Size Matters – What Square Footage is Right for You?
When you are looking to purchase or build a new home, it is easy to let excitement take over. Everyone has a long list of features they would love to include in their new home – from gourmet kitchens to master bathrooms, now is the time to determine what is important to you.
One of the decisions to be made is how much square footage you would like in your new place.
If you are working with a custom builder to design your home, here are some considerations as to choosing which size is right for you.
Determining the Right Square Footage
- Begin by considering the size of your current residence. It is important not only to know the total square footage, but the size of each individual room. The design of the floor plan will make a difference when determining necessary square footage.
A 2,500 square foot home with an open floor plan often seems bigger than a 3,000 square foot home with many walls.
- If you do not have a blueprint or plan which outlines your current square footage, simply use a tape measure. In square or rectangular rooms, simply multiply the total of two walls.
For rooms with alcoves or hallways, divide the room into sections and add together for total room size. Keep a list of all room sizes, as well as the total square footage of all “under air” space.
- While you are measuring, also take note of the measurements of any furniture which you may be bringing with you. Be sure that your furniture will fit comfortably in your footprint.
- When you are planning your new home, think about the way you live now. For instance, if you need a larger kitchen and living space, be sure to include in the custom home design.
If you need to cut some square footage from the total, do so from rooms which are not as important to your daily life.
- Your total cost to build your home will depend on many factors (such as finishes and materials) but is often expressed as price per square foot. If you are exceeding your budget, consider making less important rooms smaller.
According to a 2016 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average single family home in the United States is 2,466 square feet.
Your needs may be for more or less space. Whether a retiree looking to downsize, a family hoping for a room for each child, or an entrepreneur who needs an office or studio – everyone’s ideal floor plan will be personal and unique.
Therefore the goal should not necessarily be to concentrate on the amount of footage you build, but the design, style, and functionality.
When you engage an architect or hire a new home builder, first relate those things you must have – 4 bedrooms, an office, or a great room with vaulted ceilings – as well as the total budget you have to spend.
Once the non-negotiables are designed, the square footage will begin to fall into place.
In general, when moving into a new home, you will know if you need more or less space. Having measurements, knowing your needs, and relating your vision will help the sarasota general contractors at Lindahl Construction to design a space which is perfect for you.
We have been designing custom homes for Sarasota residents for years – so no matter the size of the home, we are your hometown builder.