Are people happier in smaller houses?

People love their smaller spaces because they're a little more intimate, they can be environmentally friendly, and they can be more unique ! Don't let anyone talk you out of the home you love because it's not enough space for them. It's about what is the right size for YOU.

Are American houses getting smaller?

Median new-home sizes are at a 13-year low . The new American home is shrinking. After years of prioritizing large homes, the nation's biggest and most powerful home builders are finally building more smaller ones, driving a shift toward more affordable housing.

Why are Americans embracing smaller homes?

Downsizing to a smaller home comes with perks: less upkeep, lowering utility bills and fewer rooms to clean . Data confirms that more Americans are embracing minimalism.

Is it better to live in a small house or big house?

Your energy bills are going to be lower compared to those of a big house. Although property prices vary across localities, a smaller house means lower property taxes . Furthermore, when it comes to housekeeping, you'll thank your stars for having few rooms to maintain.

Why is it better to have a smaller house?

Extra money for investments When you live in a large house, you typically have a number of expenses – whether it's repairs, bills, or general upkeep. With a smaller home, your expenses will most likely be lower, giving you more money to save and invest elsewhere.

Why are houses so small now?

In dense areas like Southern California, the high cost of land has long led developers to focus on compact homes. Trade-offs like a side yard instead of a backyard, or a garage that opens to the street instead of a driveway, have compressed size and reduced cost.

Why buying a smaller house is better?

Owning less property translates to lower maintenance and upgrade costs . Smaller homes mean fewer windows to replace and less area to heat and cool, significantly reducing your energy bills. With less space, you won't need as many televisions or appliances, saving you money on your electricity bill.

Does having a bigger house make you happier?

Ultimately, whether a bigger house will make you happier depends on – well, you . A bigger house offers more space for better flow and amenities, and is better suited for life transitions and milestones. It also provides separate rooms for home office, gym, hobbies, and a yard for outdoor activities and gatherings.

Are people who live in bigger houses happier?

I've researched and written on this topic repeatedly over the years. People (including couples) can live happily in much smaller homes . In fact, research suggests that a person needs about 400 square feet of living space to feel comfortable. That's 800 square feet per couple.

Is it better to have a smaller home?

Smaller homes generally incur lower heating, cooling, and electricity expenses , and the costs for repairs and upkeep are typically less due to the reduced square footage. These savings can accumulate over time, allowing you save more and enjoy a more manageable financial situation.

Why do some people prefer tiny houses?

Because of their size, tiny homes require fewer materials to build and less energy to maintain, significantly lowering their owner's carbon footprint . Take it a step further with solar-powered energy and compostable sewage. Less cleaning. It's simple—less stuff means less clutter.

House Architecture: Smaller but Smarter

House architecture trends come and go, but sustainability remains a top priority. Read on to discover how smaller, smarter homes can contribute to sustainable architecture.

May it be tiny cottages or mortar homes, smaller homes are becoming more and more popular these years. Smaller homes, or tiny homes as it is now more commonly called, encourage a simpler life in a simpler space. People choose to go tiny for lots of different reasons and benefits.

Downsizing to a smaller home isn’t just about the minimalism and modern architecture trend. Here are more reasons why you should choose smaller homes:

Easier to maintain

All home architecture requires different amounts of time, effort, and energy to maintain. Like bigger homes require more maintenance, smaller homes require less time, effort, and energy. Because of their small and simple house designs, the utility costs are less too.

More affordable

The architectural design of smaller homes is more feasible than traditional ones. The initial cost of the house, including its construction process, is less without compensating for the quality of traditional homes.

Improved health

Healthy homes also promote more opportunities for physical activity, improved mental health, and better social bonds. With smaller homes, high-quality homes and adequate housing are easier to achieve.

The architectural design of small house architecture, including the construction process, also contributes to the improved health of its users. You can easily choose natural and toxic-free materials for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

Get creative with upgrades

A smaller home gives you more freedom for home interior design. Since smaller homes cost less, you can spend more on your home’s interior design. And since small house architecture costs less to upkeep, they also allow lower renovation costs.

