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We’re pretty sure about one thing—nobody was born an architect. It takes years of study and practice to become an expert in the art, history, and engineering of the built world. Yet, some think that designing a house from the ground up is a task they can do themselves.

Even if we agree that architecture is subjective, sometimes there’s no denying the flaws people make. In fact, some home designs turned out so wrong, they’ve made their way into the You Should Have Hired An Architect Facebook group, which is showing why not hiring a professional is a mistake.

From weirdly shaped roofs to open concept toilets, take a look at some of the pictures we have collected from the group and make sure to upvote the most bizarre ones!

Also, scroll down for our interview with Allison Beer McKenzie, the admin of this Facebook group, where we talk about the errors people make when designing a home themselves and the benefits of hiring an expert.

#1

Challenging Physics, Mathematics, Gravity, Engineering, Space, Time, Nasa, Einstein And The Holy Spirit!

Challenging Physics, Mathematics, Gravity, Engineering, Space, Time, Nasa, Einstein And The Holy Spirit!

Gaurav Joshi Report

#2

Nope. I Am, However, Impressed That Someone Took This Photo Without Being In It

Nope. I Am, However, Impressed That Someone Took This Photo Without Being In It

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

In just a few months, the group has attracted more than 31.2K members who share some of the weirdest design fails every single day. According to the group’s description, much of the built environment in the United States is not designed by architects. 

“This group is dedicated to examples of why that is a bad idea with occasional examples of why buildings designed by architects may be superior for variety.”

Bored Panda reached out to the admin, Allison Beer McKenzie, who is an architect and the director of sustainability at SHP Leading Design in Cincinnati, Ohio. She explained that there are mainly two reasons why many people choose to forgo hiring an architect. 

#3

Home Of Brave

Home Of Brave

Adrián Navarro Report

#4

It Looks Like Someone Couldn't Stop Adding Floors

It Looks Like Someone Couldn't Stop Adding Floors

Marina Butkina Report

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rumade
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is amazing, I would totally live here. Looks like the exterior spiral staircase is an add on for fire safety

Trex
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The stories this building could tell. I'm in love.

Nimitz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

50/50 that place has been subdivided into 12 different units

Annie Bieber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah the good old days when it was okay to "Keep" elderly relatives in the attic 😶

John Baker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't care for the log cabin on the roof, but the rest is fine.

Octavia Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does this actually have a view of anything? The panorama could be breathtaking at that height. Here's hoping the outdoor spiral staircase is a safety feature and not the only way to the top.

Thorsten M. Weisner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think this one is a disaster! I would like to live there! It look like it could move and talk!

Samantha Lomb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least they have a fire escape. This is Eastern Europe somewhere and they often ignore safety regs.

Teresa Taylor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this. It's probably one of those properties that you pay taxes on the amount of land the dwelling occupies. You can have a 10 floor bldg with each floor having 500 sq ft and pay less taxes than a 1000 sq ft 2 floor building.

Blondieybat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Building permits! We don’t need no stinking permits!

Stephen Watkins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you Minecraft build isn't quite right and you're not sure what is missing so you just keep building

Mary
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wayy back sometime, a husband built his wife a castle. Except for that they couldn’t have the children they wanted so desperately to fill the house with youthful spirits. Hubby felt like such a failure (he was a General Practitioner in the community) and after years of drinking booze, feeling worthless, he jumped from the highest story of the house-not sure which one was the highest at that time but anyway, he left a sweet, faithful middle aged wife whose lived in the house until she passed away peacefully.

wist_the_goblin (they/he)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

floor after floor, we don't know what's in store, another floor, then a floor, then a floooooor

Fawminaj
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn, I left my keys in the attic again...wow my calves are so toned after 1 day of living here

Kathleen Hart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope that outside staircase isn't the only access to the top floors because trying to maneuver those outside steps in the snow & ice could be deadly.

kaela rae
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'don't you think this is enough, sharon?' 'no, no, we need MORE floors. where else will I put my cat's gymnasium???'

Shelly Graham
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have a house here that's a double wide trailer which sure atop 3 stories, the bottom being a garage which is unusable because the structure has sunk leaving a 3 foot ledge to get in or out! They also surrounded themselves with a fence fashioned to look like giant pineapple's

Jb Dean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You’d think they’d have thought to put in an elevator. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Rebecca Gichuki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you've read Keys to the Kingdom, this is a great depiction of The House.

Marie Miller-Rodriguez
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a cake from one of those baking shoes that juuuuuuust didn’t turn out the way they planned…

Mari Bryant
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this house is great, but the very top level looks like someone just set it down. I'm not a fan of how it overhangs. I wonder if it's even attached?? 🤔

Jennifer Hughes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you only have a very small parcel of land, but want a large house.

