often the stucco surfaces are made of thin layers of metal lath and cement that may deteriorate in a short time.

Most Tudors have slate roofs that are extremely durable, but the valley flashing between the many gables and dormers is not as rugged and is subject to leaks.

Today many home buyers are rediscovering the architectural beauty of older Victorian houses. The problem with many Victorians is that the plumbing and electrical installations may not be adequate to meet today's needs. Larger Victorians may be difficult to heat, especially if they are inadequately insulated. Finally, it can be expensive to match or replace the elaborate fixtures and ornamentation throughout the house if you have to make major repairs or renovations. Another problem with older period homes is that it is difficult to upgrade them with new low-maintenance materials. Tudors, for example, do not look good with vinyl siding.

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