In 1973, the average size of a new-construction home in the United States was 1,660 square feet. The size of new-construction homes steadily increased until it peaked in 2007 at 2,521 square feet. Since then, the size of new-construction homes has fallen by about five percent, and is expected to fall another ten percent in the next three years. In part, this size reduction has been driven by the economic situation, but other factors come into play as well. More people are concerned with both energy costs and environmental footprint of their homes, leading to a desire for smaller homes. About a third of homeowners 55 or older wish to retire in a smaller home that is more manageable in old age. Recently, a survey of industry experts by the National Association of Home Builders sought to predict the features of homes built in 2015. These were some of their findings about the changing nature of the home.
More Great Rooms and Fewer Living Rooms
With the reduction in size of newer homes, the living room is most likely to lose space or disappear entirely. Over 75 percent of those polled thought the living room would lose space or be eliminated in future houses. To make up for the lost space, the great room will become even more prominent in future construction. In previous generations, having a more casual family room and formal living room was ideal for entertaining. In modern times, the unified entertaining space of a great room makes more sense for many people. One of the great features of a Real Log Home is the flexibility in floor plans that the log home design allows. Whether you would like separate living and family room spaces or a great room, our designers can work with you to realize your vision.
Ground Floor Master with Walk-In Closet
The only feature more popular in the survey than the great room is a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. We certainly agree that the walk-in closet is a very functional feature that adds a great deal of value to the modern log home. Along with the walk-in closet, a ground floor master bedroom is in very high demand. Especially among those who wish to retire in their homes, a first-floor master is a very convenient feature.
Keep the Office and Garage, Lose the Media Room
The home office, a great functional addition for many people, will likely hold steady in popularity over the coming years. A two-car garage will remain a common feature of new homes, matching the needs of the average family. The media room, while a trend in recent years, is likely to be a feature that disappears with the living room in the years to come.
Of course, one of the most wonderful aspects of working with Real Log Homes is the fact that our talented design staff is able to design your log home with exactly features you find appealing (whether they’re trending up or down in overall popularity). If you’d like to learn more about designing a log home, please call Real Log Homes today or fill out the form below for more information.
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