Modular home builders and their factories are quietly adapting to the new home buyer market. Today’s consumer is focused on simplicity, efficiency and
practicality. Gone are the days of the McMansion, today’s homebuyer wants an
affordable home with a modest footprint.
Simple architecture is the order of the day as homeowners look to create
interior spaces with natural finishes, clean lines and minimal accents and
embellishments.
The exterior structure is favoring basic geometry because it is
easier and more affordable to frame, heat, cool and maintain. This is
evidence by the number of website’s promoting the Lego style homes prevalent on
the West Coast.
The average house size continues to shrink with consumers
seeking homes between 2,400 to 2,800 square feet. This trend of course is
driven by cost and practicality as homeowners seek homes that meet their needs
and budget.
Health-conscious homeowners are starting to see their homes as part of the
wellness equation, right in stride with exercise and eating right. Buyers
continue to be pay attention to HVAC systems that improve indoor air quality
and are energy efficient top the list for economizing, as well as water
efficient bath fixtures like faucets, toilets and showerheads. ENERGY STAR®
appliances and lighting fixtures have almost become a standard rather than a
trend. The trend perhaps is in the design and style of today’s efficiency
products.
While smaller homes are certainly in demand, there’s still a need for flexible
homes with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms because of multigenerational homes
and extended families.
Multigenerational households are popular as kids
continue to stay at home, elderly parents need care and young families need
grandparents to care for their children while they work. Sure, smaller homes
typically cost less than large ones, but they’re not nearly as economical as a
shared mortgage and a household where everyone pitches in.
The kitchen remains the heart of the home. In fact its flexible and open design
is transforming it into the ultimate gathering place. Even as the footprint of
new home construction shrinks, the size of the kitchen will not as consumers
seek a multi-functional place to interact with family and friends. You’ll find
a trend in “invisible appliances” were the doors will blend with the
cabinetry to create a unified kitchen décor.
Having an organized home, especially as it gets smaller, is essential. Look for
easy-to-install closet organization systems and stylish bins and baskets to pop
up around the home. Seating that doubles as storage is part of this emerging
trend.
The bottom line is that homeowners are craving products that reflect their
individuality and make their life easier.
