Just the Right Size Home

Now that we have been at home for an extended length of time, adding all-day events like distance schooling, three meals a day, working from home, and no gyms or sports – here is a question.  How big of a home do you really need?  We haven’t been able to entertain, so have you put that formal dining room and living room space to a practical use? Found out that you don’t need them at all?  Have you discovered that you REALLY need a home office where you can shut the door and concentrate? How about charging stations, or WIFI capabilities since everyone in the house is required to be on line? Do you need a kitchen that can accommodate  your sourdough starter and bread machine, science projects and store enough hand-sanitizer? Let’s not forget the peloton/gym room – I am hearing that there is a new freshman 15!


New construction homes have actually gone down in square footage by 15% in the last three years according to NAR, and the trend towards usable space is much more prevalent. Many new construction homes now have home offices, huge kitchen/dining/family room spaces but no formal living room and dining room. Homes have been updated to have big mud rooms with cubbies and charging stations. Many of my favorite builders like WB Homes or Rouse Chamberlain are building homes with a “flex” space – a fourth bedroom now can become a Grandma’s suite, or has built-ins for crafts or homework. 


April Dykman of the blog “Get Rich Slowly” proposed these questions:  

    • Lifestyle. Do you work from home and need office space? Do you travel a lot? How often do you entertain?
    • Family. Do you have children? If not, do you plan to have kids (and plan to stay in the same home)? Are there elderly relatives who live with you or might need to in the future?
    • Hobbies. Some hobbies require a bit of room, even if it’s just a sewing cabinet or a dedicated space for a piano.
    • Future goals. Do you plan to live in the house for a long time? Do you want to travel? What are your savings goals?
  • Next, measure each room that you do have and apply the answers to the above questions. For instance, do you need two sinks in the master bath, or more importantly do you even need a master bath? That requires a different search and more space when looking for a new home. Add additional square footage to rooms you use all the time if you feel like they are too small and reduce the rooms you do not use. Oddly, for most families of 3.1, this is 1800 square feet.  See how you do!!  We would be happy to find you a new home that is “Just the right Size”. Start your search at Everyhome.com