HOME BUYERS ARE SEEKING SMALLER HOMES

from Home Improvement and Repairs Winter 2023

Last-Deck

The Plan Collection, an online source for purchasing home architectural plans, reports new home plans being sought and purchased in 2022 shows square footage shrinking as inflation, building costs and mortgage rates continue to rise. Year over year, searches for house plans for homes ranging between 500 – 1,000 square feet are up 34 percent, and those 1,000 – 1,500 square feet gained 32 percent. Supporting the shrinking home trend, 71 percent of prospective buyers state they are willing to purchase a smaller home to own, according to the recent Bank Of America’s 2022 Homebuyer Insights report.

Another revelation from The Plan Collection’s yearover-year evaluation shows a 43% growth in interest in garages with an apartment. CEO Brian Toolan attributes the increase to the new “granny flat” or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) zoning approvals which can be used as rentable square footage or housing for family members.

Laurel Vernazza, home design expert for The Plan Collection, offers a few home styles and tips to maximize living area in smaller homes as square footage trends downward:

Tiny Spaces with Big Impact. Since interest rates are increasing and homeowners are staying put, owners are reimagining overlooked alcoves, nooks and corners to be redesigned into compact, colorful and inviting spaces. An unremarkable space below the stairs gets revamped with a collection of framed photographs, distinctive art, fabulous lighting, and a vintage cabinet. Or, a dead-end hallway can be transformed into a tranquil meditation space or cozy reading corner.

Affordability (Goodbye Modern Farmhouse, Hello Bungalo). The modern bungalow gets increased attention from millennials and empty-nesters who want to downsize affordably but with style. One-story modern bungalow designs are typically less expensive, offering curb appeal, high ceilings, contemporary open floor plans, larger bathrooms and a 21stcentury exterior.

Staying Put with Floating Sinks and Vanities. Homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages may rethink trading up to a larger home in 2023 and revisit home remodeling instead. Expect kitchen and bath solutions that are attractive and affordable while creating a larger sense of space to be especially popular. In the bath, floating sinks will be the center of attention, especially in small bathrooms and powder rooms. Floating sinks/vanities can make a small space feel larger and enhance the room with their clean lines and sleek look. To learn more, visit www.theplancollection.com.

QUESTION: Should concrete screws used in a brick wall be driven into the brick or the mortar joint?

ANSWER: Concrete screws such as Tapcons are suitable for use in a variety of base material, including brick and the mortar joints between the brick. The holding value of the screw depends on the brick itself and the quality (and quantity) of mortar in the joint. As you’ve probably noticed on old buildings, mortar tends to deteriorate faster than brick, and if you see any signs of such deterioration, then you’ll probably get a stronger hold from the brick. Concrete screws require a pilot hole made with a hammer-drill and a masonry bit sized specifically for the diameter screw you’ve chosen. Drill the hole a half inch deeper than the length of the screw and use a wire brush, compressed air, or a vacuum to clean the hole of brick dust before driving in the concrete screw.

QUESTION: What is the easiest way to cut sheet metal?

ANSWER: “Aviation snips” (AKA tin snips) with compound leverage can cut sheet metal up to 18 gauge. Note that snips are designed for cutting either to the left, to the right, or straight, and a novice user will usually get the most versatility from the straight snips. A metal nibbler can often cut sheet metal up to 1/8-in. thick, depending on material, and some of these tools are sold as attachments that fit onto an electric drill. For straight cuts, a metal-cutting circular saw blade with a high teethper-inch count works well. Electric metal shears are another option for the pro who often works with sheet metal.