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Top 8 New Home Trends - How Today's New Home is Changing Most

Top Changes in Today's New Homes

Today's budget-conscious homes are designed to save energy and space

New home buyers and builders have been asked, across the nation, what they want to see built.  Here's what Raleigh new home builders are changing, to meet the needs of today's home buyer.

1.  Energy Efficiency - Raleigh New Home Trends

Energy efficient homes are a top focus, as energy costs continue to rise.

Homebuyers are adding more into building budgets in exchange for substantially lower monthly energy costs.

When homebuyers evaluate new home builders in NC, they're looking for cutting edge technology like Bayer's MaterialScience High Performance Residential Program (which provides a written guarantee of significant savings on heating and cooling costs) and ENERGY STAR programs that offer long-term lower energy costs.

 

2. Smaller, Better Designed Homes - Raleigh New Home Trends

Many NC new home builders are building better designed smaller homes - 1600 to 2500 sq ft, in place of the recently popular 2500 to 3500 sq ft homes.

Smaller homes are more cost effective to build, reduce monthly housing costs, require less heating and cooling, and reflect an overall trend towards a floor plan that really works, without unnecessary rooms.

 

3.  Great Room Concept - Raleigh New Home Trends

Today's home buyers are more attracted to floor plans with open layouts, which provide more usable space in the areas where people gather.

"Great Room" concept homes are more popular than traditional formal living room/formal dining room plans.  Great Rooms usually combine the main living space with the kitchen, while eliminating oversized hallways and excess walls. 

4.  Lower Ceilings/Fewer Vaults | Raleigh New Home Trends

While 9 foot ceilings remain very popular for first floor areas, there is a lower demand for vaulted or two story ceilings. 

Floor plans with two story ceilings in the Family Room are being converted into extra living space, as Raleigh new home builders fill that empty height with a Game Room, Media Room, or Bonus Room on the second floor - without a huge price tag difference.

Two story foyers remain more popular than two story family rooms, but some homes have eliminated all two story areas.

5. Fewer Expensive Options | Raleigh New Home Builders

Homebuyers and home builders are opting out of many of the expensive options they were more likely to choose a couple of years ago, as they concentrate on better value and lower mortgage payments. 

Today's homebuyers are more likely to plan ahead for weekend projects in order to keep the overall price tag of their new home down.  Common projects include choosing to add landscaping, decks, and additional paint colors later, and opting out of that luxurious double-sided fireplace and wet bar in the master suite.

6. Fewer Formal Dining Rooms | Raleigh New Home Builders

Today's informal eat-on-the-go mentality has contributed to the popularity of eating areas off the kitchen, instead of a separate, formal area.

More former formal dining rooms are being converted to home offices - and if an NC custom home builder knows that's the intention in advance, there are some special adaptations they can build in that make the switch easier.  

 

 

 

 

7. More Elaborate Kitchens | Raleigh New Home Trends

The kitchen has become a central point of the home.  In partnership with the elimination of formal dining rooms, kitchens often offer easier places to sit and eat or hang out.

Large islands and seating areas are popular.  Countertop space, flow-through capabilities and energy-efficient appliances are a big part of the demand. 

Homeowners are looking for good value, rather than the most expensive countertops and flashy options. 

But many homeowners are also opting for top-of-the-line equipment, with plans for more meals at home.

8.  Three Car Garages | Raleigh New Home Trends

Homebuilders are seeing more requests for new homes with 3 car garages, where the budget allows.

Three car garages are in demand to allow for small workshops, storage, or parking space for a Mother-in-Law or grown child who has moved back home. Even larger garages can be planned cost effectively.  For example tandem garages, where one car parks behind another, are gaining in popularity.   That extra area is also perfect for a workshop.

Raleigh New Home Trends:

No matter which custom home builder you choose, selecting a home that works well for your lifestyle and costs less to operate is the right decision.  Browse some popular floor plan ideas here:

One Story Homes

Main Floor Master Suite Homes

Most Popular Floor Plans

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Best Lot Bargains - This Week's Picks

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What are Green Home Certification Levels?

