The Face of New Construction and Home Remodeling is Changing

Homeowners Asking For Multipurpose Rooms

Thanks to a continuing real estate recover, homeowners are more often seeking design solutions to help them them age in place, according to the American Institute of Architects’ Home Design Trends Survey..

Home automation products as well as products that promote sustainability are also showing up with increasing frequency in both new and remodeled homes.

“As many households become caretakers for aging relatives, separate living suites have become popular options for accommodations,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker. “Homeowners want to ensure that their homes can support the needs of aging parents who may be staying for an extended period of time and other visitors with accessibility needs.”

Here’s a look at which home features are growing more popular:

AIA Home Design Trends Survey Highlights

(% reporting popularity of feature “increasing” minus % reporting “decreasing”; Q2)

Survey Highlights	2014	2013	2012
Dedicated guest rooms (Au pair / in-law suites)	39	26	10
Accommodate multiple generations	53	50	N/A
Ramps/elevators	51	42	38
On-grade entry	37	33	N/A

Special Function Rooms
Special function rooms, which often disappeared from homes during the downturn in an effort to manage housing costs, are now reappearing.

Likewise, special home features that were often eliminated during the housing downturn are now increasingly returning to home designs.