American Houses

[DaveM]

I watch a lot of American TV shows that cover renovation of houses or just selling houses.

The one thing that I notice most house seem to be a good size overall. The other thing is the lack of closet space. I must have more built in closets in my main bedroom than most of these house have in the entire house.

Here all bedrooms normally have the length of one of the walls just with built in closet's.

So in general do Americans just not have a lot of clothes or where do they put them if they do have a lot.

 

[Greyfell]

It seems, since the late 80's that homes of sizeable area are being built with wall-length closets in the master/main bedroom. Many of those houses on the renovation shows are a little older than 30-35 years old, and the common practice was less total area in the house, so closets are smaller. Then, what a lot of people do is remodel the main bedroom, reducing the usable floor space of the main bedroom or a room adjacent to it, and make a larger closet. Or, they simply use the closet in an unused bedroom, until they feel they are ready to remodel. Or, they move to a newer bigger house.

That is probably an over-generalization, but very close to the crux of your question.

 

[Vector]

Seems Euro homes the kitchen is an afterthought, and what is with the laundry in the kitchen?

 

[Vector]

I have a 1500 sq ft new home and my master closet is 12'x7'.

 

[Greyfell]

1500 sq. ft. seems to be, roughly, the threshold where builders make the master closet bigger.

 

[Linkdog]

Years ago homes were designed with living space and service areas. More space was given to the living space hence smaller bath rooms, kitchens, and utility. All of this has changed now.

 

[brooke]

House sizes around here have gotten out of hand . In my day families of ten were raised in one thousand square foot bungalows with a single bath room . Next subdivision to me my sons buddy is building an 8,000 square footer with indoor basketball court and climbing wall . Three car garage is standard equipment now and a 2 x 4 stud cost $ 8 ....?

 

[Qship]

Lots of houses are getting out of hand with size, gotta have a bathroom in every bedroom and maybe just off the living room, etc. Then you need to heat these monstrous new homes and maintain them down the road.

 

[Vector]

I chose the smallest house in my neighborhood it just being me. 2 bed, 2 bath, 1450 sq ft', 2 car garage, more than enough. I feel blessed to have it. My electric bill is about $85 a month, water $32, no gas. I need no longer stress over a big house payment.

 

[CarlS]

I chose the smallest house in my neighborhood it just being me. 2 bed, 2 bath, 1450 sq ft', 2 car garage, more than enough. I feel blessed to have it. My electric bill is about $85 a month, water $32, no gas. I need no longer stress over a big house payment.

That is outstanding! Mab el and I are seriously considering downsizing.

 

[triumph david]

The most inportant thing about my house is that it is paid for! But i do wish it had more closet space, i got a idea before x-mass and threw out a lot of old clothes and there it was , more space.

 

[Qship]

The most inportant thing about my house is that it is paid for! But i do wish it had more closet space, i got a idea before x-mass and threw out a lot of old clothes and there it was , more space.

Yup. If ya can't raise the bridge, lower the river.

 

[brooke]

Jeez we’re old , no wonder we gotta ride . New Speed Triple looks good , real good , but so does the Kawasaki 900 . And they have a new KLX 300 , 2 versions , enduro and super moto style . The modern Bushwackers ..

 

[Vector]

That is outstanding! Mab el and I are seriously considering downsizing.

Downsize to Sun City Mesquite NV, paradise on earth.

 

[CarlS]

I like it in the Southwest. But my roots are in the Florida sand.

 

[Vector]

I like it in the Southwest. But my roots are in the Florida sand.

Fully understand, you have been there a long time. I miss CA but may never step foot there again.

 

[CarlS]

Thanks for the report.

Fully understand, you have been there a long time. I miss CA but may never step foot there again.

I can fully understand that! I enjoyed my visits to CA, but I will probably never go back.

 

[Wire-Wheels]

Been in California all my life [75yrs]. I always like it better here when the economy is in decline. A lot of the wacky people go back were they came from. I own two homes here. One to live in [1812sq.ft.] and one for investment [1604sq.ft.] Been retired in place for 12 yrs. I'll probabily be buried here. It's home, such as it is. ...J.D.

 

[Vector]

Been in California all my life [75yrs]. I always like it better here when the economy is in decline. A lot of the wacky people go back were they came from. I own two homes here. One to live in [1812sq.ft.] and one for investment [1604sq.ft.] Been retired in place for 12 yrs. I'll probabily be buried here. It's home, such as it is. ...J.D.

I arrived in CA at age 13 and left at age 62. Once an amazing paradise, not any longer.

 

[brooke]

Never got to visit the Golden State , guess it’s to late now . My friend Earl came back from California in ‘ 75 after making his fortune and getting his first motorcycle ride on Steve McQueen’s triumph . Got out while the gettin was good , evidently . Maybe Steve gave him this jacket .