ORLANDO -- The home of the future will be two stories, with a one-story entry foyer, and either no living room, or one that will end up serving more as a parlor or library. Consumers buying upscale homes will demand two master bedroom suites and an outside kitchen stocked with all the latest amenities -- all standard, says Gopal Ahluwalia, staff vice president for research for the National Association of Home Builders.
Ahluwalia presented the findings of a study gauging consumer demand for a variety of future home features Thursday at the International Builders Show in Orlando.
While single-family homes have grown over the years, from an average of 1,660 square feet in 1973 to 2,459 square feet in 2006, Ahluwalia projected the size of an average home will decrease to 2,330 square feet by 2015.
While the average home is expected to shrink, consumers will still expect amenities, according to Ahluwalia. Respondents to the survey on average homes said they want more counter space (76 percent), more cabinet space (74 percent), double sinks (72 percent) and table space for eating in their kitchens (70 percent). Sixty-four percent expect bathrooms in an average home to have double vanities and 61 percent expect both a shower stall and tub in a master bedroom.
Respondents considering upscale homes want all of the above -- and more. Ninety-six percent expect standard features of a kitchen to include high-quality appliances in addition to more floor, cabinet and counter space. Ninety-four percent expect walk-in pantries. Sixty-two percent of respondents considering upscale homes also want two master bedroom suites, and 66 percent want outdoor kitchens.
More than 80 percent of those considering upscale homes also want a bevy of electronic features, Ahluwalia said. Those features include multi-zone controlled HVAC, multi-room audio systems, whole-house automation systems, monitored burglar alarms, and programmable thermostats. Respondents considering average homes had fewer demands; with 78 percent wanting programmable thermostats, and just 43 percent expecting multi-zone HVAC systems, Ahluwalia said.
Gayle Butler, editor in chief of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, followed Ahluwalia and summed up what consumers want: "A home that fits their personal reality."
