Bigger Houses, Smaller Yards?

New Homes Get Bigger, Yards Get Smaller (June 2, 2006) -- Apparently, bigger is better when it comes to new single-family homes. 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. Source: Chicago Tribune (06/02/2006)