Average Home Size Growing

An average new home size now has increased 300 square feet since 2009. It has increased from an average of 2,362 square feet in 2009, to 2,679 square feet in 2013.

With this additional square footage, there are more homes adding more bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities than there were in 2009.

48% of homes built in 2013 had four bedrooms, whereas there were only 34% of homes with four bedrooms built in 2009. 35% of homes built in 2013 had three or more bathrooms, there were only 23% in 2010.

Additionally, homes are now accommodating more space in the garage. 22% of homes in 2013 had space to fit three cars or more, compared to only 16% in 2010.

Builders say that amenities that are most likely to be included in new homes are: a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, low-e windows, a laundry room, and a great room. Some other amenities that are favored by many builders are things like: granite counter tops, double sinks, a central island in the kitchen, 9 foot or higher ceilings, a front porch, exterior lighting, and a patio.

Bigger homes though, also mean higher prices. Average sales prices have increased from $248,000 in 2009, to $318,000 in 2013.

Some other features at the bottom of the list that builders will include in new homes during 2014 are: laminate kitchen counter tops, an outdoor kitchen, a sunroom, a two-story foyer, and a whirlpool tub in the master bathroom.