How Green Homes Outperform by Selling Quicker with Higher Pay Back

Butler's Pantry Ideas and Pictures

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7 Kitchen Trends to Watch in 2011 - Changes in Cabinetry, Cooking, and More

Formal Dining Room - yes or no?

 

Tile Backsplash Ideas for the Kitchen

Top 5 Tile Design Ideas for Behind the Cooktop

Whether you're considering buying a new home or remodeling your current home, a tile backsplash can add both value and drama to your kitchen, while making those walls easy to clean.

While you can add a full height tile backsplash later, it can make sense to install at the same time the new countertops go in.  You'll have a clean line from countertop to cabinets, and won't have to worry about removing a standard 3"-4" laminate or granite splash later.

Here are some great ideas for your kitchen tile backsplash, with a focus on design themes behind the cooktop or range!

 

Kitchen Backsplash Tile Idea #1

Use 3"x6" subway tiles in contrasting colors.

This tile backsplash incorporates two different colors of subway tiles, installed using a bricklay pattern.  The exposed edges are finished with bullnose pieces.

The inset pattern uses the same tiles in a contrasting color, set on the diagonal, surrounded by a pencil width listello accent.

The cost of your tile backsplash will depend not only on the cost of materials, but also on the complexity of the pattern.

 

Kitchen Backsplash Tile Idea #2

Lots of stainless steel in the kitchen?  Bring the look together with metallic accents.

The main kitchen tile backsplash is composed of mini mosaics in a natural stone color.

A focal point was created behind the cooktop and under the range hood by using a combination of 4x4 natural stone tiles, 4x4 metallic accents, and a 1" metallic listello.

Metallics can be some of the most expensive pieces to choose from, but used sparingly they can bring some real interest without a huge cost.

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen Backsplash Tile Idea #3

Keep in monochromatic.

This natural stone tile backsplash adds plenty of interest and contrast without contributing a heavy labor cost. 

The tile pieces come on 12"x12" mesh, but look like hand-designed old world random patterning. 

The color variations are just enough to contrast beautifully with the deep cherry cabinetry.

 

 

 

Kitchen Tile Backsplash Idea #4

It's all about the cabinetry.  This tile backsplash is inexpensive and sleekly beautiful. 

The entire backsplash is composed of 4"x4" ceramic tiles set on the diagonal.   The arched valance and glass cabinet doors above the cooktop draw the eye upward.

Below, the bump out is set off by fluted accent pieces. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen Backsplash Tile Idea #5

Mini-mosaics can be used all kinds of different ways in the kitchen.

Here, a glass mini-mosaic is used as a comparatively inexpensive border for a 36" range.  The color really sparkles and pulls together the dark cabinetry and light countertops. 

The remainder of the backsplash is composed of 4"x4" ceramic tiles, set horizontally for the backsplash and on the diagonal in the accent area. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planning ahead with your kitchen design will make your new kitchen that much more functional and enjoyable.  A good tile designer will help you select a fabulous tile backsplash and accent area behind the cooktop, that reflects your personality AND fits in your budget!

 

Learn more about other new home trends with these popular articles:

Cabinet Trends for Your Kitchen

Tub Surround Tile Ideas - Photos and Tips

Formal Dining Rooms - Going Away, or Here to Stay?

 

Custom Home Kitchen Design

Kitchen Tile Backsplash - Photo Tour of 2012 Designs

 

 

 

 

 

*Photos represent current new home trends.  Not all photos represent Stanton Homes. Stanton Homes discusses current new home trends across a wide variety of topics.

Planning Your New Kitchen

Top 10 Cabinetry Dos and Donts

The kitchen is the heart of the home.  But an organized, functional kitchen takes extra planning.  We've put together a list of the top ten things you'll want to keep in mind for your new home or kitchen remodel.  Here's how to get started. 

