Housing: Let's talk size matters

HOMES & CONSTRUCTION

Housing is a need that ranks highly on the personal achievements' scale for almost all human beings. There are cultures that to-date measure one's success by the size of their houses. To some, house size is a symbol of stature and power in their societies. 

The size of a house can be looked at from so many angles or aspects. It is usually looked at in terms of the area the house covers both on the ground and vertically. However, the size can also be looked at from an economic point of view.

Abdu-Wahab Nyanzi, an architect says in a country like Uganda decent housing is still a challenge.

"For the urban dwellers, a house is only one if it is made of brick and mortar. A number of property dealers have opened up suburbs for residential development, an opportunity which many have taken with both hands. The challenge with many people though is what size of house to put up," he says.

In general, today's developers are opting for smaller houses due to a number of factors. "Small houses are the preference of many developers mainly because they come at a lower budget and can be delivered in a relatively shorter time," says Nyanzi.

He adds that small houses feel cozy and offer more intimate feeling to the owner. The space is not a lot and so the occupants feel well in control of the space and are aware of everything happening around them.

What causes people to go for small houses?

Costs

According to Nyanzi, costs for building materials are high hence the increase in the cost per square meter of built up space. This has contributed highly to clients opting for smaller houses.

Small plots of land

Majority of the plots on the market today are small. The common size is 100ftx50ft. This dimension can only afford the architect so little in terms of building foot print.

Nyanzi says clients have to either build high-rise or stick to small bungalows. Larger plots are costly so average developers cannot afford.

Small families

Today, families are smaller than those that existed earlier.

This has resulted in a reduction in the amount of usable space required for living.

In addition, the tradition of sleep-over visitors is dying out.

This applies to the trend of building garages despite the increase in car burglary.

Cost of borrowing

Mortgages now come at a higher cost than before.

This means that people don't have the luxury of accessing large sums of money for construction of big houses.

With less capital, the houses have also become smaller.

Social pressures

Pressures relating to unpredictable increase in rent and the risk of losing a job before one has a rent-free place to stay are some of those factors influencing small houses.

"I would rather sleep in a one-roomed house when it is mine than having to pay rent each and every month," says Grace Katasi, a businesswoman in Kampala.

She says the urgency or need to own a house of your own has resulted in people building small houses that they can quickly finish and occupy.

Low maintenance and operational costs

 Small houses are really limiting as regards amount of usable space. Whereas the basic function might be met, any extras can come with a lot of inconveniences.

They are also not suitable for extended families if the architect did not provide for this function from the start. The number of users can easily overshoot the capacity of facilities provided, leading to high maintenance costs.

Advantages of a small house

It is easy, quicker and cheaper to construct.

Low maintenance costs.

Marketable in case of renting out.

In case of an estate, it enables you to accommodate more families on a given piece of land.

Disadvantages

Usually untidy due to fewer or smaller accommodation options.

Smaller returns in case of sale, compensation, rent or loan applications.

Less prestigious as far as social standing is concerned.

Advantages of a big house

Because of more facilities it gives you more accommodation options.

They are usually neat because you have several spaces to accommodate people and property.

Enhances someone's social status.

Bigger returns in case of sale rent and can fetch you a bigger loan from a financial institution.

Big houses provide bigger furnishing options, enabling you to enjoy spaces and a good environment.

Disadvantages

Costly both in construction and maintenance for example utility bills, structural and cleaning bills.

Hard to secure against burglary given its size and size of compound.

Usually scaring with few occupants and empty rooms.                              

Difficult to market in case of renting out unless in good locations like Kololo, Naguru, Bugolobi, Nakasero, among other areas.

Wastage of land in case you are to develop an estate.