Top 5 Changes You'll See in New Homes
Posted by Penn Hull on Tue, Oct 26, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
What Will Tomorrow's New Home Look Like?
Today's cost-conscious homes: Built to save energy and space
New home buyers and builders have been asked, across the nation, what they want to see built. Here's what NC custom home builders are focusing on, to meet the needs of a new kind of home buyer.
Energy Efficiency
Homebuyers are concentrating on energy efficiency.
They’re line-iteming $5,000, $10,000 and even more into building budgets in exchange for substantial lower monthly energy costs.
When homebuyers evaluate new home builders in NC, they’re looking for cutting edge technology like Energy Wise (which guarantees 50-70% savings on heating and cooling costs) and ENERGY STAR programs that offer long-term lower energy costs.
Smaller Homes
Many NC custom home builders are building space-saving smaller homes – 1600 to 2500 sq ft, in place of the recently popular 2500 to 3500 sq ft range to homes.
Smaller homes more cost effective to build, reduce monthly housing costs, require less heating and cooling, and reflect an overall trend towards a floor plan that really works, without unnecessary spaces.
"Great Room" Flexibility | NC Custom Home Builder Trends
Home buyers are more attracted to floor plans with open layouts, which provide more usable space in the areas where people gather – like Great Rooms and Kitchens - while eliminating oversized hallways and excess walls. Formal living rooms and separate family rooms are not as popular.
Fewer Volume Ceilings | NC Custom Home Builder Trends
9 foot ceilings are still fairly standard on the first floor, but there is a decreased demand for vaulted or two story ceilings.
Floor plans with two story ceilings in the Family Room are often converted into extra living space, as new home builders in NC fill that empty height with a bonus room or game room on the second floor – without a huge price tag difference.
Less Focus on Features | NC Custom Home Builder Trends
Homebuyers and home builders are opting out of many of the expensive options they were more likely to choose a couple of years ago, as they concentrate more on use of space. Homebuyers are more likely to plan for weekend projects in order to keep the overall price tag of their new home lower.
Fewer Formal Dining Rooms | NC Custom Home Builder Trends
Today’s informal eat-on-the-go mentality has contributed to the popularity of eating areas off the kitchen.
Formal Dining Rooms are often converted to Home Offices – and if an NC custom home builder knows that’s the intention in advance, there are some special adaptations they can build in that make that transition easier.
More Elaborate Kitchens | NC Custom Home Builder Trends
The kitchen has become a central point of the home. In partnership with the elimination of formal dining rooms, kitchens often offer easier places to sit and eat or hang out.
Large islands and seating areas are popular with people who like to gather where the food is cooking. Countertop space, flow-through capabilities and energy-efficient appliances are a big part of the demand.
Homeowners are looking for good value, rather than the flashiest new appliances or most expensive countertops.
Three Car Garages | NC Custom Home Builders
New home builders in NC are allowing for expanded garages, which serve a variety of functions.
Three-car garages are in demand to allow for small workshops, storage, or parking space for a Mother-in-Law or grown child who has moved-back home. Even larger garages can be cost effectively planned, such as tandem garages, where one car parks behind another.
Other Top Custom Homebuilder Questions:
What Ceiling Height Should I Choose?
How to Get a Bigger Pantry for Less | Custom Home Builder
Formal Dining Room - yes or no?
Woodburning or Gas Fireplace? | Custom Homebuilder Questions
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2010, all rights reserved. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.
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Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.