 

1.  Drawers

Don't forget the drawers.  Consider adding a few extra drawers to your base cabinets. 

Drawers are great for utensils, measuring cups, towels and hot pads, and even tupperware. 

Balance the location of drawers throughout the kitchen.

 

 

 

2.  Spices and Cooking Oil

Do think about spices as part of your cooking routine.  Even if you don't cook much, there are probably a few essential spices you use.  If you love to cook, you may have an entire shelf full or more.  There are some great ways to organize all those little bottles, like a pull-out pantry, spice drawer, or spice drawer insert. 

 

 

 

3.  Recyling and Trash

Don't leave the trash visible.  Think about where you'll want recycling and trash centers. 

A 15" or 18" wide base cabinet can hold both a trash and a recycling bin, making sorting easy.  You'll probably want this pull out next to the sink for ease of use.  If your area requires sorting of recycles ahead of time, you may even want two pull-outs, for a total of four bins.

 

 

 

4.  Wine and Dine

Do store the wine - and add some visual appeal.  If you enjoy a wine with dinner, consider adding a wine rack either in the upper cabinetry or perhaps integrated into the island.  A built-in wine rack can be a great place to store room temperature wine, and can even be combined with a built in wine cooler in a Butler's Pantry.

 

 

 

5.  Pull Out Shelves

Don't bend and reach when you can pull.  Pull out shelves can be helpful in base cabinets for hard to reach items.  But they do cut down on storage space just a bit, so keep that in mind when selecting.  Pull out shelves can be included in all base cabinets, or in selected cabinets, depending on your needs.

 

 

 

 

6.  Easy to See

Do keep things visible.  Glass Doors on upper cabinets can lighten and brighten the kitchen - and make it easier to see where everything is stored.  Glass doors are often recommended for easy living universal design kitchens.  But glass cabinet doors can be costly, depending on the style of glass and the number of doors.   

7.  Lower Cabinets

Don't get too high.  Standard upper cabinets are 18" above the kitchen countertop surface.  But cabinets can be as low as 15" above countertops.  Ask your builder about lowering the upper cabinets if reaching for common items is challenging.

8.  Glasses and Dishware

Do keep your routine in mind.  For many people, glasses are located near the refrigerator, and dishes near the cooktop.  Think about what you'll use each area of the kitchen for, and design the cabinet layout accordingly.

 

9.  Under the Sink

Don't stuff those bags under the sink, or worse, in the garbage.  A plastic bag door storage unit keeps those plastic bags tucked away and ready for reuse.  The plastic tray is perfect for hiding away sponges and cleaning pads without damaging the cabinet. 

 

 

 

10.  Pots and Pans

Do keep the pots and pans organized - and easy to reach.  A base pot and pan organizer is perfect for easy placement of all those cooking utensils.  The entire unit pulls out.  Large pans sit in the base, and upper shelves are perfect for lids, frying pans, and smaller sauce pans.  The unit is easy to use. 

Planning ahead with your kitchen design will make your new kitchen that much more functional and enjoyable.  Ask your builder what types of features are included, and what you might want to think about adding based on your cooking and entertaining style. 

Learn more about other new home trends with these popular articles:

Formal Dining Rooms - Going Away, or Here to Stay?

Tub Surround Tile Ideas - Photos and Tips

Top 5 Ways to Save Money - Family Room

Built in Bookcases - Ideas and Trends

Featured Homes - Virtual Tours

Building a Green Home - Top Requested Features

Easy Guide to Buying a Lot - Raleigh Area

 

Bookcase Ideas - Built In Bookshelves

Decorative Bookcase Photos and Ideas for Your New Home

A little more storage never hurt.  Whether you're a book lover, or just looking for an appealing, permanent place to display your favorite curios, a built in bookcase can add value and character to your new home.

There are many different styles of built in bookcases.  Here are a few different bookcase ideas and pictures for your new home.

 

Built in bookshelves are most commonly found next to the fireplace in the Family Room, Great Room, or Living Room. 

