Agreed. We built (ourselves) a NSB house of our own design that came to 1616 sf -- and it's the largest in our rural, wooded neighborhood (ranging from 900 to 1400). The principles are sound, but the practice seems to be calling anything under 3000 sf "not so big". That's more like "not criminally huge". To me, true NSB houses are under 2000 sf and incorporate non-traditional design elements, open communal spaces, and intimate private spaces. That's just me.
Agreed. Sarah has wonderful ideas and a design philosophy that echos my own feelings towards what makes a home. The most incompetent designer/builder can produce a good-looking kitchen for $150K...but it takes a great degree of skill and inate talent to produce a great space for a tenth of that cost.
We have a 2000 sqft. home and it's plenty big for my wife and I. Ironically, here in Northern VA our home is considered outdatedly small...go figure. The norm is 2500+ sqft and up for a starter home and 3750+ for a entry-level McMansion.
Our dilemma is trying to find an architect who'll take a NOB job under $250K is virtually impossible. Builder/contractors who show anything but the most minimal level of quality workmanship are few and far between and insanely expensive...$350+ p/sqft of finished space, even with bargain basement materials. Tack on another 25% for a kitchen or bathroom re-do.
Saddly, the "Not So Big" concept is alien around here where size is all that matters, and most new houses have all the architectual appeal of a Wawa gas station pump island.
