Home of the future

ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 15, 2007 – Given the rapid evolution of design, configuration and products in new homes, even a professional futurist might be hard-pressed to determine what the next five decades hold for housing. But a new study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) provides a telling look at the homes buyers can expect to purchase in the nearer future – 2015.NAHB’s Economics Group conducted “The Home of the Future” study, introduced at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, in 2006. Based on polls of architects, designers, marketers and manufacturers, it provides a detailed view of what buyers can expect to find in an “average” home and an “upscale” home in 2015.Trends in all housesAccording to the experts, the pace of change will be much faster over the next 10 years than in recent years, and buyers can expect that all homes will be significantly “greener” and more resource efficient than today. There will also be increasing emphasis on universal design/handicap access.Perhaps most surprising: The average home size has increased significantly in the past decade but is not likely to increase in the next 10 years. In fact, average home size in 2015 is likely to stay in the range of today’s 2,400 square feet, and homes are increasingly likely to be two-story rather than one-story.Like today, kitchens and bathrooms will continue to be among the most important factors affecting consumer choices and will continue to feature upgraded materials and appliances. The focus on garages will also increase, with more consumers preferring three-car garages. Moreover, the door openings on garages will be larger to accommodate larger vehicles.

Average home in 2015
2,330-square-foot, two-story home with two to three bathrooms and four bedrooms
One-story entry foyer
One-story family room (no loft or volume ceilings, etc.)
Living room will vanish or become parlor/retreat/library
Nine-foot ceilings on first floor; eight- to nine-foot ceilings on second floor
Exterior walls of vinyl or fiber cement siding or brick
Staircase located in foyer
Front porch
Patio
Fiber optic network, programmable thermostat, structured wiring system, multi-line phone system
Both shower stall and tub in master bathroom
Toilet in master bath will have separate enclosure
Upscale home in 2015
More than 4,000 square feet
Two-story home with 3 to 4 bathrooms and 4 or more bedrooms
Two-story entry foyer
One- or two-story family room
Likely to have formal living room, but living room may be replaced by parlor/retreat/library
Nine-foot ceilings on first floor; nine- to ten-foot ceilings on upper floors
Exterior of stone, brick, stucco or fiber cement siding
Stairs in the back or side of the house
Front porch, rear porch, patio and deck
Two master bedroom suites
Outdoor kitchen with grill, sinks, refrigerator, cooking island
Outdoor fireplace, pool/spa, audio/TV equipment, lighting
Programmable thermostat, structured wiring, multi-line phone system, multi-zone HVAC, remote control fireplaces, instant hot water in bathrooms/kitchens, lighting control system, monitored burglar/fire/toxic gas alarm system© 2007 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®