Wesley Lucas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like one of those houses you see in a cartoon or kid's movie, somewhere a quirky family might live!

Druth Vlodovic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like you can see a story of the rise and fall of someone's fortune from bottom to top. Industrial convert, fancy, Disney fancy, home is the woods, broken down shack.

Kaioz Fields
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Willey Wonka's Boston getaway home!! (Cant spell it the correct way... It's censored)

Droopsnoot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exvept the ugly orange-ish curtain, it looks awesome! Looks like so.ething from emily the strange

Jeaneen Nguyen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone said "I need more passive income, let's add another level"

Johnny Quan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Makes me think a bit of that video game, What Remains of Edith Finch.

Bobby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When kids expanding families, without leaving the house.

Hannah Kirtley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

some places u only pay tax on the ground the house sits on (i think) so building UP is cheaper then building OUT

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“One is definitely that they are cost-conscious or think they can’t afford an architect. The other, I believe, is they don’t know about or appreciate the value that an architect can bring to their house design,” she explained. 

McKenzie continued: “This value can certainly include beautiful design but can also include things like a house that fits seamlessly onto the site it is on and is ideally designed for the climate it’s being built on.”

#5

This Is So Atrocious That I Just Realized There Are Two Dogs In The Front Yard

This Is So Atrocious That I Just Realized There Are Two Dogs In The Front Yard

Alexis Rabinowitz Report

#6

Future Er Visit

Future Er Visit

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

Whether it’s creating a poor design, going way over the budget, or not meeting the current codes and standards, there are plenty of ways people can make errors without expert guidance. 

The architect thinks that many of the mistakes people make when designing homes themselves “stem from the fact that most people have trouble thinking in three dimensions without training in how to do so. This often leads to houses with weird proportions or awkward connections between materials and elements.”

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#7

What Should We Do With All This Space? More Toilets!

What Should We Do With All This Space? More Toilets!

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#8

Lack Of Alignment

Lack Of Alignment

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

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McKenzie admits that some houses that are designed without the help of architects turn out fine. “However, building a house is probably the biggest investment you ever make and is going to require you to make hundreds of decisions in a condensed amount of time,” she said. 

“Having an architect at your side to guide you through decisions ranging from where the house sits on the lot, to room size and location, to what color grout you want for your bathroom floor can help ensure that you end up with a result you love and maintain your sanity!”

#9

Accident Waiting To Happen

Accident Waiting To Happen

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#10

Murder Vibes

Murder Vibes

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

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#11

Boob Lights

Boob Lights

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#12

My Ocd Is Having A Breakdown

My Ocd Is Having A Breakdown

Jonathan D Schultz Ala Report

According to architect Bill Whittaker, hiring a professional might seem like an unnecessary expense for your building project. Yet, an expert can bring quality, professional design, and project management to “help you complete a beautiful building on budget and schedule.”

He provides several reasons why you should hire an architect instead of tackling challenges all by yourself. First, when it comes to the design, they help your house to have a consistent flow and comfort.

#13

Huh. Never Seen A Commercial Toilet Partition In A Single Family Home Before

Huh. Never Seen A Commercial Toilet Partition In A Single Family Home Before

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#14

Figured You Guys Would Get A Kick Out Of It

Figured You Guys Would Get A Kick Out Of It

Amarie Phoenix Report

#15

Such A Welcoming Front Door. This Gets Worse The Longer I Look At It

Such A Welcoming Front Door. This Gets Worse The Longer I Look At It

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

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“An architect provides a professional design that takes the client’s preferences into account, along with building codes, and good design practices to create the best possible space for your project.”

Next, experts can efficiently manage a construction site and “ensure that everything is being completed according to the current codes and standards.” The same goes for the budget. It’s easy to get distracted and spend extra on things you don’t actually need or to cover up the mistakes you made.

#16

Bathroom Carpet

Bathroom Carpet

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#17

Eeeek! But Whyyyyy

Eeeek! But Whyyyyy

Samantha James Report

#18

Hope Your Guests Are Observant

Hope Your Guests Are Observant

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

“Architects help keep communication clear and can steer the project in the right direction to keep costs where they are originally projected,” Whittaker explained. 

Still, if you’re really determined to self-design your home, you should consider starting out small. Plan and build a treehouse or a shed, or maybe a dollhouse for the kids. And if you notice that there are some blunders you make along the way, you should probably reach out to an architect for your bigger future projects.

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#19

New Construction In Dallas. "Interesting" Roof

New Construction In Dallas. "Interesting" Roof

Gary Johnson Report

#20

World's Smallest Island

World's Smallest Island

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#21

Solitary Stove

Solitary Stove

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#22

Too Many Turrets

Too Many Turrets

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#23

Multitasking Too Hard

Multitasking Too Hard

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#24

This....

