Today’s new home buyers have requirements for everything from energy savings to light fixtures. Wood usage in the interior is also taking on new importance, as the design community embraces natural materials for its beauty, versatility and sustainability. Sustainability and efficiency are no longer extras. A reduction in energy consumption is not only a consumer demand, but state and federal building codes have become law, and are being phased in over time. Another notable trend is that home buyers want close-in, mixed-use developments that look and feel more like a village with a wide range of services within walking distance, such as jogging trails, entertainment venues, nearby restaurants, shops, and dry cleaners.
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