Now that spring is just around the corner, many people are beginning to look toward the idea of custom home construction. If you are thinking of working with a new home builder, you may be wondering about the latest homebuilding trends. There is no doubt that it can be a lot of fun to sit down and look through various magazines or even check out websites to see what the next big trend will be and think about how you can incorporate that trend into your new custom home.
One of the homebuilding trends that you may be likely to notice is that small is now big. What exactly does this mean? Many homeowners are now deliberately moving away from homes with excessive space. This is now frequently a move toward homes that feature a smaller and much more streamlined design. For instance, at one time, many homeowners had a desire for a home office or a place where they could at least store their books. Thanks to our many digital devices, most of us no longer need a room with shelves to accommodate our books. Additionally, the devices used to conduct business and stay connected no longer required as much space. File cabinets are a thing of the past. As a result, homeowners are now finding much better use for the space in their home than the need for a home office. There is also often no longer a need for a place to accommodate massive music systems. With furniture styles also moving toward more minimalistic styles and televisions frequently built into spaces, there is simply less need for space than in the past. Not only do smaller homes accommodate modern lifestyle more easily, but they are also much less expensive to heat, cool, and maintain.
Many home builders have also noticed that what once began as a small movement has now blossomed into a much larger trend when it comes to sustainable building. The process of building and even furnishing a home with environmentally friendly methods and materials is no longer a fad but now a standard. As a result of an increased demand for green building practices, homeowners and builders now have access to far more choices for equipment and materials than in the past. The good news is that these options are not only much easier on the environment but they are also usually much lighter on the budget.
While homes have become smaller, the desire for quality has not diminished. In fact, the opposite is the case. Even smaller homes are now featuring an array of luxurious touches, including saunas, multimedia rooms, and home theaters. With an increasing number of homeowners now looking toward the future and the need to age in place, there has also been an increased emphasis in including features in a home that will make the aging process much easier. Although basements are not that common in this part of the country, many homeowners are considering the addition to in-law apartments and suites to provide a comfortable place for aging parents while avoiding the need to transition to a retirement community.
The kitchen has always been considered the heart of the home and the latest homebuilding trends prove that this has not changed. As part of the current trends, the kitchen is now being used for much more than simply preparing a meal. An increasing number of homeowners are now requesting kitchens that can accommodate large groups of people and which offer ample seating. With more and more homeowners using their kitchens for entertainment, kitchen designs must now feature superior lighting and upscale appliances.
In terms of floor plans, the open-concept design is one that is still growing strong. Many homeowners prefer the idea of a line of sight from the moment that they enter their homes. Rooms that boast a nice traffic flow and an open, airy design tend to be preferred over the dedicated, segmented rooms of the past. While a formal dining room was once preferred, homeowners of today now tend to opt for a combo living/dining/kitchen area that makes it possible to chat with guests while entertaining.
Master retreat suites are still very much at the top of the wish list for most homeowners. Homes built today are far more likely to reflect a master suite that is located away from the rest of the activity in the home. Custom closets are also frequently considered a must have and may even feature built-ins in order to help homeowners keep their clothing and accessories easy organized and accessible.
Outdoor living areas remain popular as well, particularly near Austin, where many homeowners prefer to take advantage of the lovely weather and beautiful natural surroundings. At the top of the wish list for many homeowners are outdoor kitchens complete with gas grills and firepits.