Supersize, no more! The new home theme boasts a less-is-more attitude and homeowners love it. The smaller-home remodel trend is delivering big results for homeowners who want to bring back simple living that leaves nothing to waste in these strained economic times.
“Smaller homes are becoming more pertinent under the current market conditions,” says John Mills Davies, Director of Design at Marrokal Design & Remodeling. The negative effects of urban sprawl—such as the long commutes which impact the quality of a person’s life are causing more people to search for neighborhoods that offer a better living environment. According to the National Association of Home Builders, many baby boomers want to be closer to families and are looking for smaller homes. “There’s a lot of thought in this country about neo-traditionalist principles and how the old neighborhoods really worked well. They were oriented toward how people interact and inter-relate,” explains Davies.
“People are buying into neighborhoods that have character, are really a pleasant place to live, and where they are able to interact with people in a reasonable fashion without having to spend three hours on the freeway commuting,” says Davies.
Smaller homes are also more appealing because of the green-trend movement to conserve. A reluctance to pay for any unnecessary space is fueled by energy and construction costs and the overall desire to leave a smaller carbon footprint. A less-is-more attitude prevails and satisfaction is found in simpler living.