How Big Should Your Home Be?

Size & Layout of the Home – Finding the Right Fit for Your Lifestyle

When buying a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right size and layout to suit your lifestyle. While it’s easy to focus on cosmetic upgrades like countertops or flooring, the home’s size and floor plan will have a far greater impact on your comfort, functionality, and long-term satisfaction.

Bedrooms: How Many Do You Really Need?

The number of bedrooms you need depends on your current family structure, future plans, and how you intend to use the space. For many buyers, three bedrooms is the sweet spot—enough space for a couple and one or two children, or a couple who wants a guest room and a home office. But if you’re planning to grow your family, host out-of-town guests often, or work remotely, four or more bedrooms may be a smarter choice.

Kentucky Tom Pro Tip: Don’t forget to factor in flexible needs. A guest bedroom can double as a home gym, hobby room, or quiet retreat. And if you frequently have visitors or plan to care for aging parents, a first-floor bedroom with an attached bath could be a game-changer.

Bathrooms: Convenience and Privacy

While bedrooms determine where people sleep, bathrooms determine how comfortably everyone can live day to day. A home with too few bathrooms can quickly become frustrating, especially during busy mornings or family gatherings. Ideally, each bedroom should have access to a full or half bath—this is especially important for larger households or homes that host guests regularly.

For resale value, having at least two full bathrooms is often recommended, even in smaller homes. A private en-suite bathroom for the primary bedroom adds a level of luxury and privacy that many buyers appreciate. If you’re comparing two similar homes, the one with more or better-located bathrooms may win out when it comes to livability and value.

Square Footage: Don’t Just Count the Feet—Consider How They’re Used

Square footage can be a helpful guideline, but it’s not just about how much space you have—it’s how that space is organized. An open floor plan with 1,800 square feet may feel larger and more usable than a 2,200-square-foot home with chopped-up, inefficient rooms.

Consider how you live day-to-day. If you entertain often, you’ll want generous common areas like a large kitchen, dining space, and family room. If you need quiet areas to work or study, a home with separate rooms or bonus spaces could serve you better. Families with children may want a second living area—like a loft or finished basement—for play and relaxation. Think beyond the square footage and focus on how each room contributes to your lifestyle.

Flow and Functionality: Does the Layout Work for You?

The best floor plans are designed for easy flow and functionality. Look at how rooms connect—are the kitchen and dining areas near each other? Is there a logical path from the garage to a mudroom or pantry? Are bedrooms grouped together for family cohesion, or separated for privacy?

Also, consider the position of rooms in the home. A home office facing the front yard with ample sunlight might be more inviting than a windowless basement. A bedroom placed directly off the living room could lack the privacy you need. Even the location of the laundry room—upstairs near bedrooms or tucked away on the main floor—can make a big difference in convenience.

For Your Consideration

Finally, make sure the size and layout will support not just your life now, but how you expect it to evolve. Are you planning for children? Downsizing after retirement? Taking in a relative? Buying a home is a long-term investment, and flexibility in space is key to growing comfortably into the next phase of your life.

In short, a well-matched home should feel intuitive, adaptable, and designed for the way you live. Bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage matter—but it’s how they work together that truly makes a house your home.

For More Home Buying and Selling insights, join my Free newsletter by clicking HERE.