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Americans eye smaller, greener homes

March 9, 2011 - A survey shows consumers are changing what they look for in the homes they're moving into, with many asking homebuilders for smaller properties with more environmentally sustainable features.

Contractors surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders say they expect homes to average 2,152 square feet in 2015, which would be 10 percent smaller than the average single-family property built during the first nine months last year. Families are asking for smaller living rooms, with 52 percent of builders saying they think living rooms within the next few years are more likely to be merged with other rooms, and 20 percent saying those areas will disappear entirely.

In addition, 68 percent of builders say homebuyers are putting increased emphasis on energy saving measures around the home. Those include dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets that save water, better building materials, and an Energy Star rating for the home.

One builder has already begun making strides to incorporate green standards into its new homes. Those relocating to properties built by KB Homes will now be able to review a single Energy Performance Guide score, similar to a miles per gallon reading in vehicles, that lets them know how energy-efficient that particular home is.
 

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