Buyers seek homes with flex space to accommodate changing families
June 11th, 2018
Original article by Bill Lewis for The Tennesseean
Something is missing in new homes being built across Sumner County. The formal dining room is gone, replaced by an office or a suite with a private bedroom and bath ready to accommodate overnight guests or even aging parents who come to stay awhile.
It’s a reflection of the changing lifestyles of today’s homeowners. Technology is empowering growing numbers of people to work from home. At the same time, it’s increasingly common for elderly parents to come for extended visits or to stay permanently.
Instead of adding more space, which would make new homes more expensive, home builders have been busy rearranging floor plans.
“You’re using it twice a year, Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Craig Neal, sales consultant for David Weekley Homes, said of the formal dining room.
“People want to make smart use of their money and not pay for space they’re not using,” he said.
David Weekley Homes is active in Hendersonville’s Durham Farms neighborhood and other locations in the region.
Many new homes, like this one by Drees in Durham Farms, are being built open kitchens that feature islands with seating. It’s the new hub for guests and family alike.