Photo courtesy of Fortunato Architecture
HOMES FOR THE
FUTURE BY LEE NELSON
he pandemic proved a few things; homes became a sanctuary, workplace, homeschool, entertainment, and a haven from the world’s woes. Many decided they need more space — inside and out — to enhance all facets of living, working, and playing. They have turned to New Jersey designers, architects, and developers to build brand-new homes.
smart home compatibility,” said John Davern, D.R. Horton’s New Jersey Division President. Davern is also seeing a growing demand for luxury vinyl plank flooring, which can withstand wear and tear while still offering an attractive hardwood appearance, as well as interest in wider floor planks.
Photo courtesy of Fortunato Architecture
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Even though sky-rocketing costs and supply chain issues continue, there is still demand for brand-new builds. They can be big or small, manufactured offsite, built with organic and sustainable materials, or totally customizable. Builders continue to ask their clients to be patient since some items are still hard to receive in a reasonable time. Plus, it’s difficult for them to give bids on projects that are months away when the price of many materials won’t stop fluctuating.
Trending Home Building Materials
Inflation hasn’t stopped people from coming to New Jersey from New York, Philadelphia, and other big cities to spend money to tear down older houses and build their dream homes, said Dan Fortunato, principal architect at the Fortunato Architecture. When they come to him for designs, their main desire remains more space. Clients are also requesting more height with vaulted ceilings and beams, home offices, and outdoor space to entertain. “Our home buyers are prioritizing separate home office spaces away from the main area, separate entertainment spaces, larger yards for pool and outside entertainment and 18 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR ® | May/June 2022
“Families are important. Everyone stands at the kitchen island,” said Fortunato. “They want very large areas to gather. People are even foregoing dining rooms and using the island as dual purpose.” In bathrooms, quartz and Silestone countertops with rectangular sink bowls have become top fashionable choices due to their clean lines and sophisticated feel, and flooring offers more rectangular tile plans as opposed to more traditional square tiles.
