Typical Home Size Declining, More Accessible

Washington, D.C., June 11, 2008 — The size of the typical U.S. home is declining, according to the American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey.

In addition, to address the needs of an aging population there is an emphasis on greater accessibility throughout the home.

Another trend has homeowners investing in more outdoor living options with a trend toward low-maintenance landscaping. Additionally, residential architects report depressed business conditions, albeit with healthier conditions for remodeling and renovation projects.

“The recent weakness in the housing market forces households to be more sensitive to housing affordability concerns, said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker.
"Coupled with rising home energy costs, this encourages many to rethink their overall space needs. While smaller homes may be a short-term response to economic conditions, there are signs that we may be at the beginning of a longer cycle where house sizes stabilize or even decline.”

Overall home layout and size highlights
Residential elements (% of respondents that reported increases)     2008     2007
• Greater accessibility                                                                    67%     74%
• Informal space                                                                          61%     63%
• Access in / out of home                                                               59%     n/a
• Open space layout                                                            53%     51%
• Finished basement / attic                                                             46%     46%
• Single-floor plan                                                                         40%     43%
• Volume                                                                                      28%     31%
• Square footage                                                                           16%     21%
• Lot size                                                                                        7%     7%

“Outdoor living elements continue to be extremely popular and include traditional features such as decks, porches and patios, with the addition of outdoor “rooms” and cooking areas as a more recent trend,” added Baker. “Lately, data shows a preference towards extending the home through blended indoor / outdoor space.”

Specific residential segments (index score computed as % of respondents reporting improving minus % weakening conditions)

• Additions / alterations: 31
• Kitchen and bath remodeling: 25
• Custom / luxury home market: -21
• Townhouse / condo market: -34
• Second / vacation home market: -50
• Move-up home market: -51
• First-time buyer / affordable home market: -59

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