Are McMansions Making a Comeback?

Image: Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released data that indicated a marked increase in the median size of new single-family homes completed in 2012. The New York Times says that we're looking at the return of the McMansions that sprung up en masse toward the end of the last century.

Please don't tell me we're picking up where we left off. Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against big houses in particular, but I had hoped we'd seen the end of over-building tiny residential lots to gain spaces far larger than they really needed to be. If there was a silver lining in the housing downturn, I thought it might be a shift toward smaller spaces that put a premium on creativity, great design, and organization.

Thankfully, I don't think the census data points toward the whole nation deciding, once again, that bigger is better. Instead, I think we're seeing the results of a very simple economic fact: When the economy is in the tank?which it undoubtedly was a few years ago, when 2012 completions were in the planning, permitting, and construction phases?the only people building houses were the "Go Big or Go Home" crowd whose members probably splurged for the extra bedroom or three. That's why the census data is now showing a record high median home size. I hope, at least.

Tim Layton is a home and DIY blogger for Popular Mechanics. Follow him on Twitter: @RemodelingGuy

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/how-to/blog/are-mcmansions-making-a-comeback-15627634?src=rss

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