OK, so let's put it in terms of space use instead of square feet. My kids will be out of the house in a very few years... even then, I believe in 3-4 bedrooms -- i.e. our bedroom, a guest room, and a study, or even small his/hers studies -- (my husband gave his den up to our son a while back and has never really adapted to the loss of "personal" space). Then, I prefer a kitchen nook for breakfast, if possible, and separate living/dining rooms, but that can depend on the layout. The older Baltimore homes often haven't got a finished basement (as recroom), but guess what? Without one, Baltimoreans ACTUALLY USE their elegant living and dining rooms. All this can happen in approx 1800-2200 sq feet and be exceedingly comfortable.

This is probably not the place to ask, but what's the typical method to count square footage?

I don't know, jfg -- any experts out there want to weigh in?

You start with a tape measure. Use that to determine the X and Y dimensions; then multiply that product by the number of finished floors. et voila... you have your square footage. Yes, walls count.

While *some* basements may also count (that has mostly to do with building code standards). Most finished space in basements won't qualify. Unfinished space never did qualify.

Hope that clarifies and helps.

Mr Rational, That's roughly what I though. Just look at the footprint. But what about those McMansions with living room and foyer ceilings that are 20ft high and take up both stories? I'm assuming you wouldn't count that twice. I'm not sure what applies to stairs.