The Most Popular Features in New Homes
Every year, manufacturers tempt us with new ways to make homes even more exciting, convenient, and energy-efficient. It can be hard to keep up, so Alvarez Construction Company wants to give you a look at the most popular features in new homes.
Wood flooring has seen a lot of advances in the past few years. Homeowners are moving rapidly away from carpet and choosing wood. You already know what to expect from hardwood. It’s stunning!
Meanwhile, luxury vinyl is a relative newcomer to the flooring industry. If you haven’t experienced this material yet, take a look—and don’t be fooled by the “vinyl” part. Although that facet adds durability and ease of care, you might be surprised by the look of luxury vinyl. The color, pattern, and texture present the look of real wood! This unique flooring product is a great option in areas that are regularly exposed to water, like bathrooms and kitchens. Alvarez Construction Company now includes luxury vinyl as a flooring choice, so ask us about the various color options.
All eyes are on the kitchen when shopping for a new home. This is the area where we’ve probably seen the most advances. Cabinetry continues to evolve, although white cabinets are still the most sought-after selection. Granite countertops remain a top choice, but as homebuyers discover the value of quartz, there has been a significant shift. Quartz countertops are about 95% crushed quartz and 5% resin to bind it. This surface looks like natural stone, but is more resistant to stains and cracking. Quartz doesn’t need to be re-sealed and, because it’s manufactured, you can get the color and pattern the way you want it. What you see in the showroom is what you get in your kitchen.
Smart appliances have added another step up in the kitchen’s convenience. Alvarez Construction Company recently added the Whirlpool SmartRange as a standard feature in our new construction homes. This highly intelligent appliance can be controlled from your smart home management system (also included in our homes) or smartphone. Pre-heat it on your way home, use voice commands, and make your cooking more efficient than ever.
Storage is always (always!) a concern for homebuyers. The walk-in pantry adds appeal to homebuyers. Keep your non-perishables and small appliances in one place that’s easily accessible, leaving your kitchen cabinets available for the many other uses you have in a busy kitchen.
Homes are also becoming smarter, thanks to technology. A smart home management hub has evolved from a fun feature to an invaluable one. Use it to control the thermostat, entertainment systems, lighting, security, appliances, and safety features (e.g., smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector). Alvarez Construction Company is staying on top of this new home trend by including a smart home system in each of our new construction homes.
Energy efficiency has been a key concern for homeowners for many years. With the right choices by your homebuilder, a home will conserve energy and reduce the carbon footprint. Energy-efficient systems and appliances contribute to conserving water and electricity, but we also look at building materials and practices that are eco-friendly, because every choice contributes to better results.
Outdoor living spaces are important to homebuyers, too. It’s a real plus to be able to step outside to another “room”. Here in the Baton Rouge area, we love our patios! There’s nothing like cooking outside and relaxing on the back porch to refresh your spirit.
What’s important to you in your home? What will you look for in the next one? If your new home search brings you to the Baton Rouge area, the Alvarez family invites you to look over our single-family homes—the floor plans and homes that are move-in ready right now—and the communities where we build. Our standard features reflect our higher standards. Get started by contacting Matthew Petty.
