- The average size of American homes is estimated to be 2,000 square feet.
- Expanding a home could be the solution when outgrowing storage, needing more room for children, or accommodating elderly parents or in-laws.
- Consider a home’s existing layout and budget when planning an expansion.
- Have a home office and create storage solutions for efficient use of space.
Living in your current family home may be comfortable for now, but there comes a time when your home starts to feel too small for your family. Expanding your home could be the solution if you’ve run out of storage space or need more room for the children to play. However, knowing when to make the move can be challenging. Here’s what you need to know about the average size of American homes, reasons why you might want to expand your home, and options you can do so today.
Average Size of American Homes
It’s estimated that the average size of American homes has increased to a staggering 2,400 square feet. This figure averages all housing types, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. While this may sound like a lot for some people, some homes in the country can be small.
For example, in New York, homes can be as small as 1,400 square feet, with some only around 500 to 900 square feet. Usually, these homes can’t be enough for a family of three or four (the average size of families in the country).
Reasons Why You Might Want to Expand Your Home
There are several reasons why you may need to expand your home. Here are some of them:
Smaller Living Space
If you find it challenging to move around freely in your home without bumping into chairs, tables, or other pieces of furniture, then it’s a clear sign that you’ve outgrown your living space. Additionally, additional family members or pets make it harder to find adequate sleeping or lounging positions. In this situation, expanding your home provides more living space, allowing your family to enjoy the freedom of increased space.
Accommodate Elderly Parents or In-Laws
As your parents age, you often face the tough decision of moving them into assisted living facilities or introducing them into your homes. In either case, you may require additional bedrooms, entertainment areas, and sometimes even in-law suites. If you are in this situation and your home can’t accommodate another person comfortably, it’s time to look into home expansion options.
Lack of Storage Space
You might’ve had enough storage space when you first moved into your home. However, over the years, storage space may become limited, and your family accumulates more things requiring space. At some point, the clutter will overwhelm you, and you’ll find it hard to maintain a clean and organized home. Such scenarios call for expanding your living space, allowing for more storage options.
Need of Repairs and Upgrades
Your home requires repairs and upgrades to keep it functional and livable with age. However, this cost can be prohibitive, so you can opt for a more extensive renovation instead of quickly repairing different parts of the house. An expansion allows you to make these repairs while improving your home, adding value to your property.
Working from Home
With remote working being the new norm, working from home occasionally isn’t a challenge. However, when it becomes a daily routine, you need a dedicated workspace to avoid distractions and enable you to work effectively. An expansion creates additional rooms or space you can utilize as an office setup, allowing maximum productivity without sacrificing work-life balance.
Tips For Successful Expansion
Once you’ve considered the size of your home, budget, and other considerations for expansion, you can explore some available options. Here are some tips to ensure a successful expansion:
Consider Your Home’s Existing Layout
Before starting any remodeling project, it’s essential to understand your home’s shape and layout. This will help you plan accordingly and use existing space efficiently.
Always Have a Home Office
It’s undebatable to have a home office when expanding your house. A dedicated workspace allows you to work productively and provides a place for the family to store personal items, documents, and other valuables. However, keeping your home office cool is essential, especially if you want to be productive. Consider hiring a local HVAC service to install an air conditioner and cool your workspace. The HVAC system can certainly make a difference in your productivity while also keeping the office temperate when you need it to be.
Create Storage Solutions
Adequate storage is a must-have for any home, but it can become even more important during expansion projects. Use existing spaces efficiently by adding shelves, racks, or extra closets to store items and keep them organized. This will also help you free up space in the main living areas and make your home look more spacious and inviting.
Knowing when to expand your home can be difficult, but it will benefit you and your family in the long run. Remember these tips to help ensure you make the right decision when considering an expansion.
