The Face of New Construction and Home Remodeling is Changing

Multi-Purpose Rooms - Bill Salvatore, Realty Executives East Valley - 602-999-0952

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.

Special Function Rooms 2014 2013 2012
Outdoor living rooms 63 61 49
Home offices 38 36 36
Mud rooms 37 44 33
Exercise /fitness rooms 8 0 -15
Safe rooms 6 7 -13

Smart Home And Green Features

Smart home features, as well as products that promote sustainability, are also showing up with increasing frequency in both new and remodeled homes.

Products 2014 2013
Tankless water heater 48 45
Energy Star-rated appliances 47 53
Water saving 43 47
Extra insulation 65 61

 

Systems/technologies 2014 2013
Energy management 54 53
Backup power generation 51 48
Solar panels 43 41
Electrical car docking station 35 29

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