Earlier, I blogged about the trend toward smaller homes, and wondered whether the trend would last longer than our current recession -- thinking that once Americans are feeling more flush again, we'll renew our fascination with large, luxurious homes.
Signs of the trend are evident, with USA Today reporting that in the first time in a decade, the average size of a newly built single-family home has dropped: from 2,629 square feet in the second quarter of 2008 to 2,343 square feet in the fourth quarter, according to Census data.
Of course, we'd expect Americans to be purchasing smaller homes considering today's economic conditions, but according to the newspaper, experts are predicting that the trend could outlast the recession.
"This will remain a trend," USA Today quotes Gopal Ahluwalia, vice president of research for the National Association of Home Builders, as saying. He notes that as the size of the American family shrinks, we don't need large homes.
Instead of aiming to buy big, Americans will try to get the best quality home they can, USA Today says, and will focus on quality materials and smart design and use of space instead. It mentions a new book out by Sarah Susanka, an architect who supports the idea of smaller, but smarter homes. The new book, "Not So Big Remodeling," focuses on ways homeowners can improve their spaces, no matter what their size.
Meanwhile, the blog "Tuned In" reports that HGTV will premier a new show, "Bang for the Buck," on April 3. The show will focus not on homebuyers, but on homeowners looking to improve their homes while spending wisely. Tuned In has posted an HGTV press release about the show, which acknowledges that Americans are less apt to take the home-buying plunge these days or to spend big on their homes.
From the release: "In these tough economic times, many homeowners are focused on improving rather than selling their homes," said Freddy James, senior vice president of program development and production, HGTV. "New series, like 'Bang for your Buck,' equip viewers with the proper tools they need to make the right choices when looking to add value to their homes and make their living environments more enjoyable."
I applaud the trend toward smaller, better quality homes (both for its "green" implications, and I like the idea of spending less on our homes, and perhaps saving more), but I'm not buying the idea that Americans will ever truly relinquish our lust for super-sized homes. Readers: what do you think?—Lauren Baier Kim