The home construction market in the US has been through a very tough couple of years. COVID, supply chain disruptions of key raw materials and now inflation have seen new home constructions rise and fall to the whims of the market.
Despite this volatility, there are some home construction trends that have remained popular throughout these tumultuous years, and few trends that are becoming paramount in thehome building sector. In this article, we'll outline a few of the major trends that we've witnesses as one of the most well-respected home construction companies in Massachusetts. Each year, we build hundreds of homes ranging from small one-bedroom homes to large, multi-million dollar, lake-front mansions. We think this wide expertise qualifies us to share what we believe are the trends to watch out for.
Home Construction Trends to Watch Out For
Natural Light & Ventilation
In countries such as India, most homes are built in-line with an ancient doctrine called 'Vaastu'. In simple terms, this doctrine emphasises the importance of natural light and ventilation throughout the entire house, with an emphasis on areas that are the most lived in - such as the living room, kitchen, and so forth. This is a trend that has been slowly gaining popularity in the US, as more and more homebuyers are looking to build homes that focus on natural light and ventilation. To achieve this, we've started seeing home designs that incorporate things such as large windows, high-ceilings, room designs that feature cross-ventilation and so forth. From a health perspective , there are a number of benefits to having plenty of natural light and ventilation in the home. From reducing the risk of respiratory problems, to improving mental health and well-being - the importance of natural light & ventilation can not be understated.
Energy Efficiency & Green Design
Despite the back and forth arguments on climate change, it's no denying that the world around us is changing. For the most part, a lot of homeowners are now open to the idea of using eco-friendly materials in their house construction, such as rock, stone, glass, cork, wood, and more. These materials are kinder to the environment from a production and recycling and is a great way to do your bit for the environment, as well as save some money on energy bills in the long run.
From an energy efficiency perspective, there are a number of ways to make your home more energy efficient - from using solar panels & solar water heaters, to double glazed windows & doors and so forth. Similarly, there has been an increased focus on water conservation in recent years, with many homeowners now opting for water harvesting systems and native plants that require little to no watering.
Flexible Living Spaces
The COVID pandemic has forced us all to spend a lot more time at home than we would have liked too. For many people, this has resulted in a change of lifestyle and a change in how they view their homes. Suddenly, the home is not just a place to rest your head at night, but it's also become an office, a school, a gym, and more. As a result of this sudden change in lifestyle, we're seeing an increased demand for flexible living spaces that can be used for multiple purposes. For example, instead of having a formal living room that's only used on special occasions, many homeowners are now opting for a more relaxed 'family room' where the entire family can spend time together. Similarly, we're also seeing an increased demand for home offices, gyms, and ' hobby rooms'.
Smart Homes
Given how pervasive technology as become in all aspects of our lives, it's no surprise that technology has found its way into our homes as well. From automation systems that can control everything from the temperature to the lighting, to security systems that can be controlled from your smartphone - there's no shortage of ways to make your home 'smart'.
One of the benefits of having a smart home is that it can greatly increase the safety & security of your home. For example, you can now set up security cameras that send alerts to your phone whenever there's movement on your property. Similarly, you can also set up lights that come on automatically when someone approaches your home, as well as locks that can be controlled remotely. Another benefit of having a smart home is that it can help you save money on your energy bills. For example, you can set your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you're not home, as well as automate your lights so that they're only on when needed.
Luxury & High-End Design
In recent years, we've seen a growing trend of homeowners wanting to incorporate luxury & high-end design into their homes. This is most evident in the kitchen & bathroom, where we're seeing an increased demand for high-end appliances, fixtures, and fittings.
From a kitchen perspective, we're seeing an increased demand for things like granite countertops, double ovens, stainless steel appliances, and more. Similarly, in the bathroom, we're seeing a growing trend for luxury items such as rain showers, stand-alone bathtubs, heated floors, and more.
Another trend that falls under the luxury & high-end design category is the incorporation of outdoor living spaces. This can take the form of anything from a simple patio or deck, to a fully fledged outdoor kitchen & dining area. The good news is that whether you're looking to incorporate one or two luxury items into your home, or you want to go all out and create a luxurious & high-end home - there are plenty of options available to suit all budgets.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the top home construction trends that we're seeing in 2022-2023. So whether you're planning to build a new home, or you're looking to renovate your existing home - keep these trends in mind as they can help you create a home that's not only stylish & modern, but also one that's functional & practical.