The Incredible Shrinking Home

Published on by Lauren Busser

There is a new trend in new house plans.  With a changing economic climate, plus environmental concern the size of new American homes has started to decline.  After being in an uphill trend for three decades the last five years have started a slow decline with the size of the average home shrinking by five percent.

This narrow house plan was the first place winner in the 2012 ENERGY STAR House Plan competition. With everything you want in a home, you won’t be disappointed in this house plan. The lovely foyer complete with decorative niche and low walls flows into a living dining room. This space ties together the family room, kitchen, and nook in a new way and allows for natural light. Among other amenities this home features Therma-Tru®, Wolf® and Sub-Zero® technology.

In 1973 the size of the average American home was 1,160 square feet. In 2007, the average size of the American house plan grew 40 percent to 2,521 square feet. In 2010, the average square footage of a new home was 2,392 square feet.  The average size of the American home is expected to shrink another 10 percent by 2015.

Not only is new home construction leading towards smaller homes but demand for these homes in increasing. A third of American homebuyers said that they preferred a home under 2,200 square feet and 28 percent of Americans ages 55 to 59 would prefer a smaller home.

At 1,868 square feet this classic cottage house plan,is the perfect way to downsize and yet live upscale. This house plan was specifically designed to be efficient and economical but have the luxurious amenities that one would expect to find in a larger home.

Why are homes getting smaller? Well trends point to smaller lots being sold.  In 2011, 22 percent of design firms reported a decrease in lot size.  Then there is also the environmentally conscious side.  Weighing things like how many trees have to be cleared and how much the average energy cost is for a smaller home all make small homes favorable.

So if you are searching for a house plan and are a little worried about square footage, take a moment and look at the benefits of living smaller and your fears will be put at ease. You can even browse the small house plan collection at Direct from the Designers. All the house plans in this collection are less than 2,000 square feet and come in a variety of styles. You are sure to find a house plan that fits your needs.