How the economic times impact modern American home design

[one...two...tree 2,762]

One positive effect of the leaner economic times is the decline of ‘McMansions’, those oversized, homogeneous symbols of the boom years of American housing. In an article for the Wall Street Journal, S. Mitra Kalita outlines how US homes are moving towards more practical features and away from the aspirational.

Whether new construction or renovations, the overall size of American houses remains the same, a median of 2200 square feet. What’s changed is how that space is allotted into rooms and how those rooms are used. Residential architects and builders cite fewer places for display (e.g. grand foyers, formal living rooms) and more space for storage.

Other major changes in housing designs include:

- multifunctional rooms replacing separate, formal spaces like dens and offices

- adapting rooms for multi-generational families and aging in place (moving bedrooms downstairs, replacing second set of stairs with closets that can later be replaced with an elevator)

- major bathroom renovations (replacing jacuzzis and soaker tubs with steam shower stalls or tubs with a removable wall for accessibility)

The recession left a population with shifted priorities, reflected in the design shifts of our homes.

Stephen Melman, an economist for the National Association of Home Builders, sums it up: “Value and need are driving the home purchase decisions, not the potential investment value.”

Blueprint for a New American Home [The Wall Street Journal]

[Alex & Rachel 78]

Whether new construction or renovations, the overall size of American houses remains the same, a median of 2200 square feet.

I'm really, honestly surprised this is so high!

Now I'm wondering about the astronomical costs of keeping a place that size heated.

[^_^ 5,021]

I'm really, honestly surprised this is so high!

Now I'm wondering about the astronomical costs of keeping a place that size heated.

zoned heating

[scandal 951]

zoned heating

With cathedral ceilings in the grand staircase foyer?

[^_^ 5,021]

With cathedral ceilings in the grand staircase foyer?

those spaces do look nice.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

2200 sf isn't that large.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Mister Fancypants? Don't you mean Mrs.?

Meh.. Anyway, don't care much about the BS when it comes to home buying except for one thing. NO EFFING HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATIONS!!!!

[웃 910]

(moving bedrooms downstairs, replacing second set of stairs with closets that can later be replaced with an elevator)

[Danno 1,228]

One positive effect of the leaner economic times is the decline of ‘McMansions’, those oversized, homogeneous symbols of the boom years of American housing.

Why would anyone think thats a positive thing?

This is the problem with some on the Left, not only do they want the supper wealthy brought down, even the average American doing well is a bad thing.

I wish more people were building big extravagant homes, that would be good for everyone.

I'm rather sick of the ugly neighborhoods with vinyl sided boxes, nicer houses are a pleasure to look at.

[TBoneTX 43,069]

NO EFFING HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATIONS!!!!

Si, man. If I were President, I'd immediately set the Justice Department on all of them for violating our Fourth Amendment rights, and probably other rights as well.

[SuperDuper! 230]

Has hard times hit Fudge Report's home style, yet?

[scandal 951]

Si, man. If I were President, I'd immediately set the Justice Department on all of them for violating our Fourth Amendment rights, and probably other rights as well.

Buying a home is a voluntary transaction.

Buying a home in a development in a PUD or which has an HOA is voluntary.

The HOA is a private organization, the contract between the homeowner and HOA is a private contract.

Which branch of government is violating search and seizure provisions of the Fourth Amendment?

I own my freehold home with no HOA, I chose not to own property with HOA provisions. There's no need to appeal to government intervention if that's what you want - just exercise your choice as a consumer.

[Danno 1,228]

Buying a home is a voluntary transaction.

Buying a home in a development in a PUD or which has an HOA is voluntary.

The HOA is a private organization, the contract between the homeowner and HOA is a private contract.

Which branch of government is violating search and seizure provisions of the Fourth Amendment?

I own my freehold home with no HOA, I chose not to own property with HOA provisions. There's no need to appeal to government intervention if that's what you want - just exercise your choice as a consumer.

HOA offer a lot of things to those who hold those restrictions important.

I live under the "rule" of a HOA, in some ways I regret it, but I bought in here of my own choosing and should feel obliged to conform to their community rules.

If I could change anything (THough I am not pushing for legislation), I would want an ethical obligation put on Realtors to not just show the home to a perspective buyer but also disclose the rules of the HOA before an offer is made. MY HOA seems fairly reasonable but some are farther out there.

[Danno 1,228]

With upgrades in windows and insulation and add a few solar panels, this is what the Greens have in mind for -Low impact, sustainable living.

seriously.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

One positive effect of the leaner economic times is the decline of ‘McMansions’, those oversized, homogeneous symbols of the boom years of American housing.

Why would anyone think thats a positive thing?

This is the problem with some on the Left, not only do they want the supper wealthy brought down, even the average American doing well is a bad thing.

I wish more people were building big extravagant homes, that would be good for everyone.

I'm rather sick of the ugly neighborhoods with vinyl sided boxes, nicer houses are a pleasure to look at.

Well a McMansion from an architectural viewpoint is actually one of the ugliest creations the US has seen. They are generally a hodgepodge of styles and elements that creates what I like to call "architectural vomit". Because size was more important than quality, these homes also are typically built with inferior products and they are not in any way efficient.

Anytime you have a boom in housing you get poor housing. Alot of the vinyl sided boxes you refer to were earlier booms. In reality, the US hasn't seen quality housing since the 40s. Thats why I'm primarily looking at homes built in 1920s neighborhoods.