When it comes to buying a home, bigger isn’t necessarily better. It all depends on what suits your needs. While larger homes offer more space, smaller homes may be more affordable and easier to maintain. So how do you decide on the right square footage for your family? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or simply looking for a space that better suits your needs, these basic reference points can help you choose the size of your new home.

Average House Size in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average size of a single-family home in 2015 was 2,687 square feet. Home size in the U.S. varies by region, with the Northeast and the South showing slightly higher averages than the West and Midwest. The average size of newly completed homes in the U.S. has steadily grown over the past several decades, with an increase of over 1,000 square feet since 1973.

The Vivien home design at K. Hovnanian’s Creekside Preserve is 3,452 sq. ft.

Today’s homes are impressively spacious, energy efficient and well equipped. More square footage can mean space for another bedroom, bathroom or unique addition like a home office or playroom for children. The U.S. average of about 2,700 square feet may be just right for you. On the other hand, that number may seem daunting to some or underwhelming to others.

Average House Size for 2- and 4-Person Families

Though there’s no exact formula for deciding how much square footage you need, it can be helpful to consider square footage per person. For instance, a 4-person family living in a 2,700-square-foot home will have about 675 square feet per person. For a 2-person family, that number would double to about 1,350 square feet per person. In this instance, 2,700 square feet may be considered more suitable for the 4-person family.

The Fan Hill home design at K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Terra Lago is 1,706 sq. ft.

Perhaps a more useful method of determining the size of your new home is to consider the layout. Maybe the home’s square footage caught your eye, but the floor plan doesn’t include a spacious owner’s suite or a guest bedroom for hosting family and friends. Or maybe there are plenty of bedrooms but the kitchen is small and cramped. In this case, a home with slightly less square footage but a thoughtful layout may be the best choice for you and your family.

K. Hovnanian offers a range of home sizes and floor plans within each of its communities. Our community web pages make it easy for you to compare square footage against layout and design. You can choose from both townhomes and single-family homes, one-story and two-story homes, and a range of price points.

Visit khov.com today and find the perfect new home for you and your family.

Last Updated on April 28, 2022