Regional Trends In New Home Designs

I suppose it’s a pretty naive thing to think that all homes are built the same across the country. For anyone that travels, I’m sure you have noticed that homes in different states seem to be designed and constructed differently. It’s true that new homes tend to reflect not only demographic preferences for style, but also regional weather and lifestyle differences.

Regional weather definitely helps determine what a home is made of. For example, areas in the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic are not as favorable to stucco construction because of weather extremes. Stucco does not hold up well when the weather goes from cold winters to hot, humid summers. Such areas tend to have brick or stone exteriors and possibly use composite or vinyl siding. These materials can survive the weather and are easy to maintain. In the same way, homes in areas prone to flooding or hurricanes are generally required to be constructed at a certain elevation above flood zones and "hurricane clips" must be used to secure roofs to a structure.

Floor plans can also differ greatly regionally. For example, homes in the Midwest and Eastern US tend to entertain indoors and the floor plans will reflect that. The West has more casual indoor/outdoor variety. Keep in mind; these particular floor plans are the result of weather differences. Where its nice outside you will see floor plans accommodating to outside entertaining.

In the past, seasonal weather areas used to routinely include screened-in porches and patios. This is now becoming a luxury addition to a home because most homes now include some form of air conditioning (central air or wall units). Furthermore, basements are typically not included in new homes in the West. However, the West usually has three to four car garages instead. Most other areas in the US still include basements in new homes. Most people prefer to have a basement instead of a garage versatility purposes.

Living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are also displayed differently regionally. New homes in the East, South and Midwest continue to display a traditional floor plan that includes distinctly separate living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens. In the West and parts of Florida you will find open floor plans where kitchens are open to family rooms and living rooms and dining rooms are combined.

Lastly, you will notice that the South, East and Midwest generally construct new homes on lots that are roomy and homes are surrounded with ample space between houses. However, many urban areas and much of the western US has outrageous land costs which make roomy lots a challenge. Builders and buyers in these areas are struggling to create usable outdoor space with courtyards, patios, or decking.

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