Executive Editor Eliot Nusbaum

International Builders Show • January 20, 2010

consumer preferences

future

home buyers

top-line points

The “downsizing” trend continues

Top priorities for new homebuyers are:

Price

Energy-efficiency

Home organization

Comfort

a smaller

home

(36%)

an energy

efficient

HVAC

system

(76%)

energy star

appliances

(70%)

an efficient

design

(66%)

more natural

light

(65%)

lots of storage

(62%)

consumer wish list

a separate

laundry

(85%)

an outdoor

grilling &

living area

(68%)

a kitchen with

an eating area

(67%)

an extra

bedroom

with bath

(65%)

a comfortable

family gathering

space

(62%)

a home office

that multi-tasks

(59%)

improved home

electronics

(48%)

a partially

separated

kitchen

(42%)

a three-car

large garage

(37%)

low

maintenance

exterior

(81%)

a private

backyard

(80%)

low maintenance

landscaping

(70%)

less important

proximity to

downtown

(29%)

a master suite

like a great

hotel room

(29%)

deluxe

bath

finishes

(24%)

deluxe

kitchen

finishes

(20%)

home remodeler preferences

Top-line points

16% think now is the right time to spend

38% say now is not the right time to spend

52% are doing needed repairs and maintenance

focus on

smaller projects

painting a room (54%)

replacing/adding flooring/carpeting (38%)

decorating/redecorating a room (35%)

practical

considerations

low-maintenance landscaping (37%)

Energy Star windows/doors (34%)

high-efficiency heating/cooling (31%)

Energy Star appliances (31%)

remodeling trends

smaller projects

aging in place

outdoor living

bonus spaces

using salvage

maximizing

storage

smaller home

sizes

adding

character

green building

.White white

kitchens

furniture-style

cabinetry

stainless-steel

appliances

specialty

work stations

walk-in

pantries

the ever-present

television

save &

splurge

mentality

personal

retreats

versatile

vanities

separate

toilet area

what our readers say

“This is the perfect time to put money into our home, which we plan to be in for many more years. We seem to be able to get better deals on lumber and building materials. And we are

expecting contractors’ time will loosen up due to so many people canceling jobs.”