When it comes to moving house, moms are on the ball. They understand how important a decision it can be, as well as how badly things go wrong. New homes need to be convenient, close to schools, within walking distance of the shops, plus have all of the amenities a modern family expects.
But according to Jeff Martel, a real estate expert based in Idaho, what moms are looking for in homes has changed over the last few years. They’re no longer looking for homes with the largest square footage and the biggest yard. Instead, he says, they value configuration more and prefer open plan living and dining spaces, rather than separate, closed off rooms.
Fewer Formal Spaces
As Martel points out, many modern moms now work from home. As a result, they want an office that overlooks the rest of the house. In traditional builds, this sort of thing just wasn’t possible. But moms can supervise while they work, thanks to the new “nook” trend. A nook is essentially a small office, or alcove, jutting off from the main living area. It’s a part of the space but separated subtly by the layout.
Moms say that these new types of offices are essential for keeping kids in their line of sight.
Cheaper Accommodation
With family finances stretched, moms are also looking for cheaper accommodation. The only problem is, how to find it without compromising on safety and quality? The problem with many more affordable homes is that they come with serious problems, like faulty electrics, moldy walls, and dangerous neighborhoods.
Donut Rock City
Manufactured homes offer a solution. Because they are made off site, they often end up being far cheaper than regular brick and mortar homes. What’s more, they’re also much cheaper per square foot and can be set up anywhere with the right permit. Even large families can benefit, thanks to the fact that many pre-fabs are large, coming with up to five bedrooms and separate spaces for the kids.
An Open Plan Kitchen
Moms need space to do the household chores, and so, according to Martel, many women are looking for open plan kitchens that double as laundry rooms. Gone are the days when women did the housework in a separate utility room. Now, Martel says, that function has been incorporated into the kitchen area, allowing for yet more open plan living. Everything happens in the kitchen, he says. And with the growing popularity of islands, the kitchen is now a space being used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Moms Want A Mud Room
It’s no secret that kids make a lot of mess, especially when it’s muddy outside in the winter. As a result, Martel sees more and more demand for so-called “mud rooms.” These are areas where kids can take off their shoes and boots, without dragging more dirt into the house.
Storage Space: Lots Of It
Finally, moms are looking for homes with lots of built-in storage. They want attics, space under the stairs and bedrooms with inbuilt storage features. Dressing rooms are in big demand too.