Smaller house architecture, smaller environmental impact

Having fewer utilities also creates a smaller impact on the environment. Smaller homes also consume less energy. With this, less waste will go to landfills. Less energy also paves the way for a reduction of carbon footprint.

With the built-in features of BillionBricks homes, they become easier to maintain. Innovative technologies and creative architectural design also allow a safe and sustainable home. These create a smaller environmental impact. BillionBricks homes are also 20% more affordable with lower homeownership costs.

Smart homes were considered luxurious, but they have become crucial to even simple house designs. They are designed to make lives easier by controlling homes when you’re away, saving energy, and adding security.

Efficiency and convenience

With one touch of a button, you can control a handful of gadgets and systems. With a simple click, your device can help you save energy by operating your lights, thermostats, and locks. You can also sync and set up schedules with your devices.

Comfort

Since smart homes can be efficient and convenient, they can also be comfortable. You won’t have to move around the house to perform different functions.

Safety

A smart home can also give you peace of mind. You can add a smart security system that is cheap, easy to use, and customizable. Smart homes also allow you to install smart cameras and video doorbells. You can also get 24/7 professional monitoring and emergency response.

Customization

The best part about smart homes is that you can have things the way you want them. You can turn the lights on and off automatically at a specific time, adjust the brightness of indoor and outdoor lighting, and customize electronic items.

Smaller house architecture, smaller environmental impact

Like small home architecture, smart house architecture creates smaller environmental impacts! With smart thermostats, lights, and plugs, you can save energy even when you’re away. Most intelligent devices also measure how much power you use and provide tips on using less energy.

BillionBricks homes are also digitally-enabled and connected. You can easily track your home’s performance, receive service and upgrades, and connect with other homeowners. With our homes, you can have efficiency, safety, and comfort with one touch of a finger. With BillionBricks homes, you can do all these while living sustainably.

Architecture trends and design change over time. But with the environmental crises we face today, sustainability should always be the priority.

Smaller and smarter homes significantly lessen the environmental impact traditional houses emit. These homes and sustainable practices we can make will help us achieve a brighter future for generations to come.

With BillionBricks, you can have smaller but smarter homes to help you live more sustainably.

You can email us at hello@billionbricks.org to know more.

References

Becker, J. (2022). 12 Reasons Why You'll Be Happier in a Smaller Home. Becoming Minimalist. https://www.becomingminimalist.com/12-reasons-why-youll-be-happier-in-a-smaller-home/

HelloTech. (2022, July 21). The Benefits of Having a Smart Home - The Plug. HelloTech. https://www.hellotech.com/blog/benefits-of-a-smart-home

Sublimetech. (2017, February 8). Reasons Why You Need to Make your Home a Smart Home. Sublime Technologies. Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://sublimetech.com.au/reasons-need-make-home-smart-home/

Thermory. (2023). 5 Architecture Trends for 2023. Thermory. https://thermory.com/blog-and-news/5-architecture-trends-for-2023/

Tiny Home Builders. (2022). Tiny House Movement. Tiny Home Builders. https://www.tinyhomebuilders.com/help/tiny-house-movement

Tiny House Bloom. (2023). Tiny House Living Brings Many Health Benefits. Tiny House Bloom. https://tinyhousebloom.com/health-benefits/

Trulia. (2023). 8 Benefits Of Small House Living. Trulia. https://www.trulia.com/blog/benefits-of-small-house-living/

Ubbenga, J. (2020, June 27). 15 Reasons Why You'll Benefit from Living in a Smaller Space (Even with a Growing Family). Rich in What Matters. https://richinwhatmatters.com/2020/06/27/15-reasons-why-youll-benefit-from-living-in-a-smaller-space-even-with-a-growing-family/

House Architecture: Smaller but Smarter — BillionBricks (2024)

Easier to maintain

More affordable

Improved health

Get creative with upgrades

Smaller house architecture, smaller environmental impact

Efficiency and convenience

Comfort

Safety

Customization

Smaller house architecture, smaller environmental impact

FAQs

Are people happier in smaller houses? ›

Why do some people prefer tiny houses? ›