Bigger Families Need Bigger Homes – Extending for Extra Bedrooms
Finding the Right Fit for Growing Clans
As a parent of two rambunctious little ones, I can attest that having enough space is essential for maintaining sanity. When our first bundle of joy arrived, our cozy 1,920 square-foot home suddenly felt like it was bursting at the seams. Trying to carve out private nooks for work, rest, and play became a daily puzzle.
That’s why, in 2020, my wife and I decided to make the leap and upgrade to a nearly 3,000 square-foot forever home. And let me tell you, the extra breathing room has been a game-changer. No more competing for quiet corners or stepping on Legos in the dark. Now everyone has their own space to spread out, recharge, and avoid those all-too-common toddler meltdowns.
Of course, the decision to upsize isn’t one to be made lightly. There are lots of factors to consider, from budget to lifestyle to resale value. But if you’re part of a growing family, I truly believe that going bigger is better. After all, the size and layout of your home has a huge impact on quality of life. So let’s dive into why expanding your living space could be the key to domestic bliss.
More Rooms, More Peace
One of the biggest advantages of a larger home is the ability to have dedicated spaces for different activities and family members. When our son was a baby, having his nursery right next to our master bedroom was a lifesaver. Those late-night feedings and soothing sessions were so much easier when we didn’t have to trek halfway across the house.
And as our little ones have grown, having separate bedrooms for them (with a guest room/office in between) has been a game-changer. No more sibling squabbles over who gets the top bunk or which toys belong to whom. They each have their own cozy retreats to recharge, play, and get ready for the day.
Plus, with an extra bedroom, we have the perfect spot to host visiting friends and family. No more awkward sleeping arrangements or tripping over air mattresses in the living room. Our guests can enjoy a sense of privacy and comfort, while we maintain our own routines. It’s a win-win!
Room to Breathe (and Work)
Of course, extra bedrooms aren’t the only perk of a larger home. Having designated spaces for work, relaxation, and recreation can make a massive difference in your overall quality of life.
In our previous place, the lines between work and home were constantly blurred. My “office” was really just a corner of the master bedroom, and any time I needed to take a call or hammer out a proposal, I’d have to tiptoe around sleeping babies or navigate the chaos of playtime. Not exactly conducive to productivity!
Now, with a dedicated home office tucked away on the lower level, I can close the door and enjoy a sense of separation. No more interruptions from tiny hands or demands for snacks. Just quiet, focused time to get things done. And when the workday is done, I can simply step out and immerse myself in family time without the constant mental pull of unfinished tasks.
The same goes for our recreational spaces. In our previous home, the living room was the only real gathering spot, which meant we were constantly rearranging furniture and toys to accommodate different activities. But in our new place, we have a separate family room downstairs, complete with a big-screen TV, pool table, and cushy sectional. It’s the perfect spot for movie nights, game days, and kid-friendly chaos, leaving the main living area blissfully peaceful.
Room to Grow (and Host)
Of course, one of the most important considerations when upsizing is how your home will accommodate your family as it grows and changes. And let me tell you, having that extra space has been a lifesaver.
When our daughter was born, we were already feeling the pinch of our previous home. Trying to carve out a nursery while maintaining an office and guest room was a serious Tetris challenge. But in our new place, we had the flexibility to transform one of the spare bedrooms into a cozy little haven for our baby girl, without sacrificing any other functions.
And as our kids have gotten older, that extra room has become invaluable. It’s now our daughter’s domain, where she can play, read, and host sleepovers with her friends. Meanwhile, our son has claimed the basement family room as his own personal hangout spot, complete with a TV, beanbags, and an endless supply of Legos.
But the benefits of upsizing don’t stop at our immediate family. Having that extra guest room has been a boon for hosting visiting relatives, who can enjoy a sense of privacy and independence. No more awkward sleeping arrangements or tripping over air mattresses in the living room. Our guests can come and go as they please, while we maintain our own routines and personal space.
And let’s not forget the value of a dedicated home office. In this new era of remote work, having a quiet, distraction-free place to focus has become an absolute necessity. No more fighting for bandwidth or negotiating “quiet hours” with the rest of the household. It’s my own little productivity oasis, just steps away from the rest of the family action.
Location, Location, Location
Of course, when it comes to finding the perfect family home, location is just as important as square footage. After all, what’s the point of having a spacious abode if it’s tucked away in an isolated, inconvenient spot?
That’s why, in addition to upsizing, we made sure to find a home in a cozy, well-connected neighborhood. Our previous place was right on the edge of a busy commercial district, which meant constant noise, traffic, and the occasional drunken frat party at 2 a.m. Not exactly conducive to peaceful family living.
But our new home? It’s in a quiet, residential area with plenty of green space, walking trails, and family-friendly amenities. The nearest main road is a good half-mile away, so we’re blissfully insulated from the hustle and bustle. And with a park, library, and playground just a short stroll from our front door, the kids have endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and community connection.
And let’s not forget the importance of proximity to work. After all, the less time we spend commuting, the more we can invest in quality time with our loved ones. Our previous home was a good 45-minute slog each way, which really cut into our family evenings. But now, with both of us working from home, the daily grind has become a thing of the past. We can start and end our days together, without the drain of a lengthy commute.
The Price of Comfort
Of course, the decision to upsize isn’t one to be taken lightly. Larger homes come with a higher price tag, both in terms of the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance and utility costs. And in the current real estate market, finding that perfect balance of space and affordability can be a real challenge.
When we first started our home search, we had a pretty ambitious budget in mind. After all, with two growing kids and a remote work setup, we figured we could easily justify a larger, more expensive home. But as we started touring properties and crunching the numbers, we quickly realized that our original target was simply unrealistic.
Homes in our desired location and size range were selling for well above our budget. And while we certainly could have stretched ourselves financially to make it work, we ultimately decided that it just wasn’t worth the long-term strain on our finances.
Instead, we ended up downsizing our ambitions and focusing on more modestly-priced homes in the 3,000 square-foot range. It was a bit of a compromise, to be sure, but the savings on the purchase price and ongoing costs have made a huge difference in our overall quality of life. We still get to enjoy the extra space and privacy we craved, without the constant worry of how we’re going to pay the bills.
And let’s not forget the value of that extra square footage when it comes to resale. In the current housing market, larger homes are in high demand, especially as remote work and growing families become more the norm. So while we may have had to compromise a bit on the initial price tag, we’re confident that our investment will pay off down the line.
A Space for Every Need
At the end of the day, the key to finding the perfect family home lies in creating a space that truly meets your unique needs and lifestyle. For us, that meant prioritizing extra bedrooms, dedicated work and recreation areas, and a quiet, convenient location. But your own list of must-haves may look quite different.
Perhaps you value an expansive backyard for outdoor adventures, or a sprawling chef’s kitchen for your culinary creativity. Or maybe you’re dreaming of a luxurious master suite with a private balcony, where you can steal away for some much-needed me-time. Whatever your priorities, the key is to focus on function over form.
After all, the size of your home isn’t nearly as important as how well it serves your family’s needs. Whether you opt for a cozy cottage or a palatial estate, the goal is to create a space that feels like a true sanctuary – a place where you can relax, recharge, and revel in the chaos of everyday life.
So if you’re part of a growing clan, don’t be afraid to think big when it comes to your living situation. With a little creativity and strategic planning, you can find the perfect abode that checks all your boxes – and delivers the peace of mind and comfort you crave. Because when it comes to family, bigger really is better.