Bookcases can be set in to the wall, with a small bit of decorative trimwork outlining the bookcase.

Nearly all bookcases have fixed shelves with a standard space between.

 

 

 

 

 

Built-in bookcases can be custom designed for a wide variety of different locations, including underneath a serving bar at a kitchen half wall.

The bookcase offers a nice storage area for books or bins, while the space still feels open.

Decorative picture frame trimwork and two piece crown moulding add appealing visual detail to the support column.

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a photo of a built in bookcase that's just a little out of the ordinary, without being excessively expensive.  This bookcase fills the wall of one room, with two sections set back and two sections set forward.

The middle section can be framed forward during construction of the new home, or completed after construction with a little interior trim and framing skill.

The crown moulding and baseboard give the bookcase a nice finished look.

This bookcase style may not work for very small rooms.

 

Built-in bookshelves can be included in many different locations throughout the home, including in hallways and openings.  

For this look, you'll want your builder to integrate at least the framed alcove during construction of the home, but the bookshelves themselves can be added later if desired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Custom built, furniture grade bookshelves and bookcases can be pricey. 

But the same "feel" can be obtained by using paint grade materials, then painting a deep color in a natural tone. 

This bookcase includes an arched headpiece, and the floor-to-ceiling set up with large alcove for artwork or television is very appealing. 

 

 

 

 

A long hallway upstairs or down can be perfectly accented with a beautiful built in bookcase or bookcases. 

Talk to your builder ahead of time about the places you'd like to include bookcases.  He or she may be able to suggest some ideas for you.  Even if you don't include the bookcases themselves in your construction package, a prepared alcove with the right dimensions can make it very easy to add bookcases later.

Well-crafted, custom built in bookcases will add value, appeal, and enjoyment to your new home. 

Ask for more ideas, or design your own!

 

 

 

Designing Your New Lifestyle - Your New Home in Raleigh NC

Above all, it's your new home.  The place where you'll come home every night, invite your friends, play, do homework, and LIVE. 

Gather ideas, then talk to your builder about how to best fit those ideas inside your budget.  Want to get started?

More new home design ideas:

Family Room Ideas and Trends

Laundry Room Ideas - Top 5 Ways to Save Money

Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your New Home - Kitchen

Top Decorating Trends and Ideas for Your New Home - Dining Room

Kitchen Islands - New Home Trends and Ideas

Top Trends in New Homes | Smaller, Cozier, and More Cost Effective!

Top 10 Master Bathroom Trends - Ideas You're Going to Love!

"Green" Countertop Options | Green Kitchen Countertops in Your New Home

 

Want to know where these popular features are available? Stanton Homes builds throughout the Triangle area, in cities and counties such as Angier, Apex, Bear Creek, Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Chatham County, Coats, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Harnett County, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Lillington, Morrisville, Orange County,  Pittsboro, Rolesville, Sanford, Siler City, Silk Hope, Wake County, Wake Forest, and Wendell.

New Home Trends - Kitchens and Baths

What's Hot and What's Not

New Home Kitchens and Baths Getting a Makeover

With continued attention on the budget, homebuyers are opting for features that will pay back, instead of costly extras that add to the overall price tag of the home. 

The American Institute of Architects just released their Home Design Trends Survey from the 4th quarter of 2009.  This survey focused on kitchens and baths.

Kitchen Trends

The kitchen is still the biggest focus in the home - but instead of ultra-high end appliances, homebuyers are focusing on features that are functional, appealing, and save time or cost.

Features that continue to grow in popularity in the kitchen include:

- Recycling Centers

- Larger Pantry Space

- Renewable Flooring Materials

- Renewable Countertop Materials

- Computer Area/Recharging Stations

- Integrations with Family Space

- Water Filtration Systems

- Adaptability/Universal Design

- Double Island

Bathroom Trends

Homeowners are stepping away from trends like steam showers and towel warming drawers, and looking instead to save water and utility costs while planning ahead with "Aging in Place" options.

