The New American Home:
A Profile of a Typical New Home in 2010

New homes built in this decade with provide comfort, convenience and a quality of life unknown to previous generations, according to a recent study from the National Association of Home Builders.

The study, "Housing at the Millennium," describes the new home in 2000 as having 2,000 or more square feet, three or more bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, garage for two or more cars, central air conditioning and one fireplace. According to the Census Bureau, in 1900, well over 20 percent of the nation's population lived in crowded units, usually rural farmhouses that lacked basic amenities such as complete plumbing and central heat that are standard today. The average home price in 1900 was less than $5000. In 2000 the average home price was nearly $200,000.

According tot he National Association or Home Builders, the profile of a typical new home in 2010 will include:

• 2200 or more square feet
• Three or more bedrooms
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Garage for at least 2 cars
• Average lot about 1000 square feet smaller than today
• Universal design to allow aging in place
• Master bedroom and laundry on the main floor
• More energy efficient heating and cooling systems
• More flexible and adaptable interior designs with spaces that can easily be converted for
   variety of purposes, including home office space
• Modular wiring systems
• High speed data access
• More factory-built components which reduce on-site labor costs
• More engineered wood products
• Increased use of steel and concrete, including recycled products
• Materials and products that require less maintenance
• Neighborhoods with smaller lots, narrower streets and less paved area
• More mixed-use communities and neo-traditional designs
• Security systems, multiple phone lines, energy management and lighting control systems
• Average sales price (nationally) in the $270,000—$280,000 range by 2012

The study reported that building materials are evolving from lumber to increased use of concrete and steel. That's because, according to the study, lumber prices averaged about $200 per 1000 board feet during the 1980's whereas in the 1990's prices averaged well over $300. The cost of lumber and wood products accounts for one-third of the cost of materials used to build a home.

If the study is an accurate prediction of the new home profile in 1020, new homes will be larger—2200 square feet up from 2100 square feet, the lot size will shrink by about 1000 square feet, it will offer more amenities in terms of energy heating and cooling systems and updated wiring systems, and it will have more flexible interior designs.

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