While the average American household has shrunk to 2.58 people, the size of single-family homes is growing, according to a New York Times report.
This market trend is mostly being seen in new construction, where the average square footage is up to 2,687. Thirty-one percent of newly constructed homes are 3,000 square feet or more.
The NY Times, citing Census Bureau statistics, reported nearly half of new homes have 4 or more bedrooms, while more than one-third have 3 or more bathrooms.
In the mid-1980s, it was the norm for new construction homes to have 2.5 bathrooms. Now the demand dictates at least 3 baths.
Wealthy Americans are driving the new-home market and are choosing to have more space, at least 17% more space, according to the report.
Although these statistics apply to new-home construction, evidence of the trend can be seen throughout the Queen City in older neighborhoods such as Madison Park, Sedgefield and Barclay Downs.
Many of the older homes in those neighborhoods are being renovated, added onto or torn down and rebuilt to larger sizes. The original 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes are making way for the 5-bedroom, 3-bath properties.
Working and family trends have changed since the 1960s. Many people are working later into life, and it’s common for both parents to be working, some from home. A home office/workspace is a common occurrence these days as are rec spaces, home gyms and home theaters.
Whatever your reason for wanting to sprawl, builders are happy to accommodate the trend.