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More buyers are looking for homes that offer a lock-and-leave lifestyle. They would rather engage in activities like spending time with family and friends or pursuing hobbies than be overwhelmed with maintaining their home. By all indications, baby boomers and millennials are two generations projected to lead the purchase of low-maintenance homes in the next decade.
As many as 40 percent of boomers are expected to purchase homes aligned with a lifestyle of convenience and low-maintenance. Millennials, who last year surpassed boomers as the largest generation in America, also want an active lifestyle unencumbered by the responsibilities of maintaining a home.
Forward-looking builders are recognizing the desire for lower maintenance homes that allow for more free time for residents. At the same time, manufacturers are introducing new products that are not only functional and beautiful, but also easy to clean and in need of little upkeep.
Here are some examples of exterior and interior products that are beautiful, efficient and easy to maintain.
Exterior Low-Maintenance Products
For home exteriors, builders can look to materials that don’t need as much cleaning, sealing, repair or other maintenance work by the homeowner.
Windows
Trusted in tools, boats, bridges and more, fiberglass is a naturally strong and durable material, making it a superior choice for windows and patio doors, and Pella’s Impervia line of proprietary fiberglass is the strongest material for windows. Their exclusive fiberglass will never rot or corrode, and it resists dents, bends and breaks, making it a popular option in areas with harsh climates and with homeowners who want less maintenance, repairs and lower heating costs.
For homeowners who want a natural wood look, Pella Lifestyle wood windows and patio doors offer the beauty and durability of wood with style flexibility and performance packages, like sound control, that highlight what’s most important to homeowners.
Roofing
It is essential to have a low maintenance roof with a long warranty. Metal roofing is one of the most maintenance-free roofing materials, as it is resistant to cracks, splits or corrosion and can withstand severe weather. It has the highest fire-retardant rating and is energy efficient. This type of roofing can resemble slate, clay tiles and wood shakes. Most metal roofing come with a 40- to 50-year warranty.
Siding
Fiber cement siding is long-lasting and is extremely durable and paints well. It is often rot-free, fire resistant and insect-proof. New versions feature baked-on finishes guaranteed to last 15 years, which can mean less painting for the homeowner compared to wood siding.
Interior Low-Maintenance Products
Builders can install features inside a home that allow for efficiency, convenience and quick clean-up.
High-Technology
On homebuyers’ lists are high-speed internet connections, home security systems, efficient energy management systems, structured wiring for computers and other electronic equipment. Motion sensor light switches and faucets, programmable thermostats, integrated window and door sensors like Pella Insynctive smart technology, and even built-in pet feeding systems, are becoming popular.
Countertops
Family and friends tend to congregate around the kitchen, so instead of marble or granite countertops which stain easily and need to be constantly protected with a sealant, builders can consider quartz countertops, which have the same look as granite but are resistant to stains. Made from natural stone chips, resins and pigments, quartz is resistant to high heat, scratches and cuts.
Flooring
Homeowners would likely rather not spend precious time vacuuming carpet or waxing floors. Laminates that look like wood or tile have a soft underfoot, are easier to clean and can cost less than hardwood flooring. They are scratch-, moisture- and stain-resistant. Depending on thickness and plastic coating, warranties range from 15 to 50 years.
Post courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors.
