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.”