Outdoor Kitchens
We've seen this trend for a couple years now. Homeowners are adding large glass doors in their kitchen that open to outdoor kitchens. The first really great one I saw in this area was a few years ago when the Canyon Woods development was launched with a Home-A-Rama.
Secondary Suites
Some homebuyers are opting for attached secondary suites. At some point, the private suite may be used by older relatives or adult children. Also great for au pairs or just visitors. Sometimes the present homeonwers may eventually move into the suite and encourage younger relatives to take the larger portion of the home. Wasn't this popular years and years ago??
For those that are building now, it may be too costly to add a secondary suite now. But think about having wiring and plumbing added so that an in-law suite is easier and less expensive to build later.
Technology
The latest technology can help you mange lighting, heating and security and can help you bring your utility costs down. The new location-based security systems are worth checking out too.
Source: Excerpted from The Plain Dealer, 2/9/13
