WHY ARE AMERICAN HOUSES SO BIG? (AND WHAT IT MEANS)

 WHY ARE AMERICAN HOUSES SO BIG? (AND WHAT IT MEANS)

Whether it's after a trip, or simply after watching a report on TV, we've all asked ourselves one question:

Why are American houses so big?

So let's take a look at how American homes became so large. Because yes, you probably guessed it. But it wasn't always the case. In fact, it's only very recently that typical American homes have seen expansion.

Between history and economic factors, several reasons explain this rapid evolution.

American houses are big

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History and origin of the house in the USA

The traditional American house is a one- or two-story wooden structure.

It usually features a sloping roof and plank walls. Early American homes were built from readily available materials, including inexpensive ones like wood, stone, and clay. House size was determined by natural factors, including climate, soil, and material availability.

The design of a traditional-style house combines one or more historical architectural styles, primarily those from the 17th and 18th centuries. Even without a clearly defined style, there are certain recognizable elements. These houses most often have two stories, with living and dining rooms defined on the first floor, bedrooms on the second, and a basement below.

The rooflines are simple and understated. Windows can be of any style. They are most often spaced symmetrically around the house. Some traditional homes have a large covered porch.

Geographic expansion and population growth in the American colonies also contributed to the size of houses. With population growth and territorial expansion, it was necessary to expand to accommodate more people. This automatically increased demand, particularly for building materials and more expensive materials like brick and marble. As a result, American houses became larger and more luxurious.

Why are houses in the USA made of wood?

The economic factor that drives houses to be ever bigger

A figure to understand this historical evolution:

The average size of American homes has doubled since 1950. In 2019, the average size of a new single-family home was 2,584 square feet (240 square meters), according to the  National Association of Homebuilders .

In the early days of colonization, American houses were built from local and inexpensive materials. As we have seen, thanks to the abundance of raw materials, American houses were relatively small and inexpensive to build and maintain.

The significant turning point for American houses obviously occurred during the century. From then on, everything accelerated.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the federal government had a conviction:

A nation of owners is ideal.

The creation of the Federal Housing Administration in 1934 revolutionized homeownership. The mortgage financial system was created, making home ownership more accessible to millions of people.

At the time, most Americans rented. Homeownership stood at 40% in 1934. By 2001, that figure had risen to 68%.

In the 1940s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt equated property ownership with citizenship, asserting that "a  nation of property owners, of people who own a real share of their own land, is invincible ."

At the same time, energy and labor costs are falling significantly. The cost of building houses is plummeting.

These two factors allow Americans to build larger, more luxurious homes. And all this while spending less.

In addition, industrialization and urban development encouraged Americans to buy larger, more modern homes.

Larger homes then allow families to have more space for their hobbies and activities.

A region in the USA for investors? Find out more.

Cultural Implications: American Motivation 

First, we must ask ourselves why Americans prefer larger houses.

One possible explanation is that larger homes are, whatever one may say, a symbol of financial success. They also symbolize freedom, a value so dear to this country. Ultimately, they embody (economic) progress for many Americans.

This may be because larger homes offer more space for recreation, family, and guests. Larger homes can also help create a sense of community and belonging. Many people say, "I'm not going to make my house smaller than my neighbor's."

The media and advertising also play a phenomenal role in Americans' preference for larger homes. They constantly showcase images of large, luxurious homes. Real estate series are a veritable religion in the United States and attract huge audiences. They come in all flavors, whether they show the transformation of homes after renovations or follow real estate agents as they sell ever more extraordinary homes.

A quick aside, this is something that is starting to happen in France but has been firmly established for years in the United States.

Obviously, this visual and auditory exposure (TV or streaming platforms) indirectly influences Americans.