Once considered upgrades, features such as granite kitchen countertops, hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances are increasingly becoming standard fare in new home construction. What is changing is the array of options available among these standard features.
“I remember when granite was a big upgrade. But now everybody expects it,” says Ann McClure, a Realtor with McEnearney Associates Inc.
McClure, who runs seminars for first-time homebuyers, said when it comes to new homes, she’s noticed subtle changes in the options available.
“In 2001, ’02 and ’03, a lot of kitchens had blond wood cabinets. Now you see darker colors more,” she said. “Builders are moving away from cheap brass and chrome fixtures in the bathrooms. Now you see a lot of brushed nickel and oiled bronze.”
Much of what is available depends on location, lifestyle and price range. The Prescott model, a single-family home of 3,650 square feet from Van Metre homes, offers an executive wet bar, tantamount to an additional kitchen on the lower level. Larger homes also allow for more options in the kitchen, such as drawer warmers, built-in trash compactors, drawer dishwashers and island preparation sinks. Granite remains the top choice for kitchen countertops, but popular colors such as uba tuba, black and blue pearl are losing ground to more exotic blends such as wild-west green.
When it comes to baths, Roman baths — large showers complete with multiple shower heads, steam systems and several jet panels — are making the venerable tub optional in master bedrooms.
“Those giant tubs were really popular, but as people became more environmentally conscious, they realized that for the 29 days in a month that they weren’t using that tub, they had to keep 85 gallons of water heated for no reason,” said Greg Schron, vice president of architecture for building firm EYA. “They can have a larger shower for less of a footprint than a shower and separate tub and save money.”
More master baths feature spalike designs with warmer woods and textured stone.
“I’m seeing more natural stones in higher-end homes,” McClure said. “In fact, when we do Realtor tours of new homes priced above $1 million and we see travertine, it’s like, ‘This is not going to cut it.’ ”
Travertine, a versatile tile, was considered upscale during the early part of this century, and was used on floors, around tubs and in showers.
Those seeking high-rise condo living can find luxury amenities once only available at Trump Towers.
Units at Turnberry Tower, a luxury high-rise in Rosslyn, top $1 million. Standard features include Snaidero Italian kitchen cabinetry, a sleek, timeless style popular in urban settings as well as Miele appliances. Miele is a European brand and is considered more efficient than the General Electric and KitchenAid appliances offered by most builders. Sub-Zero refrigerators are also available.
Jim Cohen, vice president of sales for Turnberry, said buyers at this level are more direct about what they want.
“We deliver decorator-ready homes. This type of buyer may have a second home in Aspen [Colo.] or is downsizing from an estate. They already have designers they have worked with before,” Cohen said. “They know what they want. They are buying a lifestyle, not just a home.”
This particular lifestyle includes 24-hour valet parking, concierge, doorman, indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center with steam rooms and sauna, personal trainers, in-house gourmet bistro, private elevators that open up to individual apartments, and electronic keypads with push-button access to valet, concierge and guests.
When it comes to flooring, oak still constitutes more than 90 percent of the market, Schron said. But buyers are considering more environmentally friendly bamboo, and many are opting for 3-inch plank wood floors instead of the 2-inch planks popular in the late 1990s.
