So you’re thinking about building your new home! While this can be an exciting part of your life, ensuring that you build a home that will meet your every need can easily become overwhelming. That being said, taking the time to plan with your home builder is crucial. That’s why we set up each new ICI Homes customer with a one-on-one appointment with our design team, free of charge.
I’ve asked two of ICI Homes’ experts to put together a list of the most requested modifications they receive and the results are in.
1. Large Open Kitchen Spaces Not only do our customers ask for large kitchens, but design also matters. Judy Lawrence, VP of Customer Relations says, “Our upgraded kitchen options offer gas cook tops, designer cabinetry, and several people are still asking for double wall ovens because, it may come to surprise, they do still like to cook!”
Additional features such as wine closets and upgraded refrigerators are also popular. “Larger islands and eat-in kitchen areas are another trend we’re seeing among clients”, says Mark Lucas, Director of Product Development.
2. Larger Master Bathrooms Judy says, “We’re often asked to expand master bathrooms as space is becoming more important for comfortable living. Many home buyers know exactly what they want and we find the solution to fit their needs, whether it’s a larger bath, vanity areas, or closet space.”
3. Spacious Storage/Utility Rooms The size of storage and laundry rooms is expanding. “Incorporating a “wet area” in these rooms is hot among active families,” says Judy. While northerners might have noticed that Floridians don’t have a need for coat closets, adding closets or expanding utility rooms for extra space is a smart alternative.
4. Outdoor Entertainment Here in Florida, we’re not shy about sharing our love for the weather and this shows as the popularity of porches among the back of the home increases. Adding features like complete summer kitchens, pools, and fireplaces can add to the quality of your home’s outdoor living experience.
5. No More Formal Dining “Customers are transitioning from formal dining and asking for larger breakfast nook areas for more of an informal dining experience with the family,” says Judy. Separate dining rooms are now serving as offices as more and more people work from home.
6. Bonus Rooms Bonus rooms ranging from 400-500 square feet can be used for a variety of functions. “Game rooms and home theaters are hot uses for bonus rooms,” says Mark. Add a wet bar or a full bath and it becomes an extra bedroom or private guest suite for occasional company.
7. Multi-Generational Options When that “occasional” company decides they want to become permanent, families set up their floor plans to fit additional private living areas into the home,” says Mark.
8. Functional Foyers Foyers that can serve a functional purpose are great for active families. Whether it’s a shoe or bag area or added closet space, taking advantage of the space offered in the foyer can add to overall convenience.
9. Ceiling Details There’s no limit to the possibilities that lie above you with custom ceilings. Custom ceilings can add depth and dimension and create a whole new feeling to the room. Custom moldings and custom trims are great finishing touches and many home buyers make their space even more personal by adding a custom vaulted ceiling to put a unique touch to their new home.
10. Curb Appeal “Old world Spanish, traditional hybrids, and contemporary homes are the top three exterior looks home buyers are requesting,” says Mark. Lifestyle and personal taste plays a big role here. Spanish-style homes often feature a low-pitched tile roof, arches and a stucco or adobe exterior. The typical floor plan incorporates a central courtyard and fountain, extending a garden from the living space while contemporary homes feature many windows and skip on the elaborate ornamentation and unnecessary detail.
Honorable Mentions: White rooms with accent color walls New horizontal styles of lighting fixtures at islands and dining areas Quartz as the new granite Polished chrome and nickel hardware Wider and lighter colored wood planks in kitchens and bedrooms Metallics in home décor LED lighting (becoming more affordable)
