Home Trends
- Pet-Friendly Amenities
- Smart Technology
- Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Emphasis on Indoor Air Quality
- More Natural Lighting
- Macomb County Trends & Highlights
- Emphasis on Flood & Fire-Proofing
- More Single-Family New Construction Homes
- Ranch-Style Homes Are Favored
- Most New Construction Homes Have 3-4 Bedrooms
- Multi-Car Garages Are Sought After
- Popular Home Features
- Build Your Perfect Home Today
Since April 2023, the housing market in Macomb County has been geared toward sellers. This trend has made it increasingly challenging for potential homeowners to find suitable properties.
With the average home price rising by 4% compared to last year and homes typically selling just 20 days after listing, the competition is fierce. The state of the current market is one reason why more buyers are considering building custom new construction homes instead of competing for the limited existing homes available on the market.
If you’re considering investing in a custom home, keep reading this article. In it, we’ll explore what’s currently in style for new construction homes and which amenities and features are gaining popularity in Macomb County.
General New Construction Trends
Pet-Friendly Amenities
There has been a noticeable shift toward incorporating pet-friendly amenities in new construction homes and communities, a trend driven by the increasing number of households that consider their pets as integral members of their family.
Builders have responded to this shift by focusing on features that cater to the needs of pet owners. These features include fenced yards and easy-to-clean flooring like luxury vinyl tile or high-quality laminate. Additionally, more and more developments are being built close to dog parks and veterinary clinics.
Smart Technology
Today’s homebuyers want convenience. Smart home systems offer this by allowing homeowners to remotely control lighting, heating, air conditioning, and even security systems via smartphones or other devices. Additionally, it’s easier to integrate smart technology into new construction homes rather than retrofit older homes. Buyers also have the option to choose technologies based on their specific needs and can often customize settings and controls to suit their preferences. Smart technology can also give buyers a competitive advantage in the future real estate market.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and HVAC systems use minimal electricity and water compared to standard models, which makes them ideal for homeowners who want to a) reduce their carbon footprint and b) save money over time. Because the appliances use less energy, they reduce utility bills and could even qualify homeowners for rebates and tax credits.
Emphasis on Indoor Air Quality
Due to the recent rise in outdoor air contaminants like wildfire smoke, which can also impact the air inside a home, more and more people have been seeking better indoor air quality solutions. That’s why many builders are integrating smart HVAC systems that help monitor and improve air quality. Builders may also use non-toxic paints, sealants, and engineered woods with less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to appeal to more eco-conscious buyers.
More Natural Lighting
Natural lighting has also become a highly desirable feature in new construction homes, not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its numerous psychological and physiological benefits. Natural light enhances the ambiance of a space, making rooms appear larger, more open, and more inviting. Exposure to natural light also helps boost mood and energy levels and improves sleep quality by regulating circadian rhythms.
Builders are improving natural lighting in new construction homes by adding bigger windows, skylights, and open floor plans that allow light to flow more freely throughout the house.
Macomb County Trends & Highlights
Potential Rise in Pricing Due to New Building Code Laws
Michigan lawmakers have proposed changes to the state’s building codes. These new regulations would update various construction standards, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency and safety measures in new buildings. Although these regulations would have some benefits, they are currently a subject of debate due to concerns over their potential to significantly drive up construction costs and house prices.
The Michigan Home Builders Association has been actively involved in discussions about these proposed updates. They argue that while the intent behind the changes is commendable, the new codes would require more expensive building materials and advanced construction techniques to ensure compliance and could also potentially slow the growth of the housing market in areas like Macomb County.
Please keep in mind that these changes have not yet been enacted—they are still under consideration and are likely to be for some time.
Emphasis on Flood & Fire-Proofing
Homes in Macomb County face moderate risks of flooding and fires, significantly influencing construction practices and materials used in new homes.
To reduce these risks, builders in Macomb County may use Class A fire-resistant asphalt shingles for roofing and/or fire-rated glass for windows. Homes may also be designed with fire breaks, such as retaining walls, to help prevent the spread of flames. Internally, builders install smoke detectors and may even include fire suppression systems like sprinklers.
