Design Matters

This exhibit from the National Association of Home Builders is now 3-years old.  At the time of this survey, 60-84% of demand was for some sort of open-floor design; the trend has surely increased since then from my experience of appraising new construction and remodeled homes.  

The trend for open-floor living resides in cultural and life-style changes.  NAHB does in depth studies using demographic research in addition to surveys.  Home buyers are getting younger, they work a ton, and their domestic relations are quite a contrast of what they were in the mid-century.  A lifestyle that is fast paced, multi-tasked, needs efficiency which is what an open-floor plan has to offer.  Cook, entertain, within view of the flat screen; look over your kids or dogs, all at once and all from the kitchen.