The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the way society functions, altering how we work, learn, shop, and socialize. Whether it’s  utilizing contactless delivery services to buy  groceries  or learning how to run a staff meeting remotely, life looks dramatically different from the way it did last year.

‍

And since many people are still spending  more time at home than ever before, it’s not surprising that residential construction is also changing in response to COVID-19. Fortunately, many of these changes have the potential to improve our way of life, and are likely to become permanent fixtures in most homes.

So if you’re planning on building or remodeling in the near future, here’s a few home ideas that will help keep your space happy and healthy both now and in the future.

Open-Concept, Multi-Use

Prior to 2020, some trend forecasts indicated that the obsession with open-concept home design was coming to an end, but a year of pandemic living convinced most homeowners otherwise. 

Design that allows the whole family to gather comfortably in once space is more important than ever, and an open-concept layout tends to provide room for everyone.

 More importantly, open-concept designs tend to be more versatile, allowing kitchen, dining, and common areas to also function as home offices, work-out spaces, or studios. When building or remodeling your home, ask yourself if each room can function in a variety of ways. This will help prevent costly renovations in the future, and help you enjoy your home for as long as possible. 

Sustainable Design

If your previous attempts at conversing energy in the home consisted of turning off the lights or air conditioning while at work, it’s time for an upgrade. Now that a house is quite literally a home base for every interaction, energy efficient design is key.

New homes include more windows than ever before, both for increasing the amount of natural light in the home and to create cross-breezes that may render the need for round-the-clock air conditioning obsolete. 

Window treatments, shade overhangs, and high-quality insulation can also help regulate temperatures in the house, and solar panels are an increasingly popular way to cut down on long-term energy costs.

Smarter, Greener, Homes

Investing in the latest tech can also help make your future home feel like modern oasis, starting with basics like energy efficient appliances and air filtration systems that keep air within the home clean and germ-free. 

More creative options include things like smart lighting, thermostat, security, and entertainment systems that can be controlled through your device—both at home and remotely. So even when the world opens up again, you’re still able to maintain and protect your home from afar. 

We are all eagerly anticipating the time where it is safe to branch out of our homes and gather with friends and family. But having spent so much time at home, we know it’s more important than ever to build or renovate a space that works in all circumstances and conditions.

If you’re ready to create a home that works for everything, contact us today to get started. We’ll connect you with the best experts in the area, help you start your budget, and provide you with the permitting information needed for your future home.