Big homes are out and small homes are in. Yes, more people are opting to build smaller homes these days. There are people building large too, but the majority of people want to downsize or build a guest house. When I say smaller homes, these are roughly 2,400 square feet and below. Why has this changed?
Big homes use to be a sign of status, size of family, or just because. Family sizes have been cut down, so there is no longer a need for that big house. Status still plays in this picture sometimes, but some people just don’t care what the others think and do what they want. I’m sure there are many other reasons people still like to build the big homes; we just don’t hear them too often.
Now looking at smaller homes, the list goes on and on. People don’t want the big home to take care of, and not to mention, the utility bills can be out of this world with a large home. Building a 2,200 square foot house and a 1,000 square foot guest house has become the new thing. With the guest house, less to pay for and maintain, when no one is in it. People also don’t like to clean a big house; they are spending more time outdoors or traveling. Therefore, why have a large home if you are not going to be in it much?
I once sold a home that the folks built after living in a motor home and traveling. Talk about compact. Try living in a motor home for awhile and designing your home. The concepts were so unique. Simple things like thicker walls to house a small pantry to built-ins that open for storage throughout the home. No halls at all. The guest closet had space to hang clothes as well as a flat area to hold a suitcase and open for your own storage. Combination of the kitchen, dining, and family is another popular item. They had this compact as well. Selecting the right furniture to accommodate each room was also very important. Wall ironing boards and dirty clothes shoots to the utility room were all added. Just picture how functional of a home you can build after living in a motor home for awhile. Amazing what you can learn to live with or without.
Will we continue to see big homes being built? Absolutely. But just know that the smaller homes are the in thing right now. The baby boomers like to conserve on materials and the environment. So we are seeing more sustainable small homes due to this as well. Various sustainable materials are being selected to build with. Living off the land, off the grid are other popular things that has become the new in way of life.
So if you see someone building a small, compact house, don’t judge them; they just might be a lot smarter than you thought!
For all Your Real Estate and Building needs or questions, call Debbie at 830-833-4249 or 713-818-6658.
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