Bathroom features that are growing in popularity include:

- Water Saving Toilets (includes WaterSense)

- Radiant Heated Floors (depending on locality)

- Accessibility or Universal Design

- LED lighting

- Doorless Showers

- Hand Showers (separate nozzle or "2-in-1" styles)

- Linen Closet/Storage Options

Trends are just that - trends.  Choose features for your new home that make sense for your lifestyle, your budget, and your plans for the future.  Ask your builder for suggestions - we're here to help!

 

Designing Your New Lifestyle - Your New Home in Raleigh NC

Above all, it's your new home.  The place where you'll come home every night, invite your friends, play, do homework, and LIVE. 

 

More new home kitchen and bathroom design ideas:

Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your New Home - Kitchen

Kitchen Islands - New Home Trends and Ideas

Top 10 Master Bathroom Trends - Ideas You're Going to Love!

Trey Ceiling Ideas for your New Home - Master Bedroom

Most Popular Green Features - Top Requests

What is a Green Home?

 

 

New Home Design Trends - Simplicity and Accessibility

 

The American Institute of Architects continues to survey changes in residential design.  Here's some of the big changes they saw in third quarter 2009. See how these 2009 trends compare to 2012 new home design.

New Homes that Fit the Budget and the Lifestyle

As part of a general trend towards more affordable homes that fit well in the budget, the AIA saw more requests for simpler home exteriors, AND green features. 

 

Front Porches

The number of front or side porches requested increased by 53%.  Front porches have been one of our top requested items over the past year as well. 

There's a focus on simpler living, with a bigger emphasis on time spent at home and building relationships with friends, family, and neighbors.

 

 

 

One Story Homes

Even though one story homes are a little more expensive to build (more roof and foundation, among other factors), one story homes continue to grow in demand. 

The AIA saw a 24% increase in number of one story homes requested. 

Our clients often like to see a second story bonus room or bedroom for extra space for guests.  One story homes are more accessible and easier on aging knees.

Simpler Detailing on Exterior

There was a 15% increase in requests for simpler detailing.  This can be a fairly easy way to cut some cost from the building process, while maintaining square footage (and adding that front porch!)

 

Contemporary Home Styles

Contemporary home styles are making a come back (think the 70s). 

Clean, crisp lines, lots of angular windows, and an austere appearance is becoming more appealing.  We've done more design work lately for contemporary styles - it's harder to find floor plans with just the right look, but the number of "ready to build" floor plans has started to increase.

 

 

 

 

Designing Your New Lifestyle

Above all, it's your new home.  The place where you'll come home every night, invite your friends, play, do homework, and LIVE. 

Gather ideas, then talk to your builder about how to best fit those ideas inside your budget.  Want to get started?

 

 

 

 

More new home design ideas and trends:

2012 New Home Design Trends - New Home Exterior Trends

Design Trends 2012 - What Rooms are Least Important to Homebuyers?

 

New Homes Raleigh NC

Formal Dining Rooms

Top Trends, Styles, and Ideas for Your New Home

If you're adding decorative touches to at least one room in your new home, consider the place where you meet to eat: the formal dining room. 

A formal dining room often sets the tone for the rest of the home, as the place your family, friends and special guests gather for a while to relax while they eat.

It is also nearly always located very prominently near the front entrance of your new home, where your special touches will be noticed right away. 

 

 

Archway entrances to the formal dining room emphasize sweeping lines and open space, setting the dining room apart as a separate entertaining area.

 

Multiple color treatments and an unusual darker accent for the crown moulding and baseboard give the dining area a luxurious feel.

 

Picture frame wainscoating adds more depth and formal appeal, when it uses a deeper tone in the same color range. 

 

 

 

 

 

The arch theme works especially well when it is carried from the front entrance to the formal dining room.

Chair rail adds another layer of contrast that blends the color scheme.

The paint tones work well with the site finished hardwood flooring.

