The trend could fall out of favor with higher and higher energy costs. It's something to consider. Since heat rises, some of your heating dollars will be going toward warming a space that no one will ever occupy, even if you count some NBA players among your closest friends. Those costs need to be weighed against the aesthetic or psychological boost that more open space may provide. There is no question this is calling on more energy resources.
More space means more energy to heat and cool it.
When it comes to energy efficiency, the NAHB finds it is not a top concern of homebuyers. In its report, the organization states that the recent jump in energy prices has fueled speculation that energy costs will have a major impact on the type and location of homes to be built in the next decade. Carol Ochs is a Washington-based reporter who covers new home trends. Written by Carol Ochs Click here for a printer-friendly version of this article. Click here to translate this page to another language.