The Big House

by Wade Wiebe

In Canada, the average new home provides 779sf of living space per person. That figure is likely smaller in Steinbach, but even here homes are being built larger every year. Let’s look at how our living standards compare with other countries: The largest average space per person is 960sf in Australia, followed by 832sf in the United States. Canada is third largest. At the other end of the spectrum: Japan, UK and Italy are each around 350sf, while Russia & China are around 225sf. The smallest is Hong Kong, where the average home provides only 161sf per occupant.

Clearly, the amount of space we “need” is subjective, and probably relies heavily on what we’re accustomed to seeing around us. But there are a few concrete reasons to question the assumption that we need as much space as we have - let alone that we need more. First, consider how much of your “necessary” space is used to house unnecessary stuff.  How many times have you moved to a new larger space only to fill it with junk? Consider too, how much of your time and money goes into just maintaining your home. Did you know that every 100 square feet in a new house costs approximately $15,000 to build, plus an additional $760/year in interest, insurance and taxes? At a salary of $52k per annum, that means construction would cost all the money you’d make in 4 ½ months while basic expenses would cost a week of work, every year, forever. Multiply that by each 100sf of your house, and don’t forget: you’ll need to clean, heat and maintain that space forever as well. Finally, there’s the future to think about. The costs - and even the availability - of energy can be expected to fluctuate in the near future. The larger the house, the more these effects will contribute to the economic stresses already on a household at a time when financial flexibility is needed most.

A desire for more space is not new – it’s been a human wish throughout history. There’s even a traditional Jewish folk tale that gives a bit of perspective on this very subject:

A man lived with his wife and children in a small house. In fact, the house was so small that they were terribly unhappy. One day, the man went to see his Rabbi to ask for advice. “Rabbi, I’m so unhappy! My house is so small that I can’t move without getting in my wife’s way, or tripping over the children. But we’re too poor for anything more – what can I do?” The Rabbi listened closely. He said that he could indeed help the man, but that he would have to promise to follow his instructions without fail. The man desperately agreed. The Rabbi asked him what animals he had. “Chickens, a goat and a cow” replied the man. “Go home, and bring the chickens into the house”, said the Rabbi. Although the man was doubtful, he did so without questioning the Rabbi further. But he was more distressed than ever when he returned a week later. “Rabbi, I followed your instructions but things are only worse. Please help!” The Rabbi nodded and said, “Go home, and bring the goat inside as well.” The man was astonished, but did as he was told. A week later, he came back dishevelled. “Rabbi, the chickens were a menace, but the goat is unbearable. I can’t see how this will help me get a larger house. Please help!” The Rabbi nodded and said, “Go home, and bring in the cow as well.” The man protested, but finally did as he was told. A week later he returned in tears. “Oh please Rabbi - have mercy! I can’t take this any longer!” The Rabbi said, “You have done everything you’ve been asked. Only one thing remains – go home and let out the chickens, the goat and the cow. Then come see me in a week.” The man did so, and returned a week later overjoyed. “Rabbi, I’m so happy! My house is a palace! We have more space than I ever dreamed possible. Thank you!”

When you choose your home, be as conservative with your designs for space as you are with your money. Your quality of life depends more on how you live in the space you have, than it does on how many square feet it is.