1. Larger Garages
These days, homeowners are looking to put more than just vehicles in their garages. People want to be able to store motorcycles, ATV’s, boats, and lawnmowers. Building a home that has a three-car garage along with extra storage space is a very smart idea, and you will see the return in value.

2. Open-Concept
Open spaces are very popular right now. That doesn’t necessarily mean people are looking for big spaces, it just means open. Open-concepts have excellent flow and are great for entertaining company. If you’re looking for a perfect open floor plan, check out some of Cypress’s plans here!

3. Go Green
Energy-efficient appliances, high-efficiency windows and insulation are extremely valuable in homes. Now more than ever, homeowners are aware of the rising costs of utilities. They are also aware of what home builders can do to give them an energy-efficient home. Having a green home is no longer on people’s wish list, it’s on their must list. All of Cypress’s homes are part of Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy New Homes Program. For more information, please click here.

4. Large Kitchens w/ an Island
Putting your money into the kitchen is one of the smartest moves you can make. Kitchens are where you see the highest return on investment. These days, having a large functional kitchen is a necessity. People love counter space, so give it to them by putting in a large island.

5. Outdoor Living Space
Having an outdoor living space is definitely becoming more and more popular. People are seeing their yards as a way to extend their current living space. Outdoor fireplaces, cooking areas, and covered patios are in high demand these days. If you’re building a home, be sure to think about having walkouts to these areas.

6. “Command Center”
Right now, there is a trend in people buying smaller homes. People just can’t afford the 3,000 square foot home these days. Having rooms dedicated to one specific purpose used to be popular, but not anymore. Rooms can now serve multiple functions. Having a built-in desk off the kitchen with a computer, printer, calendar and some cubbies for mail and bills is a growing trend. It serves as the “command center” in the home. These are great options that keep families organized.

7. A Home within a Home
Having a home within the home is a popular trend these days. More and more people are putting in an apartment that has a separate entrance, its own sleeping area, bathroom, and kitchenette. Whether it’s meant to be rented out for extra income, or it’s for the “boomerang” kids who have moved back home after college, or even an aging parent who moved in with adult children, an apartment in the home is a growing trend.

8. Easy-Access Laundry
Having the washer and dryer in the basement is a thing of the past. These days, more people are opting to put the laundry in a more convenient location. This can be on the second floor by the bedrooms or even build a laundry alcove right in the master suite. People are all about having floor plans that work for them, not against them.

9. Tons of Light
Light has always been a biggie on people’s must-have list. Having bright spaces completely changes the feel and look of a room. Installing pot lights along with large (energy-efficient, of course) windows and ambient lighting definitely has its value. If you’re building, get creative with your lighting. One growing trend is adding lighting in fireplace mantels.

10. Walk-in Closets
Storage is another thing that has always been on people’s must-have list for their home. Today, it’s common to see custom homes that have more than one walk-in closet. Organized storage spaces make small homes feel much more spacious.

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A Cypress Homes, Inc. Blog