Building with women in mind

There's an old American proverb that says "Men build houses; women build homes".  It seems that home builders across the country are taking women's needs and opinions into account when building their homes.

Open floor plan in a Dan Ryan home

Home construction is preformed mainly by men, so it's no surprise that homes are often built without features that women prefer. Here is a list of some features that women have spoken up about (from Sutton.com):

• Formal dining rooms are elegant but rarely used in today's more casual social atmosphere. Who wants to be stuck in the kitchen making wonderful dishes while the guests are off in another room? Open concept designs allow the chef to cook and talk with guests at the same time.

•  Having a quiet, soundproof room where it is possible to get a good night's sleep is essential, especially for busy parents  

• Solid plastic shower stalls are easier to clean and manufacturers have created a wide range of styles to suit almost any decor. 

•  A laundry shoot in a multi-level home is a great convenience. Rather than hauling clothes and bed sheets down stairs, simply drop them in a shoot that ends up at the laundry room. 

•  Hardwood and tile in high traffic areas are preferable to carpeting. They don't show dirt as quickly as carpet and it is faster to thoroughly clean hardwood and tile.  

[Read the article] 

These kinds of features add ambiance, convenience, and resale value to any home-traits that men AND women can appreciate.