Why You Should Build Smaller
The reasons why we believe you should build smaller may surprise you. They’re not environmental related or cost related. It’s not because we think people should live simpler and have less. And it’s not because we don’t have kids, don’t entertain or don’t need multi-generational space for day to day living. Read on to learn why building smaller can positively impact how you feel about your home.
WHY BUILD SMALLER
We think you should build “smaller” to put more of your build budget towards finishes that make your house a home and not simply space that you inhabit. Trading space for design details will give you the home you’ve probably envisioned but have never achieved, either because you couldn’t find it, you couldn’t afford it, or nobody ever designed it for you.
Between the two of us, Andy and I have owned 12 different homes ranging in size from 820 square feet to 3,000 square feet. The homes that were most efficient, functional, interesting and appealing were all “smaller” in today’s standards. I lived in the 820 square foot home for 8 years - the longest I’ve lived anywhere! Out of the 12 homes, only two of those homes had designs and space that really appealed to us.
Today’s tendency in home building (at least in the United States) is to use words like “big”, “grand”, “large”, and “spacious” to represent “beautiful”, or “nice” space. Often, however, these larger spaces are flat, cold and uninteresting. They don’t provide the comfort we’re seeking from one of life’s biggest investments.
THE “OPEN CONCEPT”
A very common design in today’s home building is the “open concept” floor plan. This typically means the living room, kitchen and dining are combined into one large room with little definition or organization to each area. These rooms often have high ceilings with no variation in ceiling height adding further to a flat, generic look. We’re led to believe that this design is appealing because it’s “open” when in fact it can be uninteresting, noisy, provides little privacy and requires that more money be spent on furniture to organize and consume the space. Instead, why not take that money and put it towards built-ins or architectural detail that will add interest and style to your home for years to come?
Below is an example of what we mean by “open concept.” The space shown below is 750 square feet. It has a few nice features, such as large windows, a coffered ceiling and wall niches but at the end of the day there is very little interest, architectural detail, definition or organization to the space.
Open concept floorplan with limited details; 750 square feet
Open concept floorplan with limited details; 750 square feet
In contrast, the image below depicts the same space reduced to 521 square feet with architectural details and room definition added. The room is still “open” but each area is defined to provide interest, style and privacy. In reality, this space becomes much more efficient and enjoyable to inhabit because it brings a sense of organization, shelter and coziness that is often lacking in today’s “open” floor plans.
Open floorplan with architectural details; 521 square feet
Open floorplan with architectural details, 521 square feet
HOW SMALL IS “SMALLER?”
“Smaller” is simply smaller than what you’re probably living in today. It means don’t be afraid to downsize for fear you won’t have enough “space” to live in comfortably. We usually recommend reducing your current square footage by 1/4 to 1/3 depending upon your situation. The empty nester might find it easier to eliminate 1/3 of their current square footage depending upon what they’re currently living in, while someone with one or two kids might reduce it by 1/4. The goal is to reduce it enough to put those same budget dollars into the details and finishes that better defines how you want to live.
KEEP THE SAME BUILD BUDGET
If you already have an idea of what you’ll spend on a new build, you’ll want to keep the same budget if you decide to build smaller. Keeping the same build budget while reducing your square footage will allow you to put more of your investment into the details that really matter in a home. This can be done without losing the livability that many of us are concerned about in a smaller home. And instead of having “big”, “beautiful” space, you’ll have the “WOW” space you’ve always dreamed of.
If you’re considering building “smaller” let us know! We know downsizing can be a challenge and we’re here to help you make it an exciting and very worthwhile journey!