We mentioned in a recent blog post how the American dream how has evolved over the past half century, most notably with the increase in size as the average size of today's homes are nearly 3 times the size of the average home in 1950.
Of course, additional square footage is not the only thing that Americans want in their dream homes today. Here are 8 characteristics that are being added to the dream home wish list, particularly in the custom homes market:
1. A Fireplace Porch
While you may not want to relax fireside in the height of Central Florida's summer, incorporating a fireplace into your porch or patio can allow for year-round outdoor entertaining. If you have a pool, consider positioning your fireplace so that it can be enjoyed while lying on the couch or floating in the water.
2. An Outdoor Kitchen
Are you seeing a theme here with these outdoor entertaining features? Seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor spaces is in huge demand right now. For homeowners that spend a lot of time outside, it's very convenient to have an outdoor kitchen at their disposal.
3. A Hidden Room
A home with ample storage space has always been in style, and this idea can be taken to the next level by carving out some unused attic space to create a hidden room. A hidden room not only adds some character to a home, but it can also be functional by serving as a storage room, pantry, closet, play room, reading nook, and more.
4. An Open Concept Floor Plan
If you've watched any HGTV show lately, you'll notice that just about every featured homebuyer wants an open floor plan, and this trend is certainly here to stay for a while.
5. Smart Features
Technology is becoming more integrated into today's custom homes than ever before. Homeowners want the ability to manage security, home entertainment, and climate control all from the convenience of their smartphones.
6. Energy Efficient Appliances
Those choosing to build a custom home typically plan on staying for a while. Therefore, the longterm cost savings that energy efficient appliances can offer make it worth the investment for these homeowners.
7. Green Materials
While the U. S. Department of Energy estimates that today's new homes are 30 percent more energy efficient that the typical resale property, buyers of new custom homes are looking for other ways to go green as well through the use of sustainable materials. Examples could include the use of bamboo flooring, recycled glass backsplashes, and reclaimed wood.
8. An Aging-In-Place Floor Plan
Many of today's homeowners want a property that will continue to serve their needs as they age, hence the demand for an aging-in-place floor plan. This may mean that a wheelchair may be necessary in years to come, so having a master on the main floor and wider hallways could help to better accommodate this.
As you take a look at your own list of what you would expect in your dream home, are any of these features included?
Please contact us at Empire Custom Homes to learn more about the latest trends in the custom home building industry.
