Home Trend Predictions for 2016 and Beyond

These 12 trends reflect ways to cope with environmental challenges, incorporate new building materials and methods, and alter the looks and functionality of our homes.

1. More Resilient, Sustainable Homes

Mounting climate change pressures mean buildings need to better withstand natural disasters. Similarly, because our natural resources are dwindling, it's increasingly important that structures be designed and built sustainably. Industry professionals are finding materials and construction techniques to meet both challenges. The trends of making better use of natural resources and generating energy on sitefor a double win of more energy and less money spentwill continue into 2016.

What you need to know if you are thinking about renovating or selling your Denver area home:Our blizzards are getting bigger, and our snowpack is melting faster. Being aware of snow weight and water flow is increasingly important as we renovate properties and continue to build new housing. Buyers are also looking for sustainable materials that are made from reclaimed or earth-friendly products and that can be reused and recycled. So, if you're thinking about taking on some projects to improve your home's value before you sell, it might be worth spending a little more to attract more of these environmentally-conscious buyers.

2. Classics, Made More Affordable

More home owners want quality, luxurious materials, but the finest choices aren't always in the budget.With construction and material costs increasing, the need has emerged for less expensive options that still look luxe and hold up well. For example, instead of solid stone facades, architects may opt for stone veneer on studs and drywall instead of plaster inside. Or, rather than go with terra-cotta, a timeless but expensive material, they can select a handsome thin terra-cotta veneer applied to manufactured panels. Both examples are less costly and reflect modern building methods, particularly for constructing multiunit developments.

What you need to know if you are thinking about renovating or selling your Denver area home:Cost-conscious fixer-uppers need to know that there are new materials out there that might better fit a tight budget. After all, architects and builders are constantly being challenged to find value for clients in both residential and commercial development - and there are constantly new products and new ways to use existing materials, so they're durable, affordable, and offer more colors and textures. Many of the new products, materials, and methods also lend themselves to fabrication in large modular configurations in weather-controlled factories, are shipped on trucks to a site, and are erected with a crane, which saves time and labor, as well as money.

Read the rest of the list and find out more about these home trends.

If you are wondering whether you will see a return on your investment, whether a project is huge or small, don't hesitate to contact us, we would love to help you make those decisions.