This....

Roberta Bray-Enhus Report

#25

Open Concept Toilet

Open Concept Toilet

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

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#26

Kitchen Tub

Kitchen Tub

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#27

Wtf Is Up With That Railing?

Wtf Is Up With That Railing?

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#28

Addition? What Addition?

Addition? What Addition?

Chandin Geihsler Report

#29

This Is A Luxury Hotel In My City (São Paulo, Brazil)

This Is A Luxury Hotel In My City (São Paulo, Brazil)

When it was built, everybody was like “ooooh, what an AMAZING piece of architecture!!!!”. It’s supposed to look like a ship, but all I can see is a rotten slice of watermelon. A boyfriend at the time, who was an architect, called me crazy for saying it’s ugly. Am I? It’s called Hotel Unique in case anyone wants to look up and see how weird the rooms look. They have a window between the bed and the bathroom. As for me, I can only see pictures, because it’s insanely expensive to stay there

Mariana Marinovic Report

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#30

Universal Design At Its Finest

Universal Design At Its Finest

Marney Lindsay Report

#31

Silly Shutters

Silly Shutters

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#32

Glad This Is The Back

Glad This Is The Back

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#33

Driving Down The Street In The Very Fashionable And Pricy West Loop Of Chicago. I Literally Had To Stop Dead In My Tracks To Comprehend And Then Photograph This. So Very Much Wrong

Driving Down The Street In The Very Fashionable And Pricy West Loop Of Chicago. I Literally Had To Stop Dead In My Tracks To Comprehend And Then Photograph This. So Very Much Wrong

Helen Tsatsos Report

#34

I Have To Give Them Credit For Utilizing All Of Those Awkward Spaces

I Have To Give Them Credit For Utilizing All Of Those Awkward Spaces

www.facebook.com Report

#35

The Next Evolution Of Barn Doors Looks Captivating

The Next Evolution Of Barn Doors Looks Captivating

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#36

A Man's Boat Is His Castle!

A Man's Boat Is His Castle!

Douglas S Heckrotte Report

#37

This Isn't Ideal

This Isn't Ideal

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

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#38

The Only Way This Could Be Worse, I Think, Is If There Was A Sleeping Tawny-Colored Cat Right On The Middle Step

The Only Way This Could Be Worse, I Think, Is If There Was A Sleeping Tawny-Colored Cat Right On The Middle Step

Samantha James Report

#39

Cult Vibes

Cult Vibes

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#40

I Feel Like The Mason Had A Bad Day Near The Beginning

I Feel Like The Mason Had A Bad Day Near The Beginning

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#41

If You’re Going To Insist On A Classical Column Wrap, At Least Align The Capital Correctly

If You’re Going To Insist On A Classical Column Wrap, At Least Align The Capital Correctly

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#42

Neck Pain And A Head Injury Anyone?

Neck Pain And A Head Injury Anyone?

Virginia Lee Report

#43

Summoning Infinity

Summoning Infinity

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#44

Elevation Challenged

Elevation Challenged

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#45

It Might Be A Cyclops

It Might Be A Cyclops

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

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#46

Listed For $1 Million In Austin, Texas (This Is The Front)

Listed For $1 Million In Austin, Texas (This Is The Front)

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#47

This Is A House In Tuscaloosa, Al. It's Near The Uofa Campus, I Assume They Had A Small Lot And Wanted Cram As Many College Kids On It As Possible

This Is A House In Tuscaloosa, Al. It's Near The Uofa Campus, I Assume They Had A Small Lot And Wanted Cram As Many College Kids On It As Possible

Anna Blackmon Report

#48

Or At Least Someone Who Wasn't Drunk!

Or At Least Someone Who Wasn't Drunk!

I don't mind the painted brick (it's very common in charming old houses in northern Germany - although they tend to be bright white, rather than purple) but the chimney isn't an eye pleaser. Maybe they wanted to draw the attention off it with the crooked porch? They definitely succeeded in that!

Nini Stefanie Report

#49

Tub On Wheels

Tub On Wheels

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#50

Architects In Philly

Architects In Philly

Van Whit Report

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#51

I Just… I… I Have No Words

I Just… I… I Have No Words

Noémie Bergeron Report

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#52

Windows Not Included

Windows Not Included

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#53

Niche Nightmare

Niche Nightmare

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#54

I Think Someone Had A Few Too Many Ideas. Pro Tip: Pick A Few And Make Them Good

I Think Someone Had A Few Too Many Ideas. Pro Tip: Pick A Few And Make Them Good

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#55

Arch-Apalooza

Arch-Apalooza

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#56

Whatever This Is

Whatever This Is

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#57

What, Exactly, Are You Supposed To Do With That Bizarre Space Behind The Tub?

