Tuesday, April 17, 2007

The Home of the Future?

I stumbled upon a very interesting article this recently. It was a study done by the National Association of Home Builders and it notes how the “average home” has changed drastically in characteristics within the past 5 decades.

Back in the 1950’s we saw a lot of smaller Ranch & Bungalow style homes with typical living space of under 1000 sq ft. Those homes usually were 2 or 3 bedrooms and had only one bath. The basement was a place to “do your laundry” and “store your things” and “simple” was the theme.
Today we’ve seen that “typical” home shift to 3 or more bedrooms, 2 or more bathrooms, finished lower level rec rooms and more, all with comfort and ease for the busy family in mind.

What does the future hold? The NAHB has made some future projections as to what they feel the home of the future holds.
Average Home in 2015
2,330-square-foot, two-story home with 2½ to 3½ bathrooms and 4 bedrooms
One-story entry foyer
One-story family room (no loft or volume ceilings, etc.)
Living room will vanish or become parlor/retreat/library
Nine-foot ceilings on first floor; eight- to nine-foot ceilings on second floor
Exterior walls of vinyl or fiber cement siding or brick
Staircase located in foyer
Front porch
Patio
Fiber optic network, programmable thermostat, structured wiring system, multiline phone system
Both shower stall and tub in master bathroom
Toilet in master bath will have separate enclosure


What about “upscale homes”?
Upscale Home in 2015
More than 4,000 square feet
Two-story home with 3½ to 4½ bathrooms and 4 or more bedrooms
Two-story entry foyer
One- or two-story family room
Likely to have formal living room, but living room may be replaced by parlor/retreat/library
Nine-foot ceilings on first floor; nine- to ten-foot ceilings on upper floors
Exterior of stone, brick, stucco or fiber cement siding
Stairs in the back or side of the house
Front porch, rear porch, patio and deck
Two master bedroom suites
Outdoor kitchen with grill, sinks, refrigerator, cooking island
Outdoor fireplace, pool/spa, audio/tv equipment, lighting
Programmable thermostat, structured wiring, multiline phone system, multi-zone HVAC, remote control fireplaces, instant hot water in bathrooms/kitchens, lighting control system, monitored burglar/fire/toxic gas alarm system


Just something to keep in mind if you’re looking to build in the near future.

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