Since 1973, the average new single-family home has grown in size from 1,660 square feet to 2,459 square feet, with more bedrooms, more stories, more fireplaces, more porches, more patios….you get the trend, I’m sure.

These numbers come from “The Home of the Future” study, conducted in 2006 by the National Association of Home Builders and based on polls of architects, designers, marketers and manufacturers.

According to the survey, by 2015 the typical new single-family home will be a 2,330-square two-story model with four bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms, 9-foot ceilings on the first floor and 8- or 9-foot ceilings on the second floor. It will have recessed lighting, wood floors and a 3-car garage.

The typical upscale new single-family home, however, will have more than 4,000 square feet, two stories, 4 or more bedrooms, 3.5 to 4.5 bathrooms, 9-foot first-floor ceilings, 9- to 10-foot second-floor ceilings, two master bedroom suites and an outdoor living area that includes:
- a grill
- sinks
- refrigerator
- cooking island
- fireplace
- pool/spa,
- audio/tv equipment
- lighting

Luckily, there’s no talk of outdoor bathrooms yet.