Buy or build the house that's the right size for your family. Remember, you have to furnish, clean, maintain, heat and cool the whole thing.
Smart design can make a smaller house seem bigger and bad design can make a big house seem cramped.
A southern exposure will provide lots of light without much heat gain. Do not choose a house or lot where most windows will face west. Shade will keep your house cooler and lower your energy bills. Attics can get up to 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. This excessive heat moves into your living space, making it uncomfortable and causing your air conditioner to work harder.