Minnesota Custom Cabinets | Cabinet Design & Installation MN
Consumers are once again dreaming about their next home, as well as planning ways to make their current home reflect their personal style and needs. They are also setting priorities and watching their wallets in the process.
Consumers Dreaming’ About Buying a Home Again
That’s the key finding of a newly released research initiative aimed at determining the features, size, designs and strategies driving consumers as they consider their next home. The research detailed how the economic downturn has changed consumer behavior toward renovating their existing home or buying a new home.
According to the research, four out of 10 surveyed consumers reported that they are looking to increase their total home size with their next home, up from about one out of three a year ago.
While they are looking at a larger-size home, they aren’t looking for something significantly larger. Rather, it is more of a desire for something slightly larger to accommodate their prioritized wish list. They are dreaming again, but their dreams are definitely reality based.
Functional Space
According to BH&G, consumers in the magazine’s 2009 survey wished for a median square footage of 1,864 sq. ft. According to the latest recent survey, the desired median square footage has risen to 1,914 sq. ft.
Consumer Attitudes -Buying and Remodeling
They want more space, but it’s driven by both function and finances.
It is also noted that one in four consumers (25%) said it was the right time to spend on home improvement, up from 16% who said that a year ago. The study found that consumers “want to get the most value for every dollar they spend,” with more than half (56%) stating this describes them completely. Similarly, half of consumers (52%) say they’ll spend more time looking for bargains and deals in order to save money on home improvement.
Consumers are realizing there are no guarantees on the return in their investment, other than their own enjoyment of their new space – so they are careful not to overextend.
Make Your Remodeling Dollars Count
Their priority is having a home they enjoy. The new mantra is, ‘I am spending my money, so make it count.
The survey finds that, in particular, consumers don’t want any “wasted space” in their next home and are seeking real value for their dollar. According to the findings, nearly eight out of 10 (79%) say the desire for “additional storage space” and an organized home is high on their wish list for a next home.
Among the survey’s other key findings:
- Affordability of their next home remains a high priority, with three out of four consumers (74%) stating this.
- Energy efficiency continues to rank highest as “most important” to consumers, with 68% stating that energy efficient heating and cooling systems are a top priority compared to 76% in the previous year.
- The top ranked living spaces desired in a new home include: separate laundry rooms (81%); additional storage space including walk-in closets, walk-in pantry or built-ins (79%); a home office space or workspace (67%); outdoor grilling/living area (67%); at least one bedroom with its own private bath (65%) and everyday eating space in or close to the kitchen (64%).
- Nearly six out of 10 (58%) of consumers say a reluctance to spend money they don’t have on home improvements or new homes describes them completely.
- Home personalization continues to grow as a consumer trend. For example, 52% of consumers dream of a family space that combines a kitchen, family room and everyday eating into one open area. Today’s family wants an area where they can move seamlessly from mealtime to tech time to game/entertainment/hobby time to homework time.
- A home office/computer center continues to grow in popularity, with 68% saying they want one in their next home.
Maple office cabinets
- The Kitchen Island has made a strong comeback. A kitchen island can solve many space concerns. The kitchen is the hub of your home. It is the one room that seems to be engaged in all major family functions; it’s not just for eating anymore. Because of this, many people are realizing that proper utilization of space and storage can make all the difference. So why not upgrade your kitchen to make it function at the height of its ability? Why not add the kitchen island?
Oak island with bead board back bookcases
Find Your Hidden Space
With more pressure on space in the home, interest has grown in designing homes with more open space that gives the household more flexibility. Adding that informal space is another lifestyle preference that remains popular.
Minnesota Custom Cabinet Maker
Kitchen Before & After
What is on your wish list for a functional home? A Minnesota Custom Cabinet Maker can help find your hidden space by increasing storage options. Most custom cabinet builders have a vast amount of photos of the cabinets they have built. Ask to see some before and after pictures of their work. They will gladly share any tips, suggestions and clever solutions they have accumulated over the years, as he has solved problems for other customers.