Based on recent studies in the home building industry
, the size of custom homes and building lots are continuing to decrease in the United States. Prospective homeowners have also shown less interest in high-end features and amenities. While still preferring custom homes, individuals desire more accessibility within the home. This supports the increased interest in open floor plans and layouts that allow flexibility of ever-changing lifestyles.
Although during economic recessions it's normal for new custom homes to decrease in size, most studies support the downward trend in lot sizes, square footage and interior volumes actually started before the present economic recession and home building plummet. Even though the housing market is showing signs of recovery, there are signs indicating that new home sizes are continuing to decrease. Factors that weigh heavily influencing the trend of smaller homes are concerns about rising energy costs, increased economic uncertainty and a desire for lower property maintenance.
Smaller homes are becoming increasingly popular in every price range, but this doesn't necessarily mean these home have less usable space. This is particular true if they are designed intelligently by an experienced custom home designer. Increased interest in open floor plans and the desire for more accessibility means that smaller custom homes can actually include more usable space, as well as the ease in which it can be used.
Flexibility produced by open floor plans also supports the many different lifestyles of the general public. Rooms that accommodate multi-use functions within its dimensions are more useful to the high-paced lifestyle of today's working family. Custom home designers are able to determine how each particular family will use their home in day-to-day life. Families are as different as their interests, so living spaces should reflect how a family interacts with those interests.