Home trends are the-David who turns into Goliath-of the construction industry. More than whimsical “fads”, trends can and do take entire markets for a tailspin. Taking a look into the not-so-distant past we can see homes built without air-conditioning, homes with one bathroom, single car garage, no microwave, and little to no insulation.

Speak to a prospective home-owner today and not only are these things “must haves” but you best include amenities like a dishwasher, garbage disposal, two car garage with remote opening doors, first floor master-bedroom (with a walk-in closet), an entertaining space such as a deck or patio, and please ensure that the laundry room is on the main floor.

These home trends have crept into the building industry and have changed the shape of the modern home. According to the Home Builders Association, “The features that average home buyers want today used to be considered optional and were standard only in upscale luxury homes”. The average person decades ago has likewise up-scaled their own lives and is thus looking for these “luxuries” today.

These people are the “Baby Boomers” and they will drive the industry trends for the next 10 years. In 2003 there were 3.5 million baby boomers who turned 55. In 2010 there will be a total of 30.5 million baby boomers who are 55 or older. What does this mean? That the size of the home will get smaller, as retirees opt for less maintenance, and the quality of the homes will increase as they ask for more amenities and luxuries.

Couple this with trends towards greener and healthier homes and you have a market about ready to explode. Builders can study these trends now and prepare and profit from the trends ahead of time. This is the career launching pad for the future builder, the “innovative builder”, who is looking for a niche, a competitive edge and increased profits.

The builder of the future will have addressed future trends in his homes, now; plotting along trends lines, nailing down profits all along. Trends are simply an inquiry into the buying customer’s mind. This information is readily available to the inquisitive and news-attentive builder.

Homes tomorrow will be more client-centered, or trend-ready. These homes will address concerns of today: flu epidemics, water pollution, environmental pollution, energy conservation, and energy harnessing via solar passiveness and collection, and aging populations who need medical responsiveness, all of which will be addressed by the home builder of the future–or now.

When a builder can accurately foresee trends and position the business to capitalize on them by forming venture partnerships with those providing solutions, then there is synergy. There is innovation. There are problems solved. There are customers served and there is money, waiting on the table.