The median size of U.S. single-family production homes has steadily decreased since reaching a peak of 2,268 square feet in 2006, according to a National Association of Home Builders survey released Oct. 7. The survey found that contractor-built homes also decreased in size.

The median square footage of production homes was 2,100 square feet in 2009, according to the survey. The median size of contractor-built homes has also declined. In 2007 and 2008, more than 9 percent of the homes started were 4,000 square feet or larger; but in 2009, that number dropped to 7.3 percent, Custom Home Online reported Nov. 4.

Economic troubles and concerns about high energy costs are the two main reasons for the size decline, according to Custom Home Online.

While some of the features homeowners require – such as number of bedrooms – haven't changed during the recession, luxury amenities are another story, according to the survey. Fewer new single-family homes include three-car garages, fireplaces, patios and decks. Although the number of patios and decks has decreased, the survey showed that the number of homes with porches has increased to 63 percent in 2009 from 54 percent in 2005.

The two-story foyer is a luxury feature that remains consistent in new homes. In 2009, 35 percent of all single-family homes started included two-story foyers. This feature is common in more expensive homes, as shown by the survey: Of the homes started in 2009 that included two-story foyers, 58 percent were priced in the $500,000 to $999,000 range, while nearly 71 percent were in the $1 million or higher range, Custom Home Online reported.

As for framing systems, 95 percent of new single-family homes started in 2009 used wood as the primary framing material, no matter the size, price or construction method, according to the survey. In terms of siding, vinyl was most common in 2009, used by 36 percent of new homes, Custom Home Online reported.