March 2006

NEW HOME DESIGN

TRENDS FOR 2006

The hottest trends in design and homebuilding are still moving to informality, greater room-use flexibility and more ease of maintenance. Today's homeowners are also spending more time at home, and they want it to be comfortable and accommodating.

The move continues to be away from formal livings toward large, informal dining spaces that open to the kitchen. When it comes to kitchens, according to Better Homes and Gardens, the kitchen remains the number one remodeling project for homebuyers. They want lots of extras in appliances and the demand is still high for kitchen islands and pantries.

The latest craze for flat screen televisions has consumers making sure living rooms are large enough for watching the stylish TV's. Just as the TV gets bigger, so does the garage. Builders are staring to accommodate the larger SUV's and minivans by making garages 33 feet deep - 2 feet deeper than they used to be.

Many new homes will feature wide hallways and low cabinets to meet the needs of an aging population and those who have physical limitations. Smart home technology will be in greater demand, as will houses near work and cultural amenities.

When thinking about design trends, keep in mind homebuyers really want is something totally different from everybody else as long as it is in keeping with good style.

Article provided by PBA

 

HBAA BOARD STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

As a result of the annual strategic planning this year, here are areas the board plans to do and directions we plan on pursuing. We are going to:

  • more frequently update our membership list on our website.
  • improve the transfer of information to the website.
  • update our website Home Show information.
  • schedule meeting with the Blair County Association between Tim Leventry, E.O. and their EO. To discuss issues helpful to both.
  • check with PBA regarding the paying of legal fees for case against local municipalities. Re: licensing fee.
  • put new members in newsletter.
  • possibly move our general membership meetings to Lombardos permentaly.
  • have a combined general membership meeting with the Northern Cambria chapter at Morris's Tavern in November.
  • check for the availability of building code training videos. We may then use them at a general membership meetings or a special training sessions, depending on their format and membership interest.
  • update and upgrade the new membership package.
  • contact both the state (PBA) and national (NAHB) on training that may be available to us for recruiting new members.
  • advertise insurance options in our newsletter. In particular we will put the USI Affinity name and number in our newsletter and options available.
  • look into the possibility of an auto dial for general membership meeting reminders. This would automatically dial members to remind them of a pending general membership meeting.
  • put the strategic planning minutes in our newsletter.

 

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