How Big Should I Build My Own House?

Posted by Shelly Salomon on December 20, 2024

Vista-Devs-1Have you ever dreamed of living in a big house? For many Americans, owning a home represents the pinnacle of the American Dream — a symbol of success, stability, and personal achievement. But when you build a house, deciding on the right house size is more than just chasing a dream. It’s about finding a balance between practicality and personal preference.

While the average house size in America has grown significantly over the years, bigger isn’t always better. Ultimately, the ideal home size should align with your lifestyle, family needs, and long-term goals. 

Let’s explore the key considerations that can help you determine how big you should build your custom home.

Before You Build Your Big House, Consider the Following:

Financial Considerations

Building a custom home involves complex financial calculations that go beyond the simple price per square foot. While it’s true that larger homes have a lower cost per square foot due to distributed fixed costs like foundation and roofing, they often come with hidden expenses that may not be immediately apparent during the planning stage.

Your total housing budget should account for both immediate construction expenses and long-term costs to help determine the right size for your home. Here’s what to consider:

  • Construction Costs in Your Area: Research the average cost per square foot for new construction in your area. Construction costs can range between $100 and $200 per square foot, depending on the region and materials used.
  • Construction Loans: If you’re borrowing a construction loan for your custom home, keep in mind that these often carry higher interest rates than conventional mortgages and demand a higher down payment than mortgages (usually between 20-30% of total home value). This could significantly impact your available budget.
  • Long-Term Expenses: Larger homes come with higher ongoing costs, including utility bills, property taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance, and landscaping. Make sure to factor these expenses into your financial plan.

With these considerations in mind, you can calculate your total budget and determine a realistic house size. For example, if your budget is $200,000 and the average construction cost is $100 per square foot, you could afford a 2,000-square-foot home.

Read more >> Ways to Save When Building a Custom Home

Family Size

The next factor to consider when deciding how big of a house you need is, obviously, your family size. The number of people living in the home full-time will largely dictate the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas required.

For families with children, it’s important to consider whether each child needs their own bedroom, if sharing is an option, and how much communal space is necessary for everyone to feel comfortable. On average, based on the lifestyle of modern Americans, you should plan for approximately 400-600 square feet of living space per person. Then, to figure out the ideal amount of square footage for your house, multiply 600 square feet by the number of people in your household.

Your Lifestyle

Your home should reflect your lifestyle and how you use your space. For instance, if you work from home, a dedicated home office space is essential. If you enjoy entertaining, a formal dining room or a spacious living room may be a priority. Families with children might need designated spaces for homeschooling or play, while those who value privacy may prefer layouts with more defined rooms. 

Ultimately, the layout and size of your home should align with your daily routines and personal preferences, ensuring they complement how you live and work.

Future Plans

When buying a new house, it’s difficult to know how long you’ll stay there, and it’s even more likely that it won’t be your forever home. Data from 2021 shows that the average duration of homeownership was eight years, and the average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime.

However, building a custom home is a different story. Given the significant time, money, and effort you invest, it’s essential to think long-term in terms of house size to ensure your home meets your needs well into the future. For young families, this might mean planning for extra bedrooms to accommodate future children. If you’re approaching retirement or thinking about downsizing, then a smaller, low-maintenance home could be a better fit. Additionally, you might need to plan for multigenerational living, such as aging parents or in-laws moving in, which could require a private bedroom and bathroom.

By factoring in your future needs during the planning process, you can build a house that grows with your family and lifestyle, ensuring it remains functional and comfortable for years to come.

A ‘Big House’ is Relative. Choose What Works for You

The most important rule to keep in mind when building a custom home is to approach the process strategically. Over the years, we've seen many people build or buy oversized homes for all the wrong reasons — to keep up with the Joneses, impress others who don't matter, or gamble on a future pay raise that never materialized. Biigger houses might look appealing and luxurious, but this doesn't necessarily make bigger houses the better option for everyone.

Whether it’s a small or big house, a home's true value lies in how well it meets its owners' needs and preferences. This is what makes your house YOURS. 

Build Yourself a Dream Home

At Vista Developers, we're committed to helping you bring your dream home to life in Western North Carolina. Our team will work with you to choose the perfect house plan and house size that aligns with your needs, lifestyle, and budget, and we'll guide you through every step of the process until you're handed the keys. We invite you to explore our customizable floor plans and contact us to discuss how we can make your dream home a reality. 

View our new home floor plans! View our homes here.

Tags: Building Tips & Info, Advice on Buying