Architectural Designs – What Columbia SC Homebuyers Want

When it comes to Columbia SC homebuyers, it seems more and more people want open and more accessible homes, with outdoor living space, according to a recent housing trend report.

The American Institute of Architects recently released a quarterly survey on home-design trends that gathered input from architecture principals, partners and firm leaders from more than 500 AIA member–owned residential architecture firms.

According to the AIA's first-quarter 2014 report, some architects are designing slightly larger homes with more open spaces. About 15 percent of residential architects reported increases in home sizes, according to the report.

And 20 percent of architects reported home sizes were decreasing, down from 34 percent in the same period a year earlier.

More Columbia SC Homebuyers Want Combined Space

Some builders are creating homes for Columbia SC homebuyers with a more efficient use of space. Architects also are adding more features that make Columbia SC homes appear larger. According to the survey, more homes are being designed with higher ceilings and two-story entryways. An increase in open-layout concepts for homes was also reported, according to the survey.

More Columbia SC homebuyers are asking for new homes with kitchens and living rooms combined in one large room.

Residential architects also reported a significant increase in home layouts that implement improved accessibility. In-home accessibility, which includes wider hallways and fewer steps, was reported by almost two-thirds of the survey respondents. More than half, 55 percent, have reported that accessibility into and out of the home with on-grade entrances and ramps are becoming more popular features for Columbia SC homebuyers building new homes.

There is one other space that an increasing number of homes are adding, but it's not indoors. No matter the climate, people want a living space outdoors. This could be a patio, a deck that is connected to multiple living areas, or an outdoor fireplace or kitchen. Nearly 70 percent of residential architects report outdoor living to be increasing in popularity, according to the survey.

Many new Columbia SC homebuyers are looking to make green enhancements to their property. These include landscaping that requires little water and rainwater retention and reuse features for newer homes.

The desire to have green, energy-efficient products has moved inside, too. Consumers are very interested in investing in appliances and heating and cooling systems that are energy-efficient, and "they want the green (features) to impact the cost of operating the house." For more Columbia SC homebuyers tips, check out our Columbia SC Homebuyers Tips section of articles.