Americans like things big, and I’m not just talking about our French Fries, Slushies, or Big Gulps. I’m talking about our homes. Now, recent research by the economics department of the National Association of Home Builder’s supports this opinion as well.
Thirty years ago, homes were small and the average household size was larger. Today, an average of 2.57 people live in approx. 2,400 sq. ft. Since 1973, the average new home has increased in size by about 50 percent. In 1973, the typical new home had 1,660 sq. ft. and only 12% had three or more baths. Today, about 25% of all homes have at least three bathrooms.
Gopal Ahluwalia, research specialist in the National Association of Home Builder’s, believes future homes will reflect two basic influences–an aging population and an increasing number of minority buyers, specifically Asians, Hispanics and African-Americans who will purchase approximately 30 percent of all homes sold.
Other highlights of the NAHB study include the layout of a typical home in 2015:
Houses will be between 2,300-2,500 sq. ft. in 2015.
Ceiling heights are expected to be 9 to 10 feet on the first floor while upscale homes will have a standard ceiling of at least 10 feet on the first floor and a 9-foot standard ceiling on the second floor.
Front doors will be single and wider.
The living room will disappear and change function in homes of less than 3,000 square feet and will be replaced by a den, parlor, retreat, library or music room. Living rooms will remain in homes larger than 3,000 square feet.
Stairs, which often are in the front of the home, will move to the middle or rear of the house.
The master bedroom will have two walk-in closets and have areas of specific use (sleep, dress, sit, work).
Yards will shrink. Now averaging 9,000 square feet, the yard is expected to decline to 7,000 or 8,000 square feet in the next few years.
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