May. 9, 2007 - Experts describe homes of the future

New homes have changed dramatically over the past five decades. Small one-story bungalows with less than 1,000 square feet, two bedrooms and a single bathroom have given way to two-story homes topping 2,400 square feet with three or more bedrooms and two or more bathrooms. Along the way, new homes have evolved to levels of comfort and sophistication that were virtually unimaginable even a generation ago.

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 provides a telling look at the homes buyers can expect to purchase in the nearer future – 2015.

“The Home of the Future” study, introduced at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, was conducted in 2006 by NAHB’s Economics Group. 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.

Here are some of the highlights of the NAHB’S predictions for the 2015 American home:

• Homes will be significantly “greener” and more resource efficient
• Increasing emphasis on universal design/handicap access
• Home size will not increase, but stay in the range of today’s 2,400 square feet
• Homes are increasingly likely to be two-story rather than one-story.
• Kitchens and bathrooms will continue to feature upgraded materials and appliances
• Focus on garages will increase, with more consumers preferring three-car garages, and door openings on garages will be larger to accommodate larger vehicles
• More homes will feature recessed lighting and wood floors
• Communities will feature open space and amenities such as walking and jogging trails and are also likely to be close to public transportation

The typical new single-family home in 2005 will feature:

• 2,330-square-feet, divided into a two-story home with 2½ to 3½ bathrooms and 4 bedrooms
• One-story entry foyer
• One-story family room (no loft or volume ceilings, etc.)
• Living room vanishing into 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
• 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

The typical upscale single-family home in 2015 will feature:

• More than 4,000 square feet
• Two-story home with 3½ to 4½ 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, multiline phone system, multi-zone HVAC, remote control fireplaces, instant hot water in bathrooms/kitchens, lighting control system, monitored burglar/fire/toxic gas alarm system

Source: National Association of Home Builders