Bonus rooms, multi-purpose areas, flex spaces—however you want to refer to them, these accommodations are high on the list for people looking at 
new homes. For many home buyers, a home with flex space trumps a large backyard or even overall square footage. Buyers aren’t willing to compromise on finding a home that provides flexibility and options within the same square footage.
More than ever before, people want open floor plan configurations and adaptable spaces to serve the unique needs of their family and lifestyle. Flex spaces mean something different to every buyer. For example, baby boomers may want options that support retirement, while millennials are out for spaces that will change as they grow. Instead of rooms designed and defined for a single purpose, buyers—both first-time and seasoned—are looking for areas that are adaptable.
According to the National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 39% of repeat buyers in 2015 made no compromises on the characteristics of their home. The research also indicates that the configuration and floor plan is far more important than square footage, and there is much less emphasis on formal living spaces. Although neighborhood and convenience remains top priority, open floor plans with functional, flexible spaces come in close second.
So what happens if you’re unable to find a home with flex spaces?
Don’t settle—get creative, and maybe a little ambitious!
Younger generation buyers in the market are particularly open to repurposing existing spaces to create what they need for their lifestyle and family. For this generation in particular, formal dining and living rooms are far less important than a playroom or homework area for the kids—spaces they’ll use daily, as opposed to a handful of times each year.
Flex spaces exist somewhere in every home
Basements and attics are obvious flex areas buyers look for in prospective homes. In new construction, custom builds or houses for resale, these rooms might require a combination of drywall, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work, but it’s well worth the time and investment. Data collected in 2015 by Remodeling Magazine indicates that finishing an attic recoups around 77% of its value, while basements return nearly 73%. Whether you want a tucked away playroom for toddler toys, a game room as a teenager hangout, or an in-law suite for an aging parent, anything is possible and everything is customizable.
Remodeling possibilities
Highland Builders offers custom remodeling services to achieve your vision. All of our solutions are completely tailored to your needs and requirements. Nothing is off limits, and we’ll transform the space from start to finish. Special features like custom cabinetry and built-ins are typical requests for finishing a flex space, but our team can go as far as adding a powder room, full bath, or building out a closet to complete a spare room.
Custom built solutions
Not interested in buying a home for resale or renovating your existing home? Custom building might be the right opportunity for you. Building from scratch provides you with more control over flex spaces, and our floor plans aren’t short of options. There are endless possibilities, including:
- second story lofts
- basements and attics
- offices and studies
- master bedroom sitting rooms
- bonus rooms
- sunrooms
Whether you’re interested in a custom build, or remodeling project, we want to help you create the dream rooms for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. Our team will gain an understanding of your needs, as well as how you’d like to use the space for years to come. Contact Highland Builders today at (804) 449-6006 to start a conversation about how we can help turn your home into a dream home.
