You may have heard the word “livability” when describing new homes. Well, it sounds like a good thing, but what exactly does it mean – and what does it have to do with new homes? Livability measures how well the design of a home complements your lifestyle, and home builders continue to build new homes with livability in mind to better suit the wants and needs of homeowners.
The following are some of the ways that new homes typically incorporate livability into construction and design:
- Open floor plans. Many home builders, such as Christopher Companies, incorporate open floor plans in their new homes. Open concept homes have gained immense popularity in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why! Open floor plans – which typically have the kitchen, dining space and living space in one “great room” – allow for greater interaction among family members and guests in these spaces. Closed off, separate rooms that you’ll often find in older homes are not conducive to social interaction, and this conflicts with the lifestyle that many families desire – especially those with children and families who like to entertain.
- First floor master bedrooms. The idea of a bedroom on the first floor may be unfamiliar for homeowners who own older homes, but it’s an increasingly popular trend. Our Sheffield model home at Baywood Greens is a great example of first floor living, with a spacious first floor master bedroom and master bathroom, removed from the main living space, and two guest bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor. First floor masters are especially conducive to livability in vacation homes, such as our homes in Baywood Greens, because guests can have the second floor all to themselves. They’re also particularly liveable for older homeowners, whose lifestyles are often more compatible with a home design where climbing up and down stairs is not neccessary.
- Energy efficiency. Homes that incorporate energy efficiency are becoming popular with homeowners who not only want to lessen their environmental impact, but also want to save money on monthly energy bills. According to New Home Source, newly built homes are up to 30% more efficient than homes built 10 years ago, and many homeowners are finding that these benefits of energy efficient homes are compatible with their lifestyles.
- Modern design choices. Owning a newly constructed home means enjoying the convenience of modern home design aspects that you oftentimes won’t find in older homes. Home design trends change to reflect what homeowners want and need in a home, and new homes incorporate these trends. For example, think about closet space and bathroom sinks – in older homes, you’re likely to find smaller closets and single vanity bathroom sinks, but in newly built homes, favorable larger closets and double vanity bathroom sinks are often included – because that’s what modern home design dictates! Many homeowners find that these home design aspects are more compatible with their lifestyles.
Here at Christopher Companies, livability is just one of the many aspects that we keep in mind when building a new home. Whether it’s one of our new homes in Northern Virginia or in Delaware, you’ll find the same mark of high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that characterizes every Christopher home.
SOURCE: New Home Source