THINKING OF HOME

OBSERVATIONS AND ADVICE ON NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION FROM MK BUILDERS

If you are thinking about new home construction, it is always useful to get some perspective from the builders of new homes. So, we have once again turned to Marcin Kawa, builder of luxury homes in the Chicagoland area for his observations and advice. He pays close attention to trends and what new home buyers are telling him. First of all, after enduring 18 months of pandemic, certain habits have stayed the same, and some have changed, for some people in the market for a new home. He quotes the National Association of Home Builders on their 2021 edition of “What Home Buyers Really” want: “‘Home’ has had to take on new meaning – now we need to think of a home as a living space, the office, the classroom, the gym and more.” “Interestingly, 67% of home buyers report the pandemic has NOT impacted what they want in a new home or community.” On the other hand, 25% have been affected. These are people in families where there is at least one ‘teleworker’ and at least one student engaged in virtual, or zoom type learning.” “Of families with these conditions, 43% of respondents said their housing preferences have changed overall and 35% want a larger home.” He says, “This doesn't come as much of a surprise. More and more individuals are working from home, and feel the need to have a private office space to take zoom calls and have a little quiet time to focus. At the same time, family space is also essential, especially when you're seeing mostly each other for extended amounts of time.” “The pandemic, in effect, has made us rethink and repurpose space in the home”, explains Marcin. The study says, and my discussions with home buyers tells me that new home buyers, on the whole, and especially those affected by more stay-at-home situations, clearly prefer open layouts: 85% want an open arrangement between the kitchen and the dining room, 79% between the kitchen and the family room, and 70% between the dining and the family room. Also, we have buyers looking for larger kitchens, or a back kitchen combined with larger entertaining spaces. On the other hand, when it comes to bedrooms, according to the study, those interested in four or more bedrooms in 2020 (32%) is smaller than in 2007 (40%). A reason for the desire for fewer bedrooms may be explained by a prioritization of other rooms. “We have customers looking to privatize second floor loft space – which is usually space used by kids already – into more enclosed spaces for kids to do homework, play video games and relax.

This helps children and adults to co-exist at home when parents are teleworking,” Being smart about space efficiency even extends to selection of doors. For example, instead of swinging doors, have doors which slide in and out of walls. It makes greater use of space. Other observations. Though the desire for four or more bedrooms is decreasing, a plurality of buyers still prefer two bathrooms (37%). Another 21% prefer 2.5 baths, and 26% want three or more. Only 17% are looking for fewer than two baths. For 63% of buyers, the washer and dryer belong on the first floor. Having housing amenities on the ground floor is a key factor in making a home accessible and efficient. Looking at just accessibility on the main floor level, the top five most-wanted features are a full bath, wider doorways (3+ feet), wider hallways (4+ feet), non-slip floor surfaces, and an entrance without steps – all essential or desirable to over 60% of buyers. “Those are just a few of the considerations we think about when working with our clients on the inside of their new home”. What about space outside the home? Marcin observes, “With inflation, and demand, lots are becoming more costly, so lots may be smaller. That calls for being smarter inside and out.” “So, at the same time, people want more space, repurposed, within the home, the study, and working with clients, reveals that new home buyers want more space from their neighbors, with 21% stating that this preference was linked directly to the pandemic.” He adds, “The study indicates the top five most-wanted outdoor features are exterior lighting, a patio, a front porch, a rear porch, and a deck – all wanted by 75% or more of home buyers.” “Another way to look at the space around the home is this: ‘Spending more time outside lounging or working helps us feel sheltered in nature, blurring the separation between inside and outside.’” As a result, Home buyers are demanding more, better-designed outdoor spaces. So, in addition to looking at the National Association of Home Builders research, Marcin also looked at the 2021 Trend Report: “Outdoor Living Space is More Valuable Than Ever Before", from the International Casual Furnishings Association. They naturally found that people are doing more relaxing, grilling, gardening, exercising, dining, playing with pets and children, and entertaining

outside these days. To accommodate all that activity, they mentioned these outdoor options: “Spools”, which are a combination small pool and large spa, creating lush sideyards, or quaint courtyard retreats, gate arbors, covered patios, outdoor kitchens, pool cabanas, shade arbors, fire pits, flagstone or paver patios, pool houses, fireplaces, special lighting, and even “‘Home’ has had to take on new pizza ovens. "In normal times, outdoor spaces meaning – now we need to think are areas of recreation for ourselves and our families, yet today we need of a home as a living space, the them for restoration for our bodies and minds," said Jackie Hirschhaut, office, the classroom, the gym and more.” vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and executive director of its outdoor division, the International Casual - MARCIN KAWA, Furnishings Association.

Founder and Owner, MK Construction & Builders Marcin is quick to point out that making the most of space inside and out is a specialty of his company. (This could be another pull quote). In our 18 years of building new homes, we have built many in the city where lots are expensive, and therefore smaller, and we have become expert in making the most of the space available. And, of course, he offers these observations about the timing for building in these times of inflation and availability of materials and labor. “We’re doing everything we can in working with our clients to make sure the land is ready, the workers are ready and the materials are available so we can be as efficient and timely as possible in delivering a new home.”