What Boise Buyers Are Looking for in New Construction Homes
Posted by Lisa Kohl on Wednesday, October 17th, 2018 at 11:15am
A new construction home is an ideal opportunity to have the house you’ve been dreaming of. While every client we assist is unique, there are some “wants” and “must-haves” we see on house wishlists across the board. Here’s a quick look at what we are seeing buyers ask for in a new home.
People-Centric Floor Plans Designed for Modern Living
There was a time when it was highly fashionable to segment a home, usually to add a sense of formality and to sequester the kitchen and bedrooms away from the entertaining areas.
Today, buyers want open floor plans with lots of natural light and are ready to sacrifice formal dining rooms, parlors, and living rooms to get it.
While open concept is nothing new, the focus has moved from the living room to the kitchen. Buyers want the kitchen to be the center of the home, flowing smoothly into the main living area and allowing guests, family members, and friends to interact while cooking, eating, or relaxing.
Versatility and a free-flowing open concept design create a space ideal for comfortable everyday living in this Southwest Boise home.
Privacy and Space for Everyone
In the past, it was common to have all the bedrooms in the same part of the house. Now, buyers expect a bit of a buffer to give everyone their own space.
The split bedroom floor plan, one with the master separate from the rest of the bedrooms, has become incredibly popular over the last ten years. As has the main-level master bedroom and bathroom suite with separate upstairs bedrooms for school-aged children.
Space for Extended Family and Guests
Multi-generational living is becoming more common, as is demand for a "junior" master suite or mother-in-law quarters for extended family members or guests. We occasionally see requests for a kitchenette as well, accommodating even more comfort for live-in or regularly-visiting friends and family.
Smart, Functional Kitchens
The kitchen is the heart of a modern home, and most of our buyers have a detailed vision for the kitchen they want.
We often see buyers emphasizing a large pantry space and smart kitchen storage solutions on their wishlist.
Appliances are moving off counter tops and becoming built-ins, and large cabinets are being replaced drawers for everything from dishes and bowls to pots and pans.
Kitchen appliances with stainless steel finishes, preferably with a gas range, are still the most sought-after. Appliances continue to move higher-end with even entry-level builders offering what were once upgrades as standard.
Stacking cookware in a traditional cabinet results in a clanking jumbled mess. These wide, deep drawers from Dura Supreme Cabinetry neatly store pots, pans and lids for easy access.
A Modern & Luxurious Bathroom
The statement shower is in. Buyers often love the look of a beautiful master bathtub but prefer to invest in a luxurious and roomy walk-in shower. They are larger than in the past and include rainfall showerheads, zero-threshold entries and even mood lighting.
The jetted tubs that were popular in the early 2000's have gone the way of the CD player. Today, buyers are more likely to choose a free-standing soaking tub rather than a built-in tub.
Homeowners will still put a bathtub in their master bathroom to ensure resale value but the focus has definitely moved to the shower.
The Ideally Placed Laundry Room
A house always has a laundry room—it’s whatever room ends up overrun with clothes. That's why the dedicated laundry room that used to be in the back of the house by the garage has moved upstairs by the bedrooms.
A floor plan that brilliantly connects the master bedroom closet to the laundry room is highly popular.
A Spacious Garage
Three-car garages are becoming the standard in new construction.
We have seen a significant increase in demand for RV garages, sometimes for their own use and other times to ensure good resale value. With doors towering 14 to 16 feet tall, RV bays were historically used for boat and of course, RV parking. In recent years they have gained popularity due to the fact it is inexpensive multipurpose space.
We have seen them used for everything from children's play areas, to gyms, to year-round indoor-outdoor entertaining space.
A 14-foot RV bay can make the perfect indoor-outdoor multipurpose space.
Exteriors
Our buyers also often ask for an outdoor space that feels like part of the main living area. Patio access from the great room, kitchen, and master bedroom makes the outdoor area feel more connected and allows for seamless entertaining and relaxation.
Money Saving Features
As homeowners become more aware of their environmental impact and the cost savings that come with energy efficiency, many are paying special attention to both. Some buyers even choose a smaller floor plan to reduce heating and cooling costs and to be a little greener.
There are many ways to make your new construction home more cost-conscious, including Energy Star appliances, energy-efficiency windows and water heaters, smart home features and more.
With the added benefit of reducing your home’s environmental impact, energy efficient features also make it more affordable to heat, cool and maintain.
Curb Appeal Counts
People want their homes to standout. Buyers often request a neighborhood where the houses are varied in design and color instead of the dreaded “cookie-cutter” feel. They want their own home as well as their neighbors’ to be unique and beautiful.
Lisa Kohl
Lisa Kohl is a full-time Boise, Idaho real estate agent and Realtor®. Lisa helps buyers purchase homes throughout Idaho. Lisa can be contacted at (208) 391-4466. She would be happy to share her local knowledge and expertise with you! We Know Boise Real Estate provides service in Boise and surrounding Idaho cities including Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Kuna, Middleton, Star and Caldwell.
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