Builders may also construct homes on piers or stilts, especially in areas like Macomb that are more susceptible to water intrusion. They will also design proper landscaping and drainage systems to direct water away from the home. Builders might also incorporate water-resistant materials within the lower levels of the home, use sealants on basement walls, and install sump pumps and backwater valves to handle potential water ingress.
More Single-Family New Construction Homes
In Macomb County, the majority of new construction homes are single-family homes. This trend is influenced by several factors, including buyer preferences and the lifestyle benefits these types of homes offer compared to multi-family units or condos.
The primary benefit is space and privacy. Single-family homes usually come with their own land and private outdoor areas. This separation from neighbors ensures more privacy and quiet. Owners of single-family homes often have more leeway to modify their property, too, without the restrictions commonly found in multi-family dwellings. The ability to personalize the property also means that a home can grow and adapt with a family over time, reducing the need to move as circumstances change.
Ranch-Style Homes Are Favored
Another trend is the rising popularity of ranch-style new construction homes in Macomb. Characterized by their single-story layout, ranch homes offer accessibility and convenience that cater to a wide demographic. The layout eliminates the need for stairs, making it ideal for older adults, individuals with mobility issues, or families with young children.
Ranch-style homes also feature an open floor plan, which enhances the sense of space and flow between living areas. The design typically integrates indoor and outdoor living spaces more seamlessly, with sliding doors leading to patios or gardens, which is particularly appealing in regions with favorable climates like Macomb County.
Additionally, the compact, single-level design can make maintenance and cleaning easier, as homeowners don’t have to deal with multiple floors.
Most New Construction Homes Have 3-4 Bedrooms
More new construction homes in Macomb County are being built with 3 to 4 bedrooms because they offer the flexibility to accommodate growing families, provide guest rooms, or designate specific areas for home offices, which have become essential for many in the wake of increased remote work opportunities. For households without children, having multiple bedrooms means different rooms can be tailored for different uses, such as a study, a crafts room, or a home gym, greatly improving overall functionality.
Multi-Car Garages Are Sought After
Along a similar line, many new construction homes are being built with multi-car (usually two or three) garages. Several factors drive this trend. First, for families with more than one driver, a multi-car garage ensures that parking space is never an issue, which is particularly valuable in regions like Macomb County, which can experience harsh weather conditions.
If households don’t have more than one driver or share one car, the additional space can be adapted for different uses. The practicality of having a spacious, organized area for bicycles, lawnmowers, sports equipment, and other bulky items improves the home’s overall functionality. Additionally, multi-car garages can be configured as workshops or hobby areas.
Popular Home Features
Lastly, many custom homes in Macomb County are now being built with these widely sought-after features:
- Mudrooms: Serve as a transitional area between the outdoors and the main living spaces, providing a place to store shoes, coats, and other outdoor gear. They help keep the rest of the home clean and organized and are especially ideal for dog owners.
- Fireplaces: Michiganders are no strangers to harsh winters; fireplaces help make the winters in Michigan a little less miserable.
- Walk-in Closets: This feature is a must-have for storage and organization. They provide ample space for clothes and accessories, helping keep bedrooms clutter-free.
- Open-Concept Rooms: Open floor plans help the living spaces feel larger and more connected.
- Multiple Big Windows: More houses are incorporating bigger windows to maximize natural lighting and to connect the indoor spaces with the outdoor environment.
- Advanced Security Features: Long gone are the days of keeping your doors unlocked—most custom homes are built with security features like smart locks, security cameras, and other systems that provide automated monitoring and 24/7 protection.
Build Your Perfect Home Today
Cherry Creek Building keeps up with trends not just within our industry but also within our own communities. Since our founding, we’ve been committed to one goal: building modern yet timeless custom homes.
We help individuals and families build their dream homes by offering multiple model options, including single-family, ranch-style homes with customizable features, like fireplaces, 90% high-efficiency furnaces, high-efficiency water heaters, double-panel vinyl windows, and more.
We have multiple developments in Macomb County, including our Mistwood, Pinnacle Farms, and Twin Rivers communities, where you could build your home, or we can develop a house on a lot you’ve already purchased.
Please contact us today to learn more about our new construction homes or to schedule a consultation.