Will houses finally get smaller?
For years, the size of the average U.S. house has grown. But a story by Stephen Gandel on CNNMoney.com, which you can read here, says that a combination of rising fuel costs, an aging population and a growing environmental movement may result in the opposite: Our average homes may soon be getting smaller.
According to the story, the average house checked in at slightly more than 1,600 square feet in the late 1970s. That has risen to nearly 2,300 square feet today.
The CNNMoney.com story, though, posts several reasons why this may change. Baby Boomers are getting older. Their children are moving out on their own, so they don’t need as much living space. Rising fuel costs may encourage smaller homes; It takes a lot of fuel to heat those king-sized mansions.
And don’t discount the movement toward green, environmentally-friendly building. It’s hard to call a home “green” when it covers 3,000 or more square feet of living space, no matter how many energy-efficient appliances it boasts.
Personally, I find the movement toward small homes refreshing. My family and I — which just this week grew by one member, by the way — are quite happy living in a small house, one that includes about 2,100 square feet. There are only four of us, plus one dog. We have more than enough space.
What about you? Do you live in a large home? If so, are there rooms you rarely, if ever, use? If you live in a small home, do you want more living space? Could you use that extra bedroom or den? Or are you satisifed with the size of your house? Let me know. I’d be happy to hear from you.
