Content area
Full text
When it comes to remodeling, different age groups want different things
Young, old or in-between; these days it doesn't matter. Everyone, it seems, is remodeling. And with numerous magazines and TV shows flaunting the latest kitchen and bath designs and products, it's hard to avoid getting swept up. It's even harder, however, for designers to figure out what exactly consumers want.
A recent study done in conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveals that kitchen and bath redesigns account for almost three quarters of all remodeling projects. A closer look, however, shows that there are significant differences in wants among the varying generations, and for designers and manufacturers to benefit, these distinctions need to be addressed, especially as the population ages.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17.7 million people are expected to reach the age of 55 in 2005, If that isn't enough, this group controls almost 60 percent of discretionary spending and is the fastest growing segment of Internet users. What this means is that more designers need to set up websites to showcase their work and tout elements that will help make life easier for older people.
At a recent housing seminar in Orlando, FL, designers, manufacturers, homebuilders and others discussed the needs of the growing senior market. What they found was that topping seniors' lists...