Determining how much square footage you need can be tricky, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer, have a growing family, or are downsizing. If you’re having some trouble figuring out what size homes you should be looking for, here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you narrow down your search.
How big is your family?
This is generally a buyer’s first consideration, but how do you determine how much living space your family will be comfortable in? There’s no magic formula, and it’s largely based on how you plan to utilize the space. If you will have a family member in every bedroom, bedroom to living space ratio is key, and you will want to aim for a higher square footage. If there are extra bedrooms used for a different purpose, you do not need as much living space per bedroom.
What are your future needs?
This is a difficult question to answer– no one can predict the future. However, if you’re anticipating an addition to the family or a young adult moving out, this will highly influence your decision.
Depending on their needs, a couple with no children could decide to buy a three or four bedroom home. Say that they plan to have a child, and would also like a guest room or home office. Maybe they would like both a spare bedroom and an office, or want two children. While you should purchase a house that meets your needs, you should also consider any plans you have for the future, and how your needs will evolve.
Do you have a lot of stuff?
Storage is important to consider when purchasing a home. If you find yourself collecting more and more trophies and old toys, or holding on to those clothes that were “so cool!” when you were in high school, you should definitely look at options with more storage space, or find out if there is an attic. If you don’t have plans of converting to a minimalist lifestyle, it’s a good idea to make sure your collection of prized possessions has room to grow.
If you’re still unsure of where to start, or would like to ask questions about the homebuying process, we’re here to help! Here at Norfleet Homes, we provide the highest quality design at an affordable price, and will work with you to build the perfect space best suited for your family. Give us a call at (352) 472-5780 or visit our website today, and experience the service that has allowed us to build dream homes in the Gainesville area for over 30 years.
