The average square footage of a house varies from state to state. A retired couple needs less space and house square footage than a multigenerational family. Every homeowner has different needs and housing requirements, so builders work closely with customers to understand what they need from their homes.
If you’re considering a new home, you might wonder how much square footage you will need. Read on and learn how to determine the perfect size home for your needs.
Start With Some Basic Questions
Whether you are shopping for a pre-owned home or considering new construction, here are some questions to ask yourself when considering the right size house.
- How long do you plan to live here?
- Do you currently have children or plan to have children?
- Do your parents or grandparents live with you, or will you care for older family members in the future?
- Do you entertain guests or welcome houseguests who stay with you for extended periods?
The answers to these questions will help you make some decisions. If you have children, care for elderly parents, or expect frequent houseguests, it’s essential to plan for enough space, so everyone is comfortable.
Floorplans Affect How Much Square Footage You Need
Some experts suggest your home should have about 1,000 square feet per person who lives in your home. If you have five people in your family, you might wonder if you really need a 5,000 square foot home. You probably don’t.
Square footage isn’t always equal. Well-designed homes with a modern floorplan make great use of available space. By considering how people will use the rooms in your home, you can choose a plan that meets your needs with less square footage. The National Association of Home Builders suggests average room square footage calculators to help you choose a floorplan:
- Master bedroom – 300 square feet is the average square footage of a bedroom
- Other average bedrooms – 432 square feet
- Master bathroom – 154 square feet
- Kitchen – 300 square feet
- Dining room – 192 square feet
- Family (great) room – 296 square feet
- Living room – 223 square feet is the average square footage of a living room
Should You Go Big or Small?
Every size home has its own advantages. Small homes (1,000 square feet or less) cost less to heat, cool, and maintain. Large homes (4,000 square feet or more) provide plenty of living space for your family and guests. Larger homes are currently the trend among new homebuyers, but average-sized homes (around 2,5000 square feet) may be easier to sell when the time comes.
Plan Your New Home
Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to retire, start a family, or entertain guests, choosing a home with the right amount of space is essential. Knowing how much square footage you need depends on many variables, including the size of your family and your available budget. Smaller homes are easier and less expensive to maintain, but larger homes give everyone plenty of space to enjoy without feeling cramped.
If you’re ready to plan your new home, contact us today for a consultation. We’ll help you decide on the perfect style, floorplan, and budget for your needs.