Watch a video tour of this home - click here.

 

 

 

Dramatic lighting, a multi-dimensional tray ceiling, and lots of openings accent this formal dining room.

The built in Butler's Pantry in painted, glazed maple offers plenty of storage space for china and crystal ware, with a display area above.

A cut out window in your new home adds more spaciousness through natural light, drawing further attention to the dining room. 

Watch a video tour of this home - click here.

 

 

 

Grecian pillars add elegance and dimension.  Different designs change the dining room's personality. This one features cherry wood inlay at the bottom of the pillars, for a bolder setting.

This dining room features a simple crown moulding, two tone color scheme with dark red contrast, and picture frame wainscoating.

A trey ceiling would add additional depth and complexity.

 

 

 

A well planned dining room can even accomodate for furniture, such as an heirloom dining room chest or a fabulous china hutch you'd like to set apart.

Your builder can add a furniture niche, with angles that really set apart crown moulding and wainscoating.

Even if the rest of your new home is painted neutral, your dining room can be the one spark of color that stands out - even if it's just a darker neutral.  

 

 

Take advantage of all the possibilities for your dining room in your new home. You may be surprised at how much you can do, without a lot of cost. 

Before you build, tour homes and take photos of your favorite ideas. 

Bring them to your builder along with pictures from magazines or websites, when you talk about your floor plan.

A good builder can help you plan a perfect dining room that fits your entertaining style and budget, with details that will make your new home a very special place - beginning with your dining room.  

More new home design ideas:

Kitchen Islands - New Home Trends and Ideas

Top Trends in New Homes | Smaller, Cozier, and More Cost Effective!

Top 10 Master Bathroom Trends - Ideas You're Going to Love!

"Green" Countertop Options | Green Kitchen Countertops in Your New Home

Golf Course Communities – New Homes on a Golf Course in Raleigh

 

Raleigh NC New Home Builders

 

 

New Homes Raleigh NC

Kitchen Island Styles

New Home Trends and Ideas for the Kitchen

 

A kitchen island can be an integral part of your new home kitchen design.  When designed correctly, a kitchen island can work well in an extra large or extra small kitchen.

Islands can be accessed from all sides, which makes them ideal for both workspaces and storage.

A kitchen island can feature display shelves, drawers, and cabinetry. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen islands can be a beautiful feature in luxury homes or affordable custom homes. 

The style, size, and design depend on both taste and budget. 

Looking to keep your kitchen costs down?  Consider an island with one bank of full cabinets, with a great seating area.

Add some pendant lighting to emphasize this focal point of the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In some kitchens, the island can provide the majority of the counter space.

Guests and family can be seated around the kitchen island while meals are prepared.

Homework routines can even revolve around the kitchen island - it's easy to answer those math questions while chopping vegetables!

 

 

 

Thinking of moving the kitchen sink to your kitchen island? 

Here's some thoughts to consider:

- Is there enough room for the dishwasher next to the sink (both depth and width)?

- Can the dishwasher open comfortably, with room to walk around?

- Is there room to include a pull out garbage bin/recycle center?

- Can the silverware be stored near the dishwasher?

- Is it possible to use dual height counters to better hide those dirty dishes?

 

 

 

Want to use the kitchen island mainly for food prep?

Keep these thoughts in mind:

- Are there outlets for small appliances?

- Is the refrigerator and cooktop conveniently close?

- Do you want a prep sink?

- Should you consider a butcher block counter?

 

Looking to cook at the kitchen island?

You'll want to talk to your builder about:

- Countertop materials: should it be heat resistant for ease of cooking with hot pans?

- Is there at least 18 inches of counterspace on either side of the range or cooktop?

- Can an overdraft hood be added, or is a downdraft cooktop required?  What is the additional cost versus a typical range or cooktop?

- Should a raised eating area be included?

Will you dine frequently at the kitchen island?

Discuss your options for informal dining at the kitchen island.

- How many can you seat comfortably at the island?

