What Is Considered a Small House? (2024)

Is it the square footage, the number of rooms, or perhaps the design layout? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, let's take a look at what a small house entails. After all, knowledge is key to making an informed decision. So, shall we proceed?

What is a "Small House"?

So, you might be wondering, what exactly qualifies as a 'small house'? Well, in the U.S., a small house is typically considered to be under 2,500 square feet. But remember, this is a relative term. What's small for a family of five may be spacious for a single individual.

A small house isn't just about size, it's also about functionality and layout. These homes often make efficient use of space with a thoughtful floor plan. It's not just about cramming everything into a tiny area, it's about creating a home that feels comfortable and welcoming, despite its smaller footprint.

Can You Really Make a Tuff Shed Tin...

Can You Really Make a Tuff Shed Tiny House?

And don't forget, smaller doesn't mean inferior. There are plenty of benefits to living in a small house. They're generally less expensive, easier to maintain, and can be just as comfortable as their larger counterparts. So, if you've been thinking about downsizing or are just starting out and looking for your first home, don't overlook the charm and potential of a small house. It might be just what you're looking for.

Different Sizes of Smaller Homes

In smaller homes, grasping the various sizes available can assist you in selecting a space that best suits your lifestyle and needs. So, what are the different sizes of smaller homes? Well, you've got micro homes that are typically under 400 square feet, ideal for a single individual. Compact homes and mini homes range from 400 to 800 square feet, a perfect match for a couple or a small family.

Tiny homes, a popular trend, sit between 100 and 400 square feet. These are ideal if you're an extreme minimalist or if you crave the freedom of mobility, as many tiny homes are situated. Small homes, however, are typically under 2500 square feet. They provide a balance of compact living and comfort, suitable for larger families.

Is Your Small House Too Small For You?

Feeling a bit cramped in your current small house? It's natural to question whether your cozy abode is becoming too small for comfort. The key to determining if your home is too small lies in understanding your personal needs and lifestyle.

To begin with, consider your daily activities. If you're constantly bumping into furniture, struggling to find storage spaces, or feeling overwhelmed by clutter, it's a sign your space might be restrictive. Are you able to entertain guests comfortably? Can you pursue your hobbies without any hindrance? If the answer is 'no', you may have outgrown your home.

Also, think about your future plans. Is your family expanding? Are you planning to work from home? These factors could necessitate additional space.

Nevertheless, before you decide to upgrade, remember the benefits of small homes: lower maintenance, reduced costs, and the potential for a cozier and simpler lifestyle. Sometimes, a bit of reorganization and decluttering can make a world of difference.

What Is Considered a Small House? (1)

Small House and a Tiny House: What's the Difference?

While you might be wondering whether your small house is too small, it's also worth exploring the key differences between a small house and a tiny house, as this could offer alternative solutions for your living space needs.

A small house, generally under 2500 square feet, often provides ample room for a family, boasting multiple bedrooms and common areas. Conversely, a tiny house, typically under 400 square feet, is designed for efficiency and simplicity, often consisting of just one or two rooms that multi-task.

The biggest difference between the two is the lifestyle they accommodate. A small house offers more traditional living, with spaces for privacy, hobbies, and even hosting guests. In contrast, a tiny house is all about minimalism and sustainability, perfect for those who prefer a simpler, more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Advantages of Small Homes

Opting to reside in a compact dwelling can offer a variety of benefits, from financial savings to a simpler, eco-friendly lifestyle. You'll likely find your wallet thanking you, as smaller homes typically come with lower mortgage payments, reduced utility bills, and less maintenance costs.

Living small also encourages a minimalist lifestyle, helping you rid of clutter and focus on what's truly significant. This could be a revitalizing change if you're feeling overwhelmed by the modern world's materialistic tendencies.

Additionally, compact homes often have less impact on the environment. Their reduced size means less energy is needed for heating and cooling, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.

Moreover, a smaller home can lead to a tighter-knit family. With less space, you're often in close proximity to each other, promoting communication and stronger bonds.

Furthermore, with less space to clean and maintain, you'll have more time for hobbies, relaxation, or quality time with loved ones.

To summarize, choosing a small home can lead to significant benefits. Financial savings, an eco-friendly lifestyle, and more time for what truly matters are just a few advantages you could enjoy.

Conclusion

So, is a small house right for you? That's for you to decide. Remember, it's not just about square footage, but how efficiently it's used. With a well-designed layout, even the smallest homes can feel spacious and comfortable. Consider the benefits like lower costs, less maintenance, and the potential for a simpler lifestyle. Ultimately, choosing a small house could be a big step towards living more sustainably and focusing on what truly matters in life.

