2008 home building trends reflect change in cultural priorities
WRITTEN BY Stacy McBain
1.17.08
From Valley Home Style Magazine
Back into the drawer of the builder's kitchen go the cookie cutter, the oversized and the inefficient. They're cooking up something a little different this year.
Canyon County has seen homes rising faster than bread and selling faster than hot cakes. Now that the temperature isn't quite as hot, builders are taking a look at what is, so that they can continue to make some dough in 2008.
"What's driving these trends is affordability," said Scott Flynn, owner of Flynner Homes. His niche is "affordable custom homes" in both Canyon County and Boise. Home builders such as Flynn are faced with economic trends, consumer preferences and a need to create the kind of inventory that consumers both want and can afford. "It's just not about every house looking like the one next to it. I think people are getting bored with that," Flynn said.
The market calls for homes that stand out, and charm is back. On the Flynner Homes Web site, phrases used include"arts and crafts entryways" or "craftsman style exterior," hearkening back to the styles of the older homes.
"You're seeing developers coming out with smaller, more affordable lots. Square feet is coming down, but with more amenity packages," Flynn said. Community amenities such as clubhouses, parks and pools attempt to create a more cohesive and desirable neighborhood, while at the same time tapping into people's social need.
The tradeoff translates into more modestly sized homes. Of course terms such as "smaller," "modest" and "affordable" are relative, but it's the general direction the cookie is crumbling. New homes are filled with granites, hardwoods and high-quality features. When it comes to space, "You're not getting these huge boxes," Flynn said. "It's more quality versus quantity."
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