Bigger is Not Always Better

When purchasing a home in the Middle Tennessee area, remember that bigger is not always better when determining usable square footage.  Many buyers feel that the total square footage of a home determines their usable space. Not so.  Smaller houses can actually be bigger. How? By having more usable linear footage, than square footage.

• Linear footage is length of each usable wall in a room.
• Square footage is determined by outside dimensions of heated living space(excluding 2 story foyers, garages, etc. which is not living space) (Over garage bonus rooms are measured differently) Buyers are encouraged to measure wall space rather than concentrate on the total square footage of a home. • Is it a floor plan with little or no wasted space or does the home appear    “choppy” with visible    waste?
• Pay attention to how doors and closets open onto a wall.
• Are air vents located under windows to provide maximum wall space?
• Where are electrical outlets located on a wall? Are they offset to one end or the other or are they in the middle of the wall?
 
Know your furniture measurements, especially bedroom furniture and sofas. Have this information available when looking at homes.  Don’t exclude a potential home because of square footage. It never hurts to look. And, bring a tape measure… Remember, bigger is not always better.

See more information on buying a home in the Middle Tennessee area and contact Kim Blanton to help you purchase your next home.