Minimum size for new single-family construction? (houses, square footage, to live in)

[snowtired14]

Originally Posted by City__Datarer

Thanks for the ideas/suggestions!

Some of the park model homes seem quite nice. They are SMALL! (even by my standards ). But some come with a storage shed and/or a large Florida room adjoining the main structure. And some have a very charming cottage-type look.

As with any other type of home, there are trade-offs to consider with (any size of) mobile/manufactured home, especially as the ones in 55+ resident-owned communities seem to have gone up a lot in price recently (even the older ones).

So, I look at new listings of those but also continue to consider other possibilities.

I hope that if anyone who's built a small single-family home in recent years comes across this thread, they will post their story.

Thanks again to everyone who posted for all the great info and suggestions!

I was thinking that too, there are still some inexpensive lots in the area, why not find a small independent builder to put a house up for you?

[mr&mrssunshine]

you don't think she has already asked

[City__Datarer]

Originally Posted by snowtired14

I was thinking that too, there are still some inexpensive lots in the area, why not find a small independent builder to put a house up for you?

My earlier post saying I could afford a 600-square-foot new home (after factoring in lot, utilities, etc.) was based on asking Mr. Sunshine what a house that small would likely cost, and then looking at some lot prices. His answer was very detailed and helpful--he saved me a lot of time in learning exactly what would be possible for me: a very small house . . . which is actually more than I expected to be possible, so a very pleasant surprise.

I haven't decided yet whether this is too much of a project for me to take on or if I could manage it. And if I did decide I wanted to do this, I don't know whether Mr. Sunshine or any other quality builder would be willing to take on a project of this size in this busy of a real estate market--the market was very different when I started this thread several years ago.

But I'm definitely thinking about this now (thank you again to the person who bumped this old thread and put this back in my thoughts, as well as to everyone else who's responded). At least in the price range I'm familiar with, existing homes have gone up so much that building new is very worth considering.

[snowtired14]

Originally Posted by City__Datarer

My earlier post saying I could afford a 600-square-foot new home (after factoring in lot, utilities, etc.) was based on asking Mr. Sunshine what a house that small would likely cost, and then looking at some lot prices. His answer was very detailed and helpful--he saved me a lot of time in learning exactly what would be possible for me: a very small house . . . which is actually more than I expected to be possible, so a very pleasant surprise.

I haven't decided yet whether this is too much of a project for me to take on or if I could manage it. And if I did decide I wanted to do this, I don't know whether Mr. Sunshine or any other quality builder would be willing to take on a project of this size in this busy of a real estate market--the market was very different when I started this thread several years ago.

But I'm definitely thinking about this now (thank you again to the person who bumped this old thread and put this back in my thoughts, as well as to everyone else who's responded). At least in the price range I'm familiar with, existing homes have gone up so much that building new is very worth considering.

I know what you're saying, timing is everything, my wife and I are in a similar situation, I retire in a couple of years and our plan is to build but prices up north are stagnant in our area (need to sell our house here first) while prices in FL are rising. Bad combination, but we have some time to go so we may still do well if prices begin to move here in the coming year. But we can't lament over the past, and we aren't going to do anything until we are ready, if we missed our chance in one area, we'll find a solution in another, so just as in life we adapt and make the best of it. MrSunshine is a great guy, very reputable and realistic, I've relied on him for the current conditions of the building market as we wait to make our move

[City__Datarer]

I think you're right that if people find themselves out of sync with the real estate market (needing to sell low and/or buy high), it helps to be able to see the glass as half full and have an attitude of making the best of things going forward. I feel very lucky and grateful for my life in Southwest Florida--despite having very possibly the world's worst real estate timing!

Thanks again for all your suggestions, and best of luck with your retirement plans!

[mrcoolmrcool28]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

The smallest home we currently build is a little over 1300 sq ft 3/2/2. its ideal for one person, maybe 2

Just wondering, Why would a 1300 sq. ft. 3/2/2 be fine for just one person? it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2 car garage? Which model is this Mr. Sunshine?

[Old Gal]

Originally Posted by mrcoolmrcool28

Just wondering, Why would a 1300 sq. ft. 3/2/2 be fine for just one person? it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2 car garage? Which model is this Mr. Sunshine?

At least to me, 1300 sf. under a/c would be great for a retired couple if the floorplan is laid out well. That was all we were looking for when we bought our house in Venice.

[mrcoolmrcool28]

Originally Posted by Old Gal

At least to me, 1300 sf. under a/c would be great for a retired couple if the floorplan is laid out well. That was all we were looking for when we bought our house in Venice.

And it keeps those pesky relatives from staying all winter "Sorry, we don't have enough room"

[Old Gal]

Originally Posted by mrcoolmrcool28

And it keeps those pesky relatives from staying all winter "Sorry, we don't have enough room"

Actually, you should still have at least one small spare bedroom. That way they can't come in a herd and won't stay forever.

[mr&mrssunshine]

whoops sorry its actually a 2 bed we designed especially for the lady in question. we call it the Charleston