When I see gigantic homes, the first thing I think is "How long/much does it cost to clean that?" Then, I think about the utility bills. But I am a renter who will probably never be able to afford to buy my own home so I am not like most posters on DCUM.

The carbon footprint effect alone would cause me to lose sleep, never mind heating/cooling bills, cleaning, furnishing, etc.

Used to live in 3200 sq ft plus finishes basement and it never felt cozy, rooms too big etc. Now live in 2400 sq ft plus finished basement. All the space in house is functional. We use every room and I love it. We have 3 kids.

We have an 1800 sq foot house 3 bds, 2 bath, living room, famil room, kitchen, dining area open, no formal dining room, and a home office/guest room for 3 person family. While we'd love a little more space for closets and in between our room and DS, we don't want the extra cost and maintenance associated ith more space, not to mention we'd have to give up our close to dc locale and big back yard.... Less is more!

3 kids, 6,000+ sq foot house, 1 acre. While I like my house and I feel like it is the right size for us, I have thought about downsizing lately. We have accumulated way too much junk. Maintenace is so expensive - e.g. 2 AC units instead of 1 because of zone heating/ac. So when you need to replace it is $16k vs $8k. Carpet needs to be replaced, but there is just so much to replace. We have paid down most of our house so our payment is not large. We have not lost any value on house in the downturn of the housing markey, but I do still feel a bit house rich and cash poor.

8500 square feet, 5+ acres, 2 kids

Yes, I regret it. Too much house.

Have enjoyed having a large house for 15 years, but am beginning to look forward to when the kids are out of the house and we can downsize and simplify.

just make sure its in the same area and not farther out or else you will regret it

As long as you are able to maintain it financially, focus on the positives.

Anonymous wrote:We are 2 adults and one child in a 3 bedroom colonial with a finished basement and attic. I do regret the larger space. It is more to clean, heat, and AC.

Ditto.

Anonymous wrote:We are moving to a 4,000 square foot house. 2 adults - one child. Currently live in a 1100 sq. foot house. Yes, we can use more space, esp since in or current old house, layout leves a lot to be desired.

New house is gorgeous so why can't I jst be happy. Instead I feel guilty and overwhelmed. We are getting an excellent deal on the house, so that helps, but I cant see ever getting used to living in sch a huge home.

This is us. And I share the same feelings you are experiencing.

Bigger houses are harder to keep climate controlled (there were reasons they built rooms smaller years ago) and until you really get each room decorated, it can feel overwhelming. And if you're like us, you don't have as much cash to decorate, so.... you use your old furniture, which likely doesn't work well in the new house.

We hired an interior designer. It helped us to have a master plan for the look of the house. We will do one room at a time. May take us 3 years but we'll get there. Having a plan (and a color scheme initially) helped.... Little things like paint and light fixtures will go a long way.

We are 2 adults and one child in a 3 bedroom colonial with a finished basement and attic. I do regret the larger space. It is more to clean, heat, and AC.

You'll grow into it. Just don't kill yourself and your bank account trying to decorate it all at once. Who cares if you have empty space. Let it go and do it a bit at a time.

buyers remorse?

We are moving to a 4,000 square foot house. 2 adults - one child. Currently live in a 1100 sq. foot house. Yes, we can use more space, esp since in or current old house, layout leves a lot to be desired.

New house is gorgeous so why can't I jst be happy. Instead I feel guilty and overwhelmed. We are getting an excellent deal on the house, so that helps, but I cant see ever getting used to living in sch a huge home.