Homebuyers today are more sophisticated than ever. They want options and features that are not only energy efficient but also stylish and well-designed. These are generalizations, but they point to some trends we see in the marketplace when it comes to choosing a new home. In this blog post, we focus on the architectural features you'll likely see in most homes on the market today. They are meant as a guide for buyers to consider when narrowing down their options. Keep in mind that every home is different and each has its own personality and style. What features you look for will depend on your individual home preferences and the features that are important to you personally.
Efficient appliances and light fixtures
This may seem like an obvious point, but today’s homes are designed with efficiency in mind. It can be hard to tell if a home has energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, but they are worth checking out. This is a common feature found in many new homes since the 1990s. Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry machines are required by code to be Energy Star certified. Toilet and shower fixtures are also important to consider. If you want to know the best way to judge if a home has energy-efficient appliances and light fixtures, you can check the EPA’s Household Energy Use Score Card. This is a useful way to compare homes with similar features and determine which one will use less energy.
Basement/crawlspace
The basement/crawlspace features vary depending on the type of house you’re looking at. In a standard home, the basement is often used for storage. In older homes, the basement may be unfinished. If you’re looking at a home that has a finished basement, it’s important to check out the construction. Make sure the foundation is strong enough to support what will most likely be a high-volume area. If you’re planning on having a finished living space, you’ll also want to make sure it has a proper vapor barrier so humidity levels don’t affect the rest of the house.
Loft, Great Room, or Open Floor Plan
The loft, great room, or open floor plan is very common in homes today. These features are often used to create larger spaces that combine the feeling of a living room with the space of a dining room and kitchen. The great room is often a combination of all three. These features are great for entertaining and can often accommodate large gatherings. If you’re considering buying a home with one of these features, it’s important to ask the builder or architect about the plans. Make sure you understand the flow of the home and what each room’s function is.
Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
These days, most new homes are being built with energy-efficient HVAC systems. The HVAC system is a major expenditure for most homeowners, so it’s important to get a system that is right for the home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking at HVAC systems: - Location, location, location - Ductwork is extremely important - Ductwork must be sized properly - Air filter size should be about 10% of the ductwork size
Above-grade living spaces
The above-grade living spaces, such as the living room and dining room, are great features in many homes. These spaces often have high ceilings, large windows, and vaulted ceilings. They are great for entertaining and can accommodate large gatherings. They also offer the opportunity to add architectural features such as a vaulted or cathedral ceiling. These spaces are often used as living rooms and dining rooms. They are common in homes in the mid- to high-end price range.
Room for a pool and patio/BBQ
The backyard is an important part of buying a home. It’s where you can relax, entertain friends and family, and grow plants and flowers. When looking at homes, it’s important to make sure you have room for a pool and patio. You’ll also want to make sure you have the proper zoning for the area. A backyard with a pool and patio can be an important selling point for a home.
Summing up
These architectural features are common in most homes on the market today. It’s important to keep in mind that every home is different, and what features you look for will depend on your personal preferences. It’s a good idea to tour a few homes to get a feel for what’s available. It also helps to get a good idea of what you’re looking for in a home.Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can start the search for the perfect home.