The operating cost per square foot is not that much different. A little economizing in the right places - flourencent bulbs, thermal glass, insulation, efficient appliances and heat pumps can make even an enormous house cheap to keep up.
Yes. That is a good point. I do think people sometimes overestimate these costs/savings. Perhaps a bigger issue for me is the cleaning and maintenance. I really just don't have the energy or desire to keep up caring for the big house. More sq footage, more bathrooms, and more space does take more time for me to clean. And, it has resulted in more clutter to manage because I have the space so I really didn't have to get rid of stuff like i did in a smaller home. Of course, I could just become more organized!
I do think some costs will be less. Like home maintenance if I have to replace a roof, etc. Also, property taxes are about 30% less and so forth.
And, because our area seems to be going into decline, I think the McMansion is going to be a harder sell down the road versus a generic property that is more appropriate for a working family, etc. Just my opinion but I have to plan for the future based on how I see it coming.
Any home can be a money pit. And, a well made larger home in good condition may cost much less down the road than a distressed smaller home.
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