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How Much Square Footage Do I Need?

It’s inevitable that the question of square footage will come up when building a custom home. Many homeowners have some idea of what they would like in their future home based on their current layout but narrowing down not only the total square footage but also how that space is allocated per room can be a challenge. Here are some tips on deciding how much square footage is right for you.

Pinpoint what you’d like to change about your current space:

It’s easy to assume that you need more square footage because your current space feels cramped. But is it because the square footage is allotted in a way that doesn’t suit your needs? For example, you may have a living room and bonus room, both of which feel too small. But if they were to be combined, would the space be large enough?

Maybe you have always dreamed of a separate space for your hobbies or interests. If you’re a connoisseur of wines, love collecting cars, or are a fitness buff, your space should reflect your lifestyle and personality.

Single versus multi-purpose rooms:

Having a single use room or a multi-functional space is a personal decision, but one worth considering. For example, perhaps you’d love a separate home office away from any distractions if that is your primary workspace. But if an office isn’t a part of your home building priorities, can the room also serve as a guest bedroom? If you love to entertain, have you always pictured a formal dining room for guests, and an eat-in kitchen for everyday use? Or maybe it would work just as well to have one large space that can be easily converted from informal to formal dining when needed.

How much private space do you want:

If privacy is a major decision factor – say, to get work done in a home office or escape to a separate living area – then the extra square footage is well worth the money. But if you’re more the type who loves having family members nearby, perhaps the square footage can be reserved for family living spaces rather than extra rooms or large bedrooms. Keep in mind that feeling comfortable, relaxed, and happy in your space is the goal.

Calculating the ideal size for your future home

There are two ways to determine the square footage you’ll need for your custom home.

The first is to measure all of the rooms in your current home. Don’t forget to include all closets, storage, utility, and mechanical rooms. Note if these places feel too big for what they are, or if they are too small for the function you’d like that space to serve. Given the difference between how the spaces currently feel versus how you’d like them to feel, adjust the square footage on your home plan. Once complete, add up the new dimensions to find your ideal square footage.

The second way to calculate the ideal size for your custom home comes from the National Association of Home Builders. They have found the percentage of square footage that you should allocate for each type of room. If you were to build a 4,000 square foot home, the percentages would be:

• Master bedroom – 12% (480 square feet)
• Remaining bedrooms – 16% (640 square feet)
• Master bathroom – 6% (240 square feet)
• Kitchen – 12% (480 square feet)
• Dining room – 8% (320 square feet)
• Family (great) room – 12% (480 square feet)
• Living room – 9% (360 square feet)

The above calculation accounts for 75% of the total square footage. The remaining 25% of the square footage is allocated closets, pantries, the entryway, and other above-grade rooms.