As buyer profiles change, the market fluctuates and new technolgy skyrockets, builders are reconsidering their standby home plans for something a little more open-minded.
 he housing market has been riding a wave of prosperity for some time now. Despite the fear perpetrated by recent slowing trends, analysts across the country say a sluggish housing market is actually a sign of stabilization. In the aftermath, builders are reevaluating their home designs and wondering if savvier floor plans and features might sustain the market while absorbing accumulating inventory.
As builders quickly rethink their options, watchful industry veterans agree that the bridling caused by a slow market has definitely brought trends to the surface. Here are some obvious building trends that are likely to drive the market this year.
Kitchen to living room
Wide Open Spaces. The market as of late and predictably for the near future is dominated by first-time home buyers and empty-nesters. Since families with small kids or no kids don’t require as much separation as those with personal space-craving teenagers, open plans will set the standard. Homes with arches, pillars to separate room spaces, exposed beam ceilings, and great rooms that open to large kitchens are some of the designs builders will find successful. Other predications are varied flooring to mark transitions, large windows and floor plans with few dead ends.
Energy-Efficiency All Around. The slowing of the housing market is economy related, so naturally homeowners are welcoming appliances that save them money while offering sleek designs and innovation. Windows and doors, washing machines, dishwashers, ranges and refrigerators are just a few items whose energy efficiency is a huge plus when selling a pre-built home.
Combining a music room with the living room
Space for Everyone. Remember the living room you never used because you spent all your time in the den? Or the dining room that serves the purpose of collecting dust? For a while these rooms seemed like wasted space until homeowners realized they could just use the space for a different purpose. Now a growing number of builders are returning to the concept of a flex space near the front entry for the home-owner to decide how to use it. Whether it be a dining area, music room, library, office, playroom or art gallery, this room is once again open for business.
Storing it all. Everyone needs extra storage space, and while you are at it why not a room that offers space just for wrapping presents. Builders are adding more square footage to plans dedicated to mudrooms, laundry areas, closets, and utility rooms. Within these larger spaces you’ll often find expanded countertops for hobby projects, built-in storage, racks for sports gear and even specialty sinks that serve as pet grooming areas. Whatever the owner needs, the new trend towards larger utility areas allows for it.
In addition, look for a return to the butler’s pantry. Since the modern kitchen is also serving as an entertainment area, many homeowners want a place to hide and clean dirty dishes when company is around.
Extending the living room to outdoor space
Living in Your Yard. Outdoor living is definitely here to stay. Up until the mid 90’s that just meant a decent sized back yard with a grill and a swimming pool. Today’s owners are more interested in entertaining in outdoor spaces that are comfortable, attractive and reminiscent of the indoor rooms they love. So builders are inclined to include private, alfresco courtyards in the middle or side of the house. Also popular are intimate gardens, and nature connections off the master bathroom. After all, nothing resembles vacation more than morning coffee in your own private garden. Many builders are also offering options for outdoor amenities like cooking areas, patios and porches. Decks seem to have fallen by the wayside as owners want a space that appears permanent and more room-like.
A Better View. Homeowners have discovered the key to living with nature from an indoor perspective: lots of windows. Natural light is a big request, and builders are recognizing this by using windows of various sizes and heights. As a result, ceiling heights are increasing throughout the home. The NAHB reports that 9 foot ceilings are the new standard. They make a home feel larger than it is, allow for bigger windows and transoms, and provide a greater sense of openness.
Heading to the Office. Home offices continue to be in high demand as owners blur the lines between home and work. These spaces are also great for homework, general bookkeeping and reading. Gaining ground is the work niche – those small spaces perfect for a laptop that are close to the kitchen, in the great room, or in a loft atop a stair landing. Home technology has become so mobile and compact that an entire room is no longer needed to accommodate its equipment.
Breaking Tradition. With land prices and square footage rising and lot sizes decreasing, some areas are seeing more homes that rise upward. The result of a multi-floor home has caused owners to request more plans with first-floor master suites. Builders are offering multiple master suites in separate areas of the home to accommodate non-traditional buyers like multi-generational households. As more owners began thinking financially about the future, the mother-in-law suite, or at least space for it, is becoming a permanent addition.
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