It's no secret that major trends in our lifestyles have taken place during the last several years. The American Dream that your grandparents strived to achieve is now practically obsolete. Since your lifestyle is totally different than that of your grandparents or even your parents, it's no wonder that your home reflects different lifestyle necessities.

Due to your demanding daily schedule, the last thing you probably want to do after a long busy day is to spend time taking care of your home. With this in mind, more and more new homes offer practical designs and products that will make your home more functional, efficient and maintenance-free.

In the late 80s, Faith Popcorn, an internationally known author and speaker on consumer trends predicted that, in the future, we would be spending more time in our homes, which she called "cocooning." Today, media rooms, home offices, exercise rooms and multi-purpose entertainment rooms are all evidence that "cocooning" has become a way of life.

The bulk retail stores throughout the metro area have spawned another new trend in today's new homes. You may be among the many people who simply do not have time to shop weekly, so a trip to one of these stores once or twice a month saves you time and money. To meet this growing trend, you'll find that many builders are building larger storage areas that will accommodate the many items you buy today but don't plan on using until the future.

Additionally, awareness for your family's safety has been on the increase during the last decade. Better heating systems, built-in smoke detectors, more electrical outlets, better equipped electrical power and better wiring systems all decrease the risk of fire in a new home. Doorjambs and safety glass are among the many things that can make your house more secure and safe for your family.