My in-laws are nearing retirement, and felt that 3,000 sqft was the upper limit. They are currently overwhelmed by the upkeep and need to downsize. I grew up in 2,100 ( but only 2 kids.) my parents plan to age in place. Both parents have a first floor owner’s suite.

Op finish the basement or convert the formal dining room into a library or office. I think your kids having a room is more important than an office. But I like teleworking everywhere

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I take it there’s no basement, OP?

Op here - yes there is a basement but not finished. We are planning on finishing it within the next year or two.

Finish the basement and move the guest bedroom/office down there. Do NOT put kids down there!

We have three kids, all teens now, and I guess we have about 3800 sq ft including the basement. We have 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths upstairs. We have a dedicated office for my husband and my office is in the family room (not ideal during covid). Our basement is finished, so guests sleep down there and kids hang out down there. We also have very large outdoor space which has been the lifesaver during Covid and teens hang out there with their friends. It sounds like you need more space especially since you use one of your BRs for office space. I agree with PP that if you like your location, finish the basement and add a bathroom, guest room, office and common space down there.

We have a raised ranch, 5 bedrooms, about 2,800 square feet. It would work for 5 people. We have 3.

We have very similar to you - 3 kids ages 11, 8, and 5 and a 4 bedroom house. Each kid has their own bedroom. We have a finished basement. We are not moving - we are planning to stay here indefinitely / permanently.

We really don’t “need” a larger house but I suppose if I was playing a game of pretend I would say - 5th bedroom and an office / sunroom would be cool! I’d love a screened deck, too.

We have 3,100 sq ft and its perfect for us. 4 beds, 2.5 bath

Currently two kids share a room so that we can have an office, but when they're older, the playroom on the 1st floor will become our office.

Anonymous wrote:That is a good size. Give the kids each a bedroom.

+1 Seems like you don’t *need* a bigger house. However, if you want one and can afford one, then just do it.

You’re fine, with 5 kids you only need 3 bedrooms. So with 4 you’re doing better than most American families.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I take it there’s no basement, OP?

Op here - yes there is a basement but not finished. We are planning on finishing it within the next year or two.

If you like your house and neighborhood, finish the basement, refi and use equity to do that if you don’t have cash on hand. Create an office area, guest room and bathroom in basement. Problem solved.

I would do this- can you finish the basement such that you have an office as well as a hangout area for the kids for when they get older? Each kid gets own room upstairs and then they can hang out in the basement with friends etc. They won't be hanging out there while your husband works so fine if that space is next to the office

We have about 1600 sq ft with 5, sixth on the way. 3 BR 2 BA, open concept ranch. My middle kid shares a room but often ends up on the couch. It could be worse, we could be the Joads in a jalopy.

Anonymous wrote:What do you think a perfect size house would be for a family of 5? We have 3 kids with the oldest and youngest being 5 years apart. That means we will have 3 tweens/teens in the house at the same time. Right now we have a 4 bedroom house (2600sqft) but the two oldest girls share a room and the youngest has a super tiny room (nursery right now) and we use the 3rd room for a office with a pull out couch for guests. I am worried it’s going to get super tight upstairs with 3 teens and 2 adults later on, although we do have 2 full bathrooms upstairs.

What would a perfect size house be in your mind for this size family?

I regret not having a basement where the kids can hang out. I think that is more important than the rooms personally. And enough bathrooms.

6000