The past year was filled with challenges—some-more expected than others—and the home construction market was no exception. Supply chain issues caused shortages throughout the world, some of which (like wood) impacted home builders and buyers alike through supply and associated price jumps. Despite the challenges, builders continued to do their best to deliver quality construction to homebuyers throughout the DMV and country. Here are the top five things we saw in 2021 new home construction from builders throughout the DMV that we love.
1. Flexible spaces
Nearly two years ago, families throughout the DMV and beyond suddenly found themselves at home. Children previously schooled in traditional buildings found themselves working at kitchen tables and counters, while parents attempted productivity on the job at the same time. Needless to say, while necessary, it was not ideal—and builders took note.
In 2021, many of our favorite builders reimagined flexible spaces to better accommodate varying needs. These spaces allow rooms to become offices, school rooms, play spaces, or anything in between to meet their buyers’ needs easily and perfectly.
2. Airy ceilings
Even in cottage-like floor plans, the extra vertical space of a higher ceiling goes a long way in helping a space feel open, airy, and luxurious. Many DMV builders made nine-foot ceilings their standard height, with some even offering 10 and 12-foot options in their plans, alongside decorative upgrades, vaulted ceilings, and other options homebuyers will enjoy every day.
3. Thoughtful trim packages
While practicality is key, any buyer will appreciate the luxurious feel upgraded trim and finishes provide. We saw decorative shadowboxing, board and batten, tray and coffered ceilings, and larger moldings become part of standard-option packages in several builders, with others offering upgrades in new and thoughtful ways.
4. Added emphasis on windows
Windows have always been a quick indicator of a home’s perceived value, but in 2021 we saw DMV builders go the extra mile. Some of our favorite builders integrated multi-paned windows into their designs, offering that extra “touch” buyers will appreciate for many years to come. Floor-to-ceiling windows or windows with extra height or width allow more light into the home than ever, which helps invite the inside in and increase the desirable open feeling of today’s architecture.
5. Outdoor spaces galore
During the pandemic, we saw homeowners invest heavily in their outdoor spaces to allow safer socialization. Builders have answered this need by giving new attentiveness to their outdoor spaces during the construction process. While some level of landscaping has historically been standard, in 2021 we saw options for enhanced outdoor seating areas, beautiful patios, and covered porches emerge in new ways.
We expect many of these trends to keep throughout 2022 and the years to follow, with builders continually finding new ways to improve and grow the ways future homeowners can enjoy their new homes.
