Are you thinking of buying a new home and wondering about the trends in new home building? Buyers have their own personal preferences in what they like in a home but a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders found the top 10 new home trends:

1.   No Living Room. Over 30% of homebuyers will buy a home without a formal living room, preferring special interest rooms.

2.   Fewer Open Floor Plans. Semi-open arrangements are preferred with partial walls and columns to separate space.

3.   Extensive Wiring. Wiring for high-tech equipment and entertainment is a must for new home buyers.

4.   Activity Rooms. Many homebuyers want home offices, dens, exercise rooms, and game rooms.

5.   Spacious Garages. Buyers want lots of storage space and workshop areas.

6.   Traditional Exterior. Homebuyers prefer traditional American and European architectural styles.

7.   Storage Areas. Homebuyers favor walk-in pantries, special interest cabinets, and walk-up attics.

8.   Lower ceilings. Fewer two-story rooms are being built today.

9.   Unique Kitchens. Over 78% of buyers want a walk-in pantry.

10. Future Options. Homebuyers plan for their future years. They want wide hallways, main floor suites, and walk-in shower stalls.

Water damage is one of the most common problems affecting homeowners today.  In fact, the Insurance Information Institute reports that in 2007 it accounted for 22 percent of all U.S. homeowners’ insurance claims, with the average claim being $5,531.  That’s why you need to have the right amount and type of insurance coverage. 

The Institute says standard homeowners insurance covers burst pipes, wind-driven rain, and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof.  Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many don’t.  

In general, water coming from the top down (such as rain) is covered by a standard homeowners policy.  Water coming from the bottom up (such as from a river) is covered by separate flood insurance.  You can buy this from the National Flood Insurance Program and from some private insurers.  

The best way to prevent water damage is proper maintenance.  For some excellent tips on such subjects as avoiding frozen pipes, replacing and maintaining bathroom fixtures and installing an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system, see the water damage section at the web site for the Institute for Business & Home Safety, www.disastersafety.org.

If you have any questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation, please call me at 804-675-0200.

Are you wondering  how to make your home healthier for you and your family? Whether you have an older home or a new one, you can make your home healthier by following these seven basic principles recommended by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

1. Keep your home dry.  Check for external and internal leaks in roofing and plumbing.  Moisture invites mold, which can cause serious problems.
2. Keep it clean.  Clean surfaces frequently to control allergy-causing dust.
3. Keep it safe.  Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Have fire extinguishers available on each floor.
4. Keep it well-ventilated.  Increase the amount of fresh air, which improves respiratory health.
5. Keep it pest free.  Seal cracks and openings to keep the critters out and store all food securely.
6. Keep it contaminant free.  Check for deteriorating lead-based paint in homes built before 1978.  Have your home tested for radon.
7. Keep it well maintained.  Routinely inspect your home and make repairs. Better to fix small problems before they become bigger ones.    

 If you have any questions, or need a recommendation of a service provider who can help you with these home improvements, give me a call at 804-675-0200.