- Should stools be tucked away when not in use?

- How much will seating limit your storage options?

- What height should the island be?  Do you want two heights?

 

Your new kitchen island design should reflect your taste, be fully functional, and be ready for multiple uses and plenty of storage.

Talk to your builder about your ideas for your kitchen island design.  Bring pictures of what you have in mind.  Your builder will help you decide what's right for you, based on budget, size of kitchen, traffic flow, and much more!

 

The Raleigh area offers many great places to live, including Angier, Apex, Bear Creek, Cary, Chapel Hill, Coats, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Harnett County, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Pittsboro, Siler City, Silk Hope, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and Wendell.

 

You may also be interested in these other Raleigh new home articles - top tips straight from Raleigh's most exceptional new home builder, Stanton Homes.

What is a Craftsman Style Home?

Top 10 Dos and Donts for Kitchen Cabinets

Tub Surround Tile Ideas - Photos and Tips

Top 5 Ways to Save Money - Family Room

Built in Bookcases - Ideas and Trends

Kitchen Tile Backsplash - Today's Top 5 Designs

Formal Dining Rooms - Disappearing, or Here to Stay?

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Information Every Buyer Should Know

Virtual Tours - See This Week's Most Exceptional Homes

New Home Trends

Top Trends in New Homes

Today's Homes are Smaller, Cozier, and More Energy Efficient

Here's what homebuyers and builders are focusing on in today's new home market! 

- Focus on Smaller Homes

Many builders are shifting from a focus on homes in the 2500 to 3500 sq ft range to homes mainly in the 1600 to 2500 sq ft range.  The average and median square footage in new homes has dropped for the first time in many years.  Smaller homes cost less too!

- "Great Room" Instead of Formals

More homebuyers are looking for a "Great Room" concept - one large room adjoining the kitchen for entertaining and everyday living, instead of a smaller Family Room and Living Room.

- Fewer Volume Ceilings

9 foot ceilings are still fairly standard on the first floor, but there is a decreased demand for vaulted or two story ceilings.  A floor plan that offers a two story room can be "expanded" for very little cost, with a bonus room or game room added over the family room.

- More Focus on Floor Plan, Less Focus on Features

Homebuyers and home builders are opting out of many of the expensive options they were more likely to choose a couple of years ago, in order to keep overall costs in line.

- More Elaborate Kitchens, But Smaller Dining Rooms

The kitchen has become a focal point of the home.  We cook, entertain, and even eat here, at large islands and seating areas.  In some homes, the formal dining room disappears altogether, replaced perhaps with a home office.

- Three Car Garages

There has been more demand for larger garages, but space can get creative to save on cost.  Tandem garages, where one car parks behind another, can save on the cost of an additional door, and might be more cost effective to build.   Or garages may have a "workshop" or "storage" area or extension.

- Energy Efficiency

According to several recent surveys, many homebuyers are willing to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $11,000 or more to make sure that their monthly energy costs are much lower.  ENERGY STAR and Energy Wise offer lower energy costs.   Why build an ENERGY STAR home? Click here to read how ENERGY STAR homes sell faster, at a higher price.

 

More Raleigh, NC Custom Home Trends

Raleigh Market Report - Raleigh Homes Continue to Sell, Fewer Homes to Choose From

Most Popular Main Floor Master Homes - First Floor Master Bedroom Floor Plans

 

Stanton Homes Offers Up to the Minute Updates - Right at Home

We're so excited!

Thanks to Feedburner, Stanton Homes now offers a blog feed right on our website.  It's clean, neat, and full of all of our favorite topics and top requested articles.

We've worked very hard to put together topics that are interesting, useful, and ORIGINAL.

Topics include:

• New Home Ideas and Design Trends
• Green Building
• Accessible Homes
• New Home Communities, Lots and Land in the Triangle
• Floor Plan Ideas and Trends
• Raleigh Area Market Reports

and much more!

Here are some related links:

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Types of Ceilings and Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?

Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot  

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