Houses Expand as Families Shrink

Residential single-family homes have increased in square footage during the years 1950-2009, while both lot size and family size have shrunk. Between 1950 and 2009, square footage has grown by 140%. Here is how American single-family homes have expanded throughout the past 59 years:

• 1950 983 sf
• 1960 1315 sf
• 1973 1500 sf * U.S. Census begins tracking this
• 1987 1900 sf
• 2001 2300 sf
• 2006 2630 sf
• 2007 2335 sf *this indicates a decline between 2006-2007
• 2009 2716 sf

Since the U.S. Census began tracking single-family square footage in 1973, floor space is double now what it was 35 years ago, with an average increase in size of 20% yearly. Family size in 1970 was 3.14 persons per household and in 2000 had declined to 2.57. Lot sizes are also shrinking. In 1973, 23% of homes were two-stories while in 2001, it had grown to 57%, a reflection that lot size did not deter increased square footage overall.

While Baby Boomers and older adults often express a desire for one-level ranch homes, it is important to note that the majority of Centenarians reside in multi-level homes, and do not move in anticipation of immobility. Two-story homes have less roof line and perimeter to maintain, and home elevators have surpassed spa tubs as necessary amenities.

Empty-nesters are looking for energy-efficient affordable housing near services such as restaurants, sporting events, medical facilities, and recreational venues. Many are paying off their existing homes and opting for major renovations. What type of renovations should be avoided? "Trophy renovations" that do not add recoupable value (McQueen, 2010) such as granite, bamboo flooring, custom vanities, showers with "enough heads to wash a car " (B.8), kitchen expansions, and geothermal heat pumps. Instead, the experts advise spending renovation money on what is recoupable and most cost effective such as insulation, adding an attic bedroom, adding a bathroom, new windows, a new roof, and plumbing upgrades (B.8).

References:

Crowe, D. (2009, October). Shifting down. Builder. Retrieved from www.builderonline.com

Dersen, D. (2009, November). end of an era? Builder. Retrieved from www.builderonline.com

McQueen, M.P. (2010, April 3). Weekend investor- The new basics: The smartest renovations are the least visible. The Wall Street Journal, pp. B.8.

Nasar, J.L., Evans-Cowley, J.S., & Mantero, V. (2007). McMansions: The extend and regulation of super-sized houses. Journal of Urban Design, 12(3), 339-358.
doi: 10.1080/13574800701602478.

Naser, J.L., & Stamps, A.E. III (2008). Infill McMansions: Style and the psychophysics of size. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 29, 110-123. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2008.09.003.

Sullivan, J. (2009, November). Is the McMansion dead? Builder. Retrieved from
www.builderonline.com