Over the past five decades, new homes have changed dramatically. Small,
one-story bungalows of less than 1,000 square feet with two bedrooms
and a single bathroom have given way to two-story homes topping 2,400
square feet and boasting at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Along the way, new homes have evolved to levels of comfort and
sophistication that were virtually unimaginable even a generation ago.
Over the past five decades, new homes have changed dramatically. Small, one-story bungalows of less than 1,000 square feet with two bedrooms and a single bathroom have given way to two-story homes topping 2,400 square feet and boasting at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Along the way, new homes have evolved to levels of comfort and sophistication that were virtually unimaginable even a generation ago.
Given the rapid evolution of design, configuration and products in new homes, even a professional futurist might be hard-pressed to determine what the next five decades hold for housing. But a new study by the National Association of Home Builders provides a telling look at what homes buyers can expect to purchase in the nearer future 2015.
According to the experts, the pace of change in new homes will be much faster over the next 10 years than in recent years, and buyers can expect that all homes will be significantly “greener” and more resource-efficient than they are today. Universal design/handicap access will be emphasized as the baby boomer generation retires.
Perhaps most surprising, the consensus was that although average home size has increased significantly in the past decade, it is not likely to increase over the next 10 years. In fact, average home size in 2015 is likely to stay in the range of today’s 2,400 square feet, and homes are increasingly likely to be two-story rather than one-story.
Like today, kitchens and bathrooms will continue to be among the most important factors affecting consumer buying choices and will continue to feature upgraded materials and appliances. The focus on garages will increase, with more consumers preferring three-car garages. Moreover, as SUVs continue to grow in popularity, garage-door openings will be larger to accommodate king-size vehicles.
Another growing trend is recessed lighting, which buyers can expect to find in homes in all price ranges, along with wood floors.
Communities are likely to reflect homeowner preferences for open space, recreational opportunities, amenities such as walking and jogging trails, and proximity to public transportation.
Average home in 2015
According to the study, the typical new single-family home in 2015 will feature:
- 2,330 square feet over two stories
- Four bedrooms and 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms
- A one-story entry foyer
- A one-story family room (no loft or volume ceilings)
- No formal living room, as this room vanishes entirely or is transformed into a parlor/retreat/library
- 9-foot ceilings on first floor; 8- to 9-foot ceilings on second floor
- Exterior walls of vinyl or fiber-cement siding or brick
- A staircase in foyer
- A front porch
- A patio
- Technology such as a fiber-optic network, programmable thermostat, structured wiring system, multiline phone system
- A shower stall and a tub in the master bathroom
- A separate enclosure for the toilet in the master bath
Upscale home in 2015
In the same study, a typical upscale single-family home eight years in the future was predicted to feature:
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Pennsylvania Builders Association is a nonprofit, professional trade organization representing 12,000-plus member-companies from across the state.
