The "Not-So-Big" House: 3bed/3ba (plus more in basement), 2,750 sq. ft. above ground...

[eyesroll]

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=688941

The plans can be viewed here:

http://www.healthyhomeplans.com/home_plans/home_plan_detail.php?plan_id=24&start=1

That site does have homes <1000 square feet, but the Journal Sentinel chose to show a house with more than 4,000 square feet and four bedrooms, 3 full/2 half baths including the basement to illustrate "not-so-big." It's also priced at more than $800,000, in a community where houses routinely sell for $150,000.

I like the sustainable design, but on what planet is this "not-so-big?"

[babylonsister]

1. That's a helluva lot more 'quantity' than I have. And why would

anyone build a home for $800,000 surrounded by homes worth $150,000. Doesn't make sense to me.

[eyesroll]

2. I think this one's in a more high-end neighborhood ($400,000)...but the community itself

is very modest.

I had a 1,900 square foot house that seemed enormous.

[momster]

3. Never Buy Most Expensive House

in a neighborhood. Never improve your house until it is the most expensive. Keep your house well-maintained, upgrade the things that need to be done (go green!) and keep it at least 5 yrs. Most importantly -- Do Not Watch HGTV Home Improvement Shows! That way lies madness....

[Catch22Dem]

4. I must disagree with you on one point

I love watching HGTV, but I just like it for the artistry and creativity. Fortunately, It's never led me to take on a project. So, if you can contain yourself, HGTV should be safe. :D

[fasttense]

6. HGTV is responsible for more unfinished home projects

than anything in the world.

[SoCalDem]

5. 50's parents raised 4-5 kids in houses w less than 1000 sq ft..

...ONE bathroom...usually NO garage..and very few amenities.. but then of course, they PAID off those houses, and then "traded up" as they made more money..

These days, young people willingly saddle themselves with McMansions they cannot afford to heat, cool or furnish.. and when one of them loses a job, they belly-up..