With a new year under way, builders are looking to what the future will bring. John Egnatis, co-founder and CEO of Dallas homebuilder Grenadier Homes, has identified the top five trends for new home construction in 2015.

“Not only do we see changes in what we can provide to homeowners over time, but what homeowners want in their homes evolves,” Egnatis states. “Technology plays a part in what builders can offer, but we are also seeing a practical side from buyers.”

For 2015, expect to see these top five trends in new home construction.

Open spaces are going one step further. In addition to the open kitchen, builders are adding windows and windowed doors to let the outdoors inside, especially for those who have incorporated a dedicated outdoor living space in their home. This is in addition to welcoming front porches that take living space outdoors.

We’re seeing smaller footprints, and not just for downsizers. Buyers are recognizing that, unlike the McMansion trend that boasted as much space as possible, smart use of existing space – including specialized storage, especially in kitchens and closets – has as much livability as larger homes that seem to be on steroids. These plans are created with the idea that “everything has its place.”

New technologies and flex spaces offer a variety of options. Buyers are opting for pocket offices – small dedicated nooks in the house – in this era of laptops and tablets.

The popularity of media rooms is declining rapidly, especially ones that are on second floors. Homeowners are recognizing that dedicated media rooms can be wasted and isolated space, so they’re building them as an accessible adult game room.

Maintenance-free communities are becoming very popular for empty nesters and busy professionals. The “lock and leave” lifestyle is appealing to many buyers.

Grenadier Homes designs and builds semi-custom, custom, patio and town homes throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. For more information, visit www.grenadierhomes.com.