Homebuyers crave a little 'extra' flexibility

Many builders focus on flex space in their new home designs to give buyers more options.

Your toddler outgrows the playroom, so you make it a game room, then a media room. When she's off to college, the room becomes a home office, or gym, or a room for your new scrapbooking hobby. This is what flex space is all about.

Flexible space allows homebuyers to remain in their homes longer as floor plans adapt to their changing needs. It inspires them to think beyond today and envision how their lives will be in the next five or 10 years.

"Many buyers move, not because they're tired of their current homes, but because it no longer accommodates the changes in their lifestyles," said Cathy Bain, director of sales and marketing for Lakeland Homes.

Also, some homebuyers want room for an in-law suite or guest room, and many builders offer floor plans with those options, including Toll Brothers.

Brett Taylor, senior sales manager for Toll Brothers, says he has seen traditional family dynamics change in that many buyers are requesting an in-law suite or want to add a first-floor bedroom to an existing plan.

"It seems older parents want to live with their children, especially within the Asian community," he said. "Buyers are choosing pre-designed options such as a conservatory next to the living room, which will accommodate a first-floor bedroom, full bath and walk-in closet."

Flexible space offers endless possibilities.

Lakeland Homes responds to buyers' desire for flexible space at its Creeks Crossing single-family home community in Algonquin. "People tell us they want their home to evolve as their family grows," Bain said.

"Families with young children want space where they can monitor their kids' activities. Later, as youngsters reach their teens, the first-floor playroom that was hidden by closing French doors can become a media room or private study. The Monticello model home offers this option."

Another aspect that sets Lakeland Homes apart is that homebuyers can meet with one of the company's architect-owners to customize any of the eight floor plans, which range from 2,857 to 4,219 square feet, at Creeks Crossing.

"I enjoy getting involved with our buyers," said architect and principal Eric Baumgart Sr. "Families often want to know what they can change in a plan, what's physically possible and practical as they look ahead to their changing needs. We don't want to just build a house. We want to build homes that bring a lifetime of enjoyment and value to our clients."

Creeks Crossing offers ranch and two-story homes from the $500,000s with first-floor masters, four bedrooms, two to four baths and two- to three-car garages, along with flexible space, luxurious amenities and an attractive setting.

"We're very excited about the interest that we're seeing. I think it has a lot to do with how well the plans marry-up with homebuyers' wants," Bain said.

The model at Creeks Crossing is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To reach the community, from I-90 and Randall Road, travel about four miles north on Randall Road to Longmeadow Parkway. Turn right and travel 1 miles to Sleepy Hollow Road. Turn left to the entrance on the right. For more information, call (847) 960-2500.

Longer life spans and a society on the move have also led to the popularity of in-law or guest suites in many single-family homes.

At Apple Creek Estates in Woodstock, Kirk Homes offers main floor in-law or guest suites among its lifestyle options. Of the 10 floor plan choices, three of the larger homes have first-floor dens that can be modified into a suite with a full bath.

"These plans afford comfort and convenience for live-in relatives, returning college students or occasional guests, and they are designed to be an oasis of privacy within the household," said Janey Amidei, vice president of sales and marketing for Kirk Homes.

"Our flexible home designs offer buyers many ways in which they can personalize the floor plan to make it more responsive to their needs," Amidei said. "The Santa Fe is interesting because it offers two ways that a buyer could integrate the in-law suite into the floor plan.

"The first variation converts the den into a bedroom with a closet and the bathroom is separate yet down a private hall. The second alternative is available when the buyer opts for a super family room and a three-car garage. This widens the home and allows for an expanded in-law suite with a bath as an integral part of the suite."

The Santa Fe is a 2,893 to 3,306-square-foot home with four bedrooms plus the den, 2 baths, a second-floor flex space, full basement and two- or available three-car garage, priced from the $280,000s.

The two other homes with first-floor dens that can be modified are The Allegheny from the $290,000s with 3,189 to 3,584 square feet and The Stonehurst priced from the high $310,000s with 3,489 to 3,763 square feet.

The master-planned community also includes distinctive townhouses with private entries that include adaptable spaces such as lofts and third bedrooms, which have several alternate uses.

The Welcome Center for the Apple Creek Estates single-family homes is on Gleneagle Drive off Lucas Road, one-quarter mile west of Route 47. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Monday. For more information, call (815) 337-3900.

At Courthouse Square in Wheaton, Airhart Construction showcases The Blanchard, a fully furnished model that offers buyers not just a flex room, but a whole flexible floor.

Like all Courthouse Square row houses, the Blanchard features four spacious levels accessed by a private in-home elevator. A two-car underground garage and home theater room comprise the lower level, while the main floor features a great room, dining room, island kitchen and breakfast nook.

The second level includes a master-bedroom suite with sitting area and private bath and a flexible second bedroom that is outfitted as a home office.

Here is the flexible floor. The upper level houses a third bedroom and bathroom, family room area that is finished with an optional in-law suite kitchenette, and an expansive roof terrace with views of the historic courthouse and downtown Wheaton.

This top level can accommodate two full bedrooms and a small family room or one bedroom and kitchenette. Another option is a family room and entertainment area with bar, or take away the bedroom for one huge entertainment space.

"As a custom homebuilder, we always look for ways that our buyers can design their new home to reflect their tastes and personalities," said Court Airhart, president of Airhart Construction. "This is often revealed in the layout of their home, so we designed these residences to offer the flexibility of at least two optional plans per floor."

At Courthouse Square, buyers can choose from seven floor plans with three to four bedrooms, 3 baths, private in-home elevator, rooftop terrace, and stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and custom silver maple cabinetry in the kitchen. Most plans also provide a courtyard patio off the first level.

Base prices range from the $599,000 to the mid-$900,000s, and sizes range from 2,640 to more than 4,000 square feet.

The Blanchard model at Courthouse Square will open in late October and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Tuesdays by appointment and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. To reach the community, from I-355 exit at Roosevelt Road west and travel to Naperville Road; turn right and take Naperville Road to Willow Avenue; turn left and go to Reber Street; turn right on Reber and proceed to the model home. For more information, call (630) 665-5700 until the model opens or visit www.airhartconstruction.com.