CT Home Building Trends
Posted by Bob Wiedenmann on Thu, Jun 30, 2011 @ 10:02 AM
There are some growing home trends that make for a more comfortable and low-maintenance life. These trends crossover different demographics from the on-the-go family to the active older adult.
Home Offices – It is becoming easier today for more professionals to be able to work from home. A home office eliminates the hassle of commuting while offering the freedom to work in your environment.
Tech/Media Centers – Life can become quite simply with top-of-the-line amenities in the home such as a media room with surround sound and central control systems, which manage all media sources in one location. The house may include a wireless home network (Wi-Fi), remote control lighting and security features.
Better Lighting/Bigger Windows – By adding more windows or making them larger you allow for more natural light into the home. We have also been adding more light fixtures in areas including under cabinets and in stairwells with multiple switches to reduce the number of trips and dimmer controls to eliminate glare are other options.
First
-Floor Bedrooms and Bathrooms – More than 40 percent of new homes have master suites downstairs, a 15 percent increase over a decade ago. Bedrooms are also bigger, with larger walk-in closets and bathrooms that have a separate tub and shower and dual sinks.
Easy to Maintain Exteriors/Landscaping – With so much happening in our lives yard work, painting, and other landscaping chores have become difficult to maintain. We want a maintenance-free life. Many are choosing to make improvements to exterior surfaces such as installing stucco, brick or low-maintenance siding. Lawns are being replaced with living patios, decorative landscaping, or flower beds which can be a hobby for gardening enthusiasts.
Flex Space – “Flex space” has become more prevalent in both new homes and remodeling. Flex spaces are rooms that take on the purpose of the present home owner's needs but can adjust with changes as they occur. What may have once started out as a guest bedroom can be redecorated to serve as a hobby room or library. This allows home owners to stay in their homes longer as it continues to serve their needs throughout life’s stages.
Reference: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=112&genericContentID=146205
