Better Homes and Gardens, America’s largest selling consumer magazine recently released a report 
based on attitudes of home ownership. The information was gathered by surveying over 4,000 readers so it is a fairly significant study. The primary finding was that despite recent economic conditions 8 out of 10 responded that home ownership was still a good investment and a major part of the American Dream. The respondents did ask for somewhat smaller homes. The desired median square footage was 1,791 square feet, down from 1,846 the previous year. On the other hand, homeowners were spending more time planning their homes and selecting just the right details. Style upgrades on countertops, faucets and flooring increased with this study too.
In another study conducted by The American Institute of Architects (AIA) they noted a return to the importance of kitchens in the American home. Particularly in the space devoted to kitchens and the increasing number of family activities centered there. The source of the AIA information comes from their membership and measures change in consumer requests every quarter.
AIA also noted that bathroom space and interest never really declined and remains stable as the economy improves. Interest remains high for accessible features, door less showers, energy efficient lighting and water conservation.
How each room functions was extremely important to the Better Homes and Gardens readers and no one was willing to spend money on rooms that are rarely used. For example rooms devoted entirely to media were of little interest. Rooms that truly multi-function are high on the must-have list. And to no one’s surprise, bathrooms and kitchens top the list of remodeling priorities.
