Today’s new construction home buyers are balking at the “cookie-cutter” houses of yesteryear. The trend in residential building, particularly homes in planned communities, still largely follows the “cookie-cutter” model.
However, more and more home builders are responding to consumers’ desires for “custom-built” houses. Instead of the traditional beige-toned walls and carpet and standardized fixtures, they’re starting to include features that 20th century buyers only dreamed of.
Developers building multiple new construction homes in a single community have traditionally built every home relatively the same. While there may be several different floor plans in one development, the same fixtures and decor are usually installed in every residence.
Buyers who don’t care for beige walls or standard toilets must then make changes after they purchase the property. This is avoided with a new custom built property.
Buyers of the 21st century are increasingly rejecting the standardized new construction home. Subsequently, developers and builders have had to re-think their development projects. The challenge lies in trying to respond to the demand for custom-built houses without having to create completely different interiors for every new residence.
This has resulted in a number of innovative building trends in new construction. Developers are beginning to accommodate the demands of the modern buyer with features and fixtures that meet the needs of a changing market and planet. The top five features in demand in 21st century “custom-built” houses include:
1) Energy-efficient appliances and features: California is one of the country’s biggest energy consumers. A shortage of natural water sources makes it a state than can’t afford to waste power.
Consequently, more new construction builders are including built-in power conservation measures right from the design stage. Some of these include solar power/heating, radiant heating and other alternative heating and cooling methods, energy-efficient windows, LED and CFL lights and appliances that use reduced power.
2) Water-conserving features: Water in California is scarce at the best of times. Few builders in the U.S. understand the need for new construction homes to conserve water when compared to developers in San Diego.
However, with the increasing demand for sustainable homes many builders are now including a number of water-conserving fixtures as standards in residential building projects. Some of these things include low-flow shower heads, water-saving toilets and washing machines, sprinkler systems with built-in timers, infrared sensor taps and smart pipes/valves.
3) Spacious, functional kitchens: Changing times saw big, farm-style kitchens fall out of fashion as people, began spending more time at work and less time cooking.
Kitchens have been getting smaller and smaller since the mid 1900′s. As the need for space became more of an issue, particularly in larger cities, a new construction home’s floor plans devoted less room to the kitchen. This has lead to the kitchen being something akin to an afterthought in many newly developed homes.
Recently however, this trend has seen a reverse. While today’s kitchens may not be the sprawling farm kitchens of the 1800′s and early 1900′s, they have become more spacious and accommodating as more and more homeowners relearn the advantages of a home-cooked meal.
When compared to the farm kitchens of yesteryear, what 21st century kitchens lack in capacity, they more than make up for in space efficiency. A majority of buyers prefer kitchens with work islands that also double as breakfast bars. Islands that are loaded with cupboards and drawers serve double and triple duty in modern kitchens.
4) Home offices/media/computer rooms: Given the choice, more new construction home buyers prefer a home office over an extra living room or “den.” These buyers like the idea of custom built homes with a room that is designed around a computer workstation, or even multiple workstations.
Developers of the 21st century should simply assume that families need a computer room with storage for books, disks and other work essentials. It is becoming a steadfast part of our culture.
5) Outdoor living spaces: California is the prime place to take advantage of the weather by expanding the living area outside a home. San Diego, CA buyers love the idea of outdoor living areas. Even those who choose to purchase compact homes or condominiums still want to have at least a little bit of outdoor living space, such as a balcony.
Outdoor living rooms and areas are more than just a way to enjoy nature. They also encourage residents to spend more time outside, thus consuming less power inside. As an additional benefit, outdoor living areas add lasting value to new construction homes.
Buyers, who are discouraged by the high price tag that often accompanies custom built homes, take heart. Homeowners of the 21st century can still get features that match the times, even in a new construction housing development.
Call on Shea Real Estate & Investment Group, San Diego, CA. for information on custom built homes, new homes for sale and home developments. 858-759-5237
http://shea-realestate.com
http://sre-newhomesforsale.com
|
|