How to Decide on the Best House Size

Sally Norton

Guest Blogger

​If you have researched the real estate market even a little bit, you have probably noticed that you're spoilt for choice regarding property shapes and sizes. There are no universal types. So, it doesn't matter whether you are looking for an enormous mansion or a tiny cabin, be sure that there is undoubtedly a house on the market that will suit you perfectly. But, that raises a question - how to decide on the best house size?
Let's get one thing right off the bat - answering this question will not be easy. Deciding on the best house size depends on many factors - your current lifestyle and your future lifestyle, for example. And that will be our topic for the day. Today, we will talk about all the factors to consider to decide on the best house size for yourself (and your family, of course!). Thus, if this is something that you are interested in, just keep on reading.

​Make a List of Home 'Users'

If you want to decide on the best house size for yourself, that is, if you want to determine how much square footage you need, you must make a list of all its users first. When we say users, we mean people who will live in that house with you. Those are usually your partner, children, siblings, parents, inlaws, etc. In some cases, those are your pets too! You must consider everybody if you want to buy a home that perfectly fits everybody.
Moreover, when making this list, don't think about your present only - think about your future as well. Think about future children or parents who will have to move in with you at one point, for example. Buying a house is not something that can be done easily and quickly. Buying a house is something you will do now and maybe never again. So, make sure that that house is a home where you can all grow comfortably.

Take everybody into consideration if you want to determine the best house size.

​Consider the Needs of All the Users

Once you have thought about your present and your future, and once you have made a list of all the users of your future home, it is time to consider their needs too. So, take a piece of paper and start writing everything down. For instance, you can do the following:

• Daughter - needs a quiet place to sleep and study and wants a separate playroom.
• Parents - need an extra bedroom on the first floor when they visit and want a separate bathroom.
• Partner - needs office space and wants a big living room and a patio.
• Dog - needs a yard.

This is just an example of what you should be writing on that list. But, as soon as you start writing it (and talking to all the users about their needs and wants), you will see how long and thorough this list will become. The thing is, everyone needs their own space to work, play, and relax, and everybody needs enough storage to corral their possessions. And if you find that your budget does not allow you to get a bigger place with much more storage, there’s a way around it. The relocation team from Spyder Moving suggests renting a storage unit where you’d be able to keep everything from seasonal items to sports equipment, so it doesn’t take up the much-needed space in your new home.

​Determine the Most Important Rooms in the House

Another thing that can help you decide on the best house size is the number of rooms. So, take the previously mentioned lists of users and their needs and wants, and count the number of rooms. Be warned - you will end up with a large number. And, unless you are a billionaire, you will not be able to buy a house with that many rooms. Thus, at this stage, call everybody, and decide on the most important rooms together. Those should be your must-have rooms, such as the kitchen and dining room, living room, master bedroom, children's room, etc. And, if your budget allows you to buy a home with more rooms, choose the ones you all agree on having.
Moreover, it is important to make this list of must-have rooms before you start house hunting! That is the only way to ensure you are not wasting your time, energy, and money on something you don't need.

Don’t start house hunting before you have a family meeting!

​Convert Rooms to Square Footage

​Hopefully, buy now, you and your family members are on the same page regarding the number of rooms. If you are, great - you are one step closer to deciding on the best house size. What you should do next is take your calculator and convert all those rooms into square footage. Don't worry; this is not as complicated as it sounds. First, depending on the importance of the room, decide on its size. Do this for all rooms on your must-have list. Then, multiply each room's width and length, and you will have your perfect square footage.
Moreover, if possible, try to go for bigger square footage than the one you calculated. As your family grows, so will your need for bigger space. It will be much easier to live in a home with enough room for everybody than to move constantly. So, go as big as possible. And then, once your children are all grown and moved out, you can easily move to a smaller home. Luckily, if you decide to downsize one day, you'll already know all the tips and hacks about picking out the best apartment size.

If you know what you want, calculating the house size will not be hard.

​Ask Your Real Estate Agent for an Advice

One thing is for sure - nobody can help you prepare to buy a home as real estate agents can! They will be your right hand throughout the entire process and help you find your dream home, one that suits your budget and all of your needs. Moreover, they will be there to help you decide on the best house size! But, to do that, they must know what your must-haves are. So, do your homework before hiring an agent! You must know what you want before asking somebody else to find it.
The most important thing is to give this decision a serious thought! Once you decide on the best house size and start the whole house buying process, there is no going back (well, there is, but it comes with a hefty price tag!). Thus, think about everything and talk to everybody before hiring a real estate agent.