Housing trends come and go. Architects, designers, and builders see these trends coming long before we do.
So we thought we’d check out what to expect to in new construction homes in West Chester in 2018!
1. Not tiny, but smaller
While Gen X is shopping for larger, move-up homes, both baby boomers and millennials are on the hunt for smaller homes.
Because of this, and despite land and labor being pricey, builders are more than happy to supply these homes in 2018.
Small doesn’t have to mean cramped, though.
You’ll still find the open floor plan that has been popular for the past decade. Opening up walls and doorways makes small rooms feel much larger.
And on that trend, many new homes in West Chester will feature “more and larger windows, and multiple skylights,” according to Petro Homes in Ohio.
These not only help add natural light to the home, but make rooms appear larger.
2. Kitchen trends
Although the one-room kitchen at the back of the house became extinct over two decades ago, the open kitchen trend continues. The kitchen that opens to the family room or dining room is a trend that will continue as the focus on entertaining grows, says CBS News.
Last year’s open-kitchen trends included appliances that blend into the adjacent living spaces. Think: wood-front refrigerators.
In 2018, the open-kitchen trend continues, but with the addition of a bit of bling.
You’ll see copper, rose gold, and brass in light fixtures and hardware.
While granite countertops are still trendy, don’t be surprised to find quartz in high-end new homes in Byers Station and places like it. Unlike granite, quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed and re-sealed.
3. Energy efficiency is trendy
Studies show that green homes in West Chester sell faster and for more money. Those purchasing a green home may be doing so, however, to save money while living there.
Thankfully, builders are wising up and ramping up their energy efficiency programs in 2018.
One of the easiest trends any homeowner can implement this is with a touchless faucet. We’ve all needed to turn on the water with greasy hands and this faucet does away with that.
And, touchless faucets save water by only giving it to you when you need it
If you’re looking for a new home in Chester County and want green features, contact us. We’re happy to show you what’s available for sale right now.
4. Smart stuff
It’s been slow to catch on, but home builders say that home automation is one of the fastest growing trends in their industry.
Appliances are the most likely candidates, but the others are catching up. Don’t be surprised if you find you can turn on the heater on your way home from work or open the front door with your phone.
The new smart thermostats help homeowners combine the convenience of home automation with energy efficiency. They track our behavior and “learn” what temperature we prefer in the home when we get up in the morning, arrive home from work, and go to bed in the evening.
5. Outdoor Spaces
The trend toward outdoor living spaces started a couple of years ago and experts estimate it will be even stronger in 2018.
According to a Wakefield Research survey, 56% of prospective homebuyers surveyed said they would give up interior square footage if it meant they’d get a larger yard.
The bonus? A nearly 60-71% return on investment when the home with outdoor living features is sold
…according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2017 Cost Vs. Value report.
Custom homebuilders are happy to create your oasis, and some Chester County new-home development builders are starting to add electric, gas, and plumbing connections to outdoor space that they consider will be likely sites for outdoor living spaces.
Outdoor kitchens are the most popular, with a pool and spa coming in a close second. Outdoor fireplaces and pits come in third nationally, but may rank higher here in PA, where outdoor kitchens would be of limited use!
If 2018 is the year you’ll finally get that nobody-has-ever-lived-here-before home, make sure we’re your real estate agents. It’s important to have your own representation, so you don’t have to rely on the builder’s agent!
