Apparently, bigger is better when it comes to new single-family homes.
Chicago Tribune: REALTOR® Magazine Online
Despite the dwindling size of households, new homes are getting bigger and bigger — averaging 2,400 square feet in 2005, according to the National Association of Home Builders. That’s a 50 percent increase over the typical 1,600 square foot new home built in 1973.
Among other facts and trends revealed in the association's report on new homes: • One-fourth of new homes have at least three bathrooms.
• Ceilings are at least 9 to 10 feet on the first floor and upscale houses have
a standard ceiling height of 10 to 12 feet on the first floor and 9 feet on
the second floor.
• Front doors are single and wider.
• The living room in homes with less than 3,000 square feet are being replaced
by a room known as a den, parlor, retreat, library or music room. In homes
larger than 3,000 square feet, living rooms are remaining.
• Stairs are moving from the front of the house to the middle or the rear.
• Master baths have shower stalls and a compartmentalized toilet. Mid-to-upscale
homes have multiple shower heads and a tub. Upscale homes will continue to
have whirlpool tubs even though nobody ever actually uses them.
• Yards are shrinking. The American yard is expected to decline to 7,000 square
feet from today’s 9,000 square feet in the next few years.