The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy and, in turn, construction and the housing market, and this situation is still progressing. However, something that is beginning to change now, and will continue in the future, is the way homes are designed, with a new focus on healthy home design.
Home office improvements
Of course, one of the biggest features of value to a home as officials try to slow the spread of coronavirus is a home office space. Right now, trends surrounding home offices include sliding doors or partial doors that allow for both light and privacy while working, and the possibility of home schooling areas for families.
News regarding home offices spans from ideas for new gadgets for the office, coming out of cities at the heart of the pandemic, to ideas on how to make the office space itself healthier, whether its with improved posture or happier lighting.
Wide open spaces
According to John Burns Real Estate Consulting, natural lighting and open spaces are a big request from consumers when it comes to building a healthier home. We know that consumers, especially in Colorado, already desire a connectedness to outdoor spaces, and with increased time spent at home, features like oversized windows and seamless transition into outdoor spaces are becoming more popular.
Touchless technology
Touchless smart home technologies like lights or sinks with motion sensors or voice commands are expected to become more popular along with open air designs. Thrive Denver is a local building company specializing in “eco-luxury”, focusing on energy efficiency, ventilation systems and moisture management within a home’s structure.
Thrive focuses on Colorado-specific health concerns, such as radon exposure or mold that can trigger asthma.
The last few years have seen a surge in in-home AI devices such as the Amazon Alexa, which can be connected to other in-home technologies such as a Nest Thermostat or a Roku TV. This interconnectedness already creates ease of use, and being able to control every device in your home with your voice eliminates how many things need to be touched in a home.
Multigenerational Building
As the pandemic highlights the value of keeping family close and healthy, the multigenerational family home is expected to grow in popularity. This includes features such as separate living areas that may include amenities like kitchenettes, or even areas with separate entrances. One housing community in California offers additions to homes like suites or studios built above garages with a private entrance.
As the pandemic keeps everyone inside, homeowners are more likely to stay put for longer and therefore more likely to add home additions such as these.
