I found the book to be quite helpful with explaining the basics of developing a well designed home. It stays away from technical issues and instead focuses on design aesthetics and making sure your plans fit on your lot, in your neighborhood, and with the way families use space. In some ways, another book - What Not To Build: Do's and Don'ts of Exterior Home Design - delves deeper into exterior design aspects than this book. But this book gives a well rounded overview of making the best use of space and $$ both inside and outside of your home.