In 1.3.2 and under, you could go into a cave and just mine around, and hear creepy noises. Now, it's a bit more realistic and much better because when you go into a cave, you don't feel that creepy, and unforgiving thought that you're alone, and that nobody can help you if something happens.

You may be one of the few that have a lack of interest in bats. A lot of people like them for more reasons than they are a new mob. They add a bit of realism into minecraft. Considering real bats do live in dark caves and areas.

Well place it in peaceful. They add a bit of randomness to Minecraft, seeing as people are scared of creeper while being in a Dark Mineshaft or something, just imagine a bat flying right in your face making you jump. They also hit you but don't cause any damage.

They only spawn in dark area's as long as the windows and doors are closed, no holes in your house and the roof is lit up, then you wont have so many bats, but if they get in the way of building then put it on peaceful, if your doing it legitimately, then why do you need such a big house?

if you building a house in creative, then just go in peaceful