Latest home-building and home-buying trends for 2012

The housing industry has struggled over the past few years with the economy on a rollercoaster ride.  But, good news in the future: housing starts are expected to increase 10% in 2012, according to a survey by the National Association of Business Economics.

According to MSN, homebuyers and builders are looking for more flexibility in their homes – rooms that serve multiple purposes and plans for retiring baby boomers and children that come home after college. 

Here are some of the latest trends for homes:

Accessibility – Since baby boomers are getting older, and their parents are, single-story homes with accessible bathrooms, less stair, and possibly wheel chair ramps or elevators. 

Larger garage space – Homebuilders want more than just space for their large vehicles, they want it for storage too for bikes, TVs, lawn equipment, etc. 

Resource center rooms – instead of rooms that are meant for one purpose, having rooms that can serve multiple functions are idea.  David Barista, editor in chief of Professional Builder and Custom Builder magazines, calls these multipurpose areas "resource centers" — nooks that include a desk, printer, room for a laptop and even some cubbyholes for mail and bills. "You don't need this huge den/office anymore," he says. "Most families are working off laptops or iPads."

Dual master bedrooms –  Almost one-third of American adults today are "doubled up," or living in the same household with another adult generation, the U.S. Census Bureau says.  Whether it’s college kids coming back home or aging parents moving in, two master bedrooms are a growing trend.

Eco-friendly living – Solar panels on the home are trending, as well as Energy Star appliances and lighting. 

Modern floor plans – Things like laundry chutes, or utility rooms on the 2nd floor or near the master bedroom for convenience.  Also pantries that hold bulk items from warehouse stores are popular.  An area near the kitchen for leaving your cell phone, mail, keys, purse, etc that is not right in the way of the kitchen island or table is another trend. 

Open home layout – since homes have gotten smaller in recent years with the economy, having more open space – such as a great room leading into the kitchen, and dining room keep the area more open.  While cooking dinner, homeowners can also watch the TV, this encourages multi-tasking. 

A related trend, Barista says, is great rooms that open directly to outdoor living areas, which brings in lots of natural light. "Outdoor living is so huge right now that these great rooms are getting 'greater,' as it were," he says.

Less maintenance – townhomes, condos, and carriage homes are growing in popularity.  Also, in-fill back into the cities is a growing trend, (getting away from driving 15 minutes to the grocery store in the suburbs). 

When purchasing a new or pre-existing home, include PA homeowner's insurance into your budget!  If you are financing your home through a bank or another lender, you are required by law to carry PA homeowners insurance.  If own the home outright, having homeowner's insurance in Pennsylvania is still a good idea for any unexpected home disasters such as theft, fire, pipe bursts, etc.