What Is Considered a Small House? (2024)

FAQs

What Is Considered a Small House? ›

Size - Since the median size of a single-family home in the United States is around 1,600 square feet, a home that is 900 to 1200 square feet is considered a small home. Overall, small homes are typically larger than 350 sq ft.

Is a 2000 square foot house small? ›

In terms of the number of rooms, a 2000 square foot house can have anywhere from three to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen. However, this can vary depending on the specific layout of the home. A 2000 square foot house is considered to be a medium-sized home.

Is 1000 square feet a small house? ›

1,000 sq ft apartments typically have a living room, a kitchen, one or two bedrooms, and one or two bathrooms. They're not quite sprawling mansions, but they're not tiny houses, either.

Is 1200 square feet a small house? ›

Despite the norm, 1200 square foot is not a small house. In fact, this size od home is a great option for those who are looking for affordable yet comfortable homes. However, even with a smaller footprint, there are still a variety of floor plan designs that can be used to create a functional and comfortable home.

Is a 1700 square foot house small? ›

In general, no. Average home size varies widely depending on your area. However, the average home size in the U.S. is 2,687 square feet. So 1700 square feet is not large, unless maybe you're in NYC or San Francisco.

Is 1500 sq ft house too small? ›

For many, a 1,500 square foot house might seem like a small home, but you can still fit in 2-3 bedrooms, making it the ideal house for a couple or small family.

Is 2500 sq ft a big house? ›

A tiny house is anything less than 1,000 square feet. An average home is in the 2,500-square-foot range. Large homes are 4,000 square feet and bigger.

Is 900 sq ft considered a tiny house? ›

What are “Tiny” Homes? Any home that is 400 square feet or less is usually known as a tiny home; most tiny homes sit in the 100-250 sq ft range.

What is a medium-sized home? ›

There's a lot of variation, but I'd say that a medium-sized house is around 2000 square feet, with 3 bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and living room. Whether it has one or two floors depends a lot of location. One floor is probably more common.

How many bedrooms can a 2000 square-foot house have? ›

A 2000-square-foot house is considered comfortable for a family of up to five people. Generally, this equates to a four-bedroom house, with the master bedroom supporting two people.

How many bedrooms are in a 1200 sq ft house? ›

Most 1100 to 1200 square foot house plans are 2 to 3 bedrooms and have at least 1.5 bathrooms.

What is a good size of a house? ›

The Optimal Square Feet Per Person For The Ideal House Size

I believe the ideal square feet per person is about 600 – 700. This means for a family of three, the ideal house size is 1,800 – 2,100 square feet. For a family of four, the ideal house size is between 2,400 – 2,800 square feet and so forth.

How many square feet do two people need to live? ›

How To Calculate What Size House You Need
Number of PeopleSquare Footage
1600 sq. ft.
21,200 sq. ft.
31,800 sq. ft.
42,400 sq. ft.
Oct 27, 2022

What is the best size house for 2 people? ›

If you're a family of four, multiply 4 x 600. That would mean you should look for homes around 2,400 square feet. If it's just you and a partner or roommate, you'd multiply 2 x 600, and look for a home around 1,200 square feet.

How many bedrooms can a 1500 square-foot house have? ›

Most 1,500-square-foot floor plans include options for three-bedroom layouts, giving you plenty of space for a family of four. You could even add a couple of pets and still have enough space!

What is considered a small house in America? ›

A small house in the U.S. is typically under 2,500 square feet and prioritizes efficient use of space and functional layout. Small homes can range from micro homes under 400 square feet to compact homes up to 800 square feet, catering to individuals to small families.

Is 2000 sq ft big for a house? ›

For some people, 2,000 square feet is a ton of space, but for others, it can be a tiny home. It all depends on your perspective.

Is 2000 sq ft enough for a family of four? ›

The Optimal Square Feet Per Person For The Ideal House Size

This means for a family of three, the ideal house size is 1,800 – 2,100 square feet. For a family of four, the ideal house size is between 2,400 – 2,800 square feet and so forth.

How many rooms can fit in a 2000 sq ft house? ›

Four to five bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and two to three bathrooms can typically be found in a 2000 square foot space.

How many people can live in a 2000 sq ft house? ›

Los Angeles bases its occupancy limits on the square footage of a unit, rather than the number of bedrooms: One to two people for every 70–119 square feet. Three people for every 120–169 square feet. Four people for every 170–119 square feet.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6106

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.