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William Henry PhD – Perspectives – Architect’s REAL Viewpoint

Less Is Better In The Housing World

By William Henry, PhD

Compare the 1959 Cadillac to the models of 2016. The name is the same but that’s about it. The new ones are much smaller and more sophisticated than the 1959 behemoth. Housing is following the same path.

Smaller homes are becoming attractive to buyers and developers, and for some of the same reasons.

There are over 70 million Baby Boomers in this country with their successors close on their heels. And then there are the young, first time home buyers – together these two demographic groups seem to be turning the housing market on its ear.

Money is certainly one reason. Buyers are much more cost sensitive since the 2008 bubble burst. Not only do the older buyers want less space to care for now that their families are grown and hopefully out on their own, but they and the younger buyers are often looking for lower purchase prices and mortgage costs, reduced property taxes, more attractive utility expense, and fewer maintenance costs and responsibilities.

These aspirations certainly do not mean that less space has to mean a lower standard of living. Have you watched television series devoted to finding new housing? One thing that is always included in “must haves” is the luxuries – marble counter tops, updated kitchens and appliances, and master bedrooms with attached bathrooms to name a few.

All of the luxuries, other than acres of space, can be found in the new, tiny houses just as in the huge houses of the past.

Buyers are not the only ones looking with favor on the new trend.

Builders and developers are catching this train as well, and why not? If a builder or a developer is designing a new project, the density of the development is of paramount interest. The equation is simple: more units per acre plus lower cost per unit equals higher profit.

Such developments create new markets and challenges for creative architects. The issue is how to fit more into less space. It can be done. The designs are on the CAD screens even now.

William Henry PhD is the Principal in Charge of RGA-Design, LLC a full service architectural and interior design firm that has served as the architect of record for over 1,000 projects across the State of Florida (Registration number AA0003523, AR007521). He has lectured and written widely on the above topic. His most recent publication is ‘Return of the Master Builder’ available on Amazon Kindle e Books. Henry’s contact information is whenry@rga-design.com; (813-226-2220 Ext 204) or visit the company web site at www.rga-design .com or www.buildingdoctorfl.com.