Top Trends in New Construction Homes for 2024
New construction homes offer the opportunity for innovation, giving architects and builders the freedom to explore how we can improve day-to-day living within the spaces we spend the most time: our homes. Although we’re just two months into the new year, we’re already seeing trends emerge in the new construction industry, from smart home integration to sustainable building practices. Read on for insights into what today’s homeowners are seeking and how intentionally designed houses aim to suit evolving needs.
Smart Home Integration
Why should smart technology stop at our phones? With the incredible technological advancements we’ve made in the past couple of decades alone, it makes sense that more and more homeowners would like the same level of ease they operate their daily gadgets with, within their abodes. From lighting to thermostats to security systems, homeowners now have the ability to remotely control their systems, set schedules that suit their lifestyles, and feel connected to their home even if they’re away for the day or on an extended trip. Not only does this create ample convenience, but it also helps to cut down on energy bills and usage.
Sustainable Building Materials
More and more builders are prioritizing quality, sustainable materials over ones that are harmful to our planet in the long run. Like technology, innovation in design and engineering has led to a better understanding of the importance of the materials we use. Building with materials such as bamboo, recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and low-VOC paints allows us to reduce our waste and leave a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, many of these greener alternatives also create healthier living conditions for homeowners.
Open-Concept Floor Plans
Although it is certainly not a new trend, the popularity of open floor plans has endured through the years for a reason, and they are certainly here to stay. The design of our homes dictates how we utilize them, and eliminating walls and encouraging a natural flow throughout the space creates a sense of flow and ease. Many homeowners are considering how they realistically use their space—formal dining rooms, sitting rooms that get ignored in favor of the more often used living rooms, and kitchens that are cut off from the rest of the home’s communal spaces are being traded in for floor plans that allow for easier daily living and entertaining. New construction homes often allow for customized floor plans so that the future homeowner has an active role in the deciding the way their home is built.
Wellness-Focused Design
In examining what today’s homeowners are searching for in their houses, it’s not surprising that one that promotes wellness is at the top of many people’s lists. Builders have begun integrating wellness-focused design features, such as biophilic design (which connects the homeowner to the space they live in by incorporating natural elements), natural light optimization (strategically positioning certain rooms in the home towards direct sunlight or installing large windows to allow for ample light), and dedicated spaces for relaxation and mindfulness (like a meditation or yoga room). Your home has a large impact on how you feel and think, which is why design concepts like feng shui are so widely studied and implemented.
Energy-Efficiency and Net Zero Homes
Today’s builders, particularly in the Puget Sound region, are rewarded for meeting energy-efficiency standards in an effort to promote more sustainable construction. These incentives, like fewer restrictions and faster turnaround times on projects, have encouraged builders to explore the materials they use and designs that can cut down on energy usage. For a building to be considered net zero, meaning one hundred percent of the energy it uses is from a renewable source, there is quite a high bar to reach. However, as we make advancements in technology and engineering, this goal becomes more and more attainable, leading to a cleaner, greener earth, which is top of mind for most homeowners in the market today.
If you’re considering purchasing a new construction home, please reach out. I’d love to discuss the benefits with you and guide you on your buying journey.