What, Exactly, Are You Supposed To Do With That Bizarre Space Behind The Tub?

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#58

I Adore The Juxtaposition Of The Welcome Sign And The Barred Windows And Door

I Adore The Juxtaposition Of The Welcome Sign And The Barred Windows And Door

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#59

Ran Out Of Room

Ran Out Of Room

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

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#60

Performance Platform

Performance Platform

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#61

Thank Goodness The Kitchen Ceiling Looks Like A Wagon Wheel To Tie Everything Together

Thank Goodness The Kitchen Ceiling Looks Like A Wagon Wheel To Tie Everything Together

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#62

Conjoined Gables

Conjoined Gables

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#63

Clearly “Less Is More” Was Not The Theory Here

Clearly “Less Is More” Was Not The Theory Here

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#64

Is It Just Me, Or Does This Have A Face?

Is It Just Me, Or Does This Have A Face?

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#65

Cruise Ship Vibes

Cruise Ship Vibes

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#66

You Get A Niche! And You Get A Niche! Everybody Gets A Niche!

You Get A Niche! And You Get A Niche! Everybody Gets A Niche!

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#67

So Many Barn Doors

So Many Barn Doors

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

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#68

Batchroom Stairs

Batchroom Stairs

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#69

Mannequins

Mannequins

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#70

I’m Assuming This Is The Proposed Set For The Newest Dystopian TV Series

I’m Assuming This Is The Proposed Set For The Newest Dystopian TV Series

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#71

The Way The Front Turret Roof Meets The Main Roof Is Criminal

The Way The Front Turret Roof Meets The Main Roof Is Criminal

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#72

Not Sure I Would Want The Room Above That Chimney

Not Sure I Would Want The Room Above That Chimney

Mark B. Law Report

#73

I Want An Island In The Kitchen That Really Stands Out. -Say No More

I Want An Island In The Kitchen That Really Stands Out. -Say No More

Rebecca Hurst Report

#74

Very Versailles

Very Versailles

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#75

Kitchen Work Zigzag

Kitchen Work Zigzag

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

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#76

Lots Going On Here. Not Much Of It Is Good

Lots Going On Here. Not Much Of It Is Good

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#77

What Do You Think Is In The Protuberances?

What Do You Think Is In The Protuberances?

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#78

The Whole Space Is Bad, But For Me The Light Fixtures Are The Most Ridiculous

The Whole Space Is Bad, But For Me The Light Fixtures Are The Most Ridiculous

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#79

Sad Thing Is, They Did Hire One

Sad Thing Is, They Did Hire One

Ian Beyer Report

#80

I Can’t Help But Think That This House Is Having An Identity Crisis

I Can’t Help But Think That This House Is Having An Identity Crisis

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#81

If You’re Going To Design For The Zombie Apocalypse That’s A Weird Garage Door Choice

If You’re Going To Design For The Zombie Apocalypse That’s A Weird Garage Door Choice

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#82

Double Decker Colums

Double Decker Colums

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#83

Lick And Stick "Stone"

Lick And Stick "Stone"

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

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#84

Clumsy Columns

Clumsy Columns

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#85

Ugh. At Least Make The Dormers And Downspouts Symmetrical

Ugh. At Least Make The Dormers And Downspouts Symmetrical

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

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#86

There’s Potentially A Situation Where A Shipping Container House Could Work (Though I Can’t Think Of One). This Is Definitely Not It, However

There’s Potentially A Situation Where A Shipping Container House Could Work (Though I Can’t Think Of One). This Is Definitely Not It, However

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#87

Can't Find The Center

Can't Find The Center

youshouldhavehiredanarchitect Report

#88

Just Had To Have That Extra Three Feet Of Countertop And Cabinets

Just Had To Have That Extra Three Feet Of Countertop And Cabinets

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#89

I Feel Like This House Has A Place In This Group

I Feel Like This House Has A Place In This Group

Jake Schoo Report

#90

For Just Under 2.6m, You Could Take A Relaxing Bath With Your Head Resting Comfortably Next To The Commode In This Custom Waterfront New Construction Home

For Just Under 2.6m, You Could Take A Relaxing Bath With Your Head Resting Comfortably Next To The Commode In This Custom Waterfront New Construction Home

Anna Gilbert Report

#91

Pocket Doors Are A Crime. Pocket Doors On A Water Closet Without A Lock Gets You A Helicopter Ride

Pocket Doors Are A Crime. Pocket Doors On A Water Closet Without A Lock Gets You A Helicopter Ride

John Walker Report

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#92

"Stone"

"Stone"

Allison Beer McKenzie Report

#93

This Kitchen Has Clearly Been Sent To The Corner For A Timeout

This Kitchen Has Clearly Been Sent To The Corner For A Timeout

Allison Beer McKenzie Report