Cohousing-L Mailing List: On having an oven

[Michael Donovan (editor]

>From Racheli

>I would hate not having an oven.  While I don't use it as much in the
>summer, I use it a fair amount at other times.  IMO we should allow for
>different types of people to be a part of cohousing, including those who
>like and take the time to cook, bake etc.  (Doing things *for ourselves*
>in variety of ways is a good thing, which  should be encouraged!)


I would like to second that emotion! As a member of a group still in
development, I have come to question the conventional wisdom that cohousing
units can be all things to all types because of extended commonhouse
facilities. I respect that many people may use their ovens minimally or not
at all these days, but mine is in use weekly (along with toaster over,
microwave, and stove top).

I realize that not everyone has the same needs just because we have the same
value in living in cohousing. The lifestyle differences among our members
(not to mention economic status) almost guarantees that there will be
significant differences in housing needs (beyond a set number of bedrooms).

The question I have (without the answers) is how can a cohousing group
accommodate different needs without driving up the cost of development
extravagantly? Allowing custom work does not seem to be the solution. But
having people do major remodeling a year after moving in seems wasteful.
(Whether for upgrading or downgrading.) Is it feasible (within local
building codes) to offer a "minimal" model that allows move-in capability
without having to purchase the same appliances, etc. that is chosen for all
units? Many homes are sold without appliances allowing those with existing
appliances to bring their own. I understand part of the profit for the
developer is in the appliance sales. But despite what some have suggested,
group sales on the scale of most cohousing developments won't yield the
discounts you could find at many warehouse stores or appliance centers. And,
of course, you eliminate choices. And with it, the ability to adapt to a
wider range of buyers.

Michael Donovan
Village in the City Cohousing
St. Louis MO

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