Condo Media - June 2018 - 53

n Surprisingly, ceiling fans are a big draw.
People are beginning to appreciate
these fans will not only provide good
ventilation and healthier indoor air,
but also reduce both their heating and
air conditioning bills.
n Backyard patios are a major attraction. Homeowners want to bring
the outdoors into their lives. A short
walk through any big box store will illustrate how much floor space is being
devoted to patio and other outdoor
living activities.
n Hardwood floors are important. Not
only are they perceived to be more
high-end than carpet, but also wood
flooring is thought to reduce allergy
and other health related issues, as well
as lower maintenance.
n Garage storage is a growing requirement. Well organized and accessible
storage reduces clutter in the actual
living space, thus adding to unit quality of life.

Modern condominiums target
empty nesters, which include not only
retirees but singles, newly divorced,
and young couples who only need a
single bedroom and a flex room. All
generations want granite or quartz
countertops, stainless appliances, and
above-average kitchen/ bath cabinets
with the trend toward glass doors.
The trend in the buildings themselves is Millennials and Boomers
want taller and taller buildings with
views. Rooftop amenities include
cabanas and entertainment areas.
Everyone seems to want dog-friendly
buildings including dog play areas,
dog walking services nearby, and
lounges allowing dogs. These lounges
are becoming more stylish with lots
of daylight, charging stations, multifunctional seating, and open out into
outdoor seating and entertaining
areas. These features are important as
more condominium owners are telecommuters wanting to leave the static
interior of their unit to feel more freedom of movement and natural settings.

And of course, Millennials and
Boomers moving back to the city
want more than a row of exercise
equipment and free weights in the
clubhouse. They are attracted to other
activities including nature trails, yoga
studios, gardening areas, bocce courts,
and shuffleboard. Amenities such as
tennis courts are not for everyone, and
they are expensive to maintain for the
few that want them. Boards are being
asked to forego resurfacing the courts
and replacing them with pickle ball or
other more inclusive activity features
in the common areas. So whether you
are on the board or a property manager looking to the future, the time
is now to decide on what will attract
the buyers of the future and maintain
property values.
n JACK CARR, P.E., RS, LEED-AP,
IS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT WITH
CRITERIUM-ENGINEERS SERVING
ALL OF NEW ENGLAND.

n Everybody wants an eat-in kitchen.
America's eating habits are becoming
more casual and fluid. Formal dining
rooms do not draw the family together
like an eat-in kitchen, where everyone
can be part of the day-to-day activities.
NEW DEMANDS ON CHANGE
There is an old maxim saying living
styles and habits skip a generation.
This appears to be occurring with
regard to condo trends. With the
exception of the love of the automobile, Boomers are beginning to act
like Millennials while Gen-Xers
are staying more traditional. While
it has long been known Millennials
can live car-less by relying on city
transportation, Uber, Zip Cars, and
bicycles, Boomers are still paying
high prices for covered parking spaces
for their must-have vehicles. For this
reason new condominiums wanting
to attract young professionals are
often located near these alternate
transportation modes and these same
condominiums provide for both bicycle parking and storage.

Representing Condominium Associations, Homeowner
Associations and Management Companies throughout
New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.
Providing representation in all areas of condominium
law from drafting and execution of condominium
instruments, amendments, collection of assessments to
litigation from trial through appeal.
For specific questions and to find out how we can
service your particular needs, please contact our office
and speak with one of our attorneys.

(603) 627-5997

45 Bay Street
Manchester, NH 03104

(603) 742-1052
3 Webb Place
Dover, NH 03820

(800) 828-3200

565 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01845

www.fenigeranduliasz.com
Serving clients in all of NH and northern MA
June 2018

53
Condo Media - June 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Condo Media - June 2018
