In an article written by Cheryl-Anne Millsap for the Spokesman Review, her focus is on the concept of size not being everything when you are thinking about the perfect home.
The American dream was built around the idea of finding a good job and buying the biggest house that you could afford. Lifestyles have changed and the population is aging. Professional people and seniors alike are opting out of the big house race and choosing to keep it small.
People are looking for an alternative to the “bigger is better” approach to home design. When we started our adult lives we lived in studio apartments, now as our families get smaller the interest in small, efficient and well-built homes is increasing.
It isn’t necessary to sacrifice the amenities just because you are buying small. Vintage details such as hardwood floors, impressive woodwork, and convenient neighborhoods make up for the lack of square footage.
Senior Options applauds the trend toward one level living. People that want to stay in their own homes are recognizing that the two story house craze of a few years ago is no longer such a good idea.
Source: “Small Details; Size isn’t everything when it comes to finding the perfect home.” Cheryl-Anne Millsap. Spokesman Review. Spokane Washington: Nov/ 5. 2004. page D 1
Welcome aboard. I've been advocating small energy efficient homes since 1982 (www.erhonefamily.com)
Posted by: Dennis Goodenough | October 01, 2010 at 03:12 PM
People are looking for an alternative to the “bigger is better” approach to home design.
Posted by: Gu10 Led Bulbs | May 29, 2011 at 04:25 PM
The smaller home size for seniors is a smart move. However, I have seen that senior communities are usually pretty far out because they needed a lot of land for the development which is only available far out in the suburbs. Frequently these are nice homes, smaller in size and designed for seniors - however - the drawback is they are in areas with few doctors, restaurants and shopping. The senior may spend much of their time and gas money driving long distances to the myriad of doctors many seniors have and entertainment. My advice is to really look around when thinking of moving to one of these more remote senior communities. You might not mind the drive now, but as you age the long drive will become more tiresome, and at some point when it is time to quit driving, even impossible. It will make it more difficult for family members to visit or help out also, possibly causing isolation.
Frequently when living in a more remote area you will have to pay surcharges for businesses to come to your home to do repairs also. So as they have always said, it is location, location, location, and this is especially important when looking for a home for your golden years.
Posted by: Donna A. Menner | November 10, 2011 at 11:38 AM