What Do Buyers Look for in Healthy Homes?
Consumers are prioritizing health and wellness more than ever, and have been since the start of the pandemic. In fact, 76% of homeowners are actively prioritizing their physical health, and 69% are putting their mental health first. This trend is particularly gaining traction among younger generations - such as millennials and younger Gen Xers - with over 80%1 of young singles and couples working on their physical and mental well-being. This means they're looking for healthy homes that can help promote their healthy lifestyles.
What isn't very clear, however, is what exactly a "healthy home" should entail. Air quality and purification is important, but beyond that, what matters to buyers when it comes to health and wellness in the home? And how can you design and build homes that meet their needs and wants?
Here's three things to do to set your next project up for success:
Educate Buyers
There's a long list of healthy home certifications, including HERS, LEED, Indoor airPLUS, etc. While consumers may recognize some of these certifications, it's important to educate potential home buyers on exactly what they entail, and the benefits each of these certifications can provide. Simply keeping them informed could help set you apart from your competitors.
Beyond certifications, it's important to educate buyers on the specific elements of the home that can be beneficial in promoting a healthy space. For example, they may need to be reminded that their KitchenAidⓇ 36" Wall-Mount, 3-Speed Canopy Hood doesn't just aid in odor prevention - it can also effectively filter steam and grease from the air.
Incorporate Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
Over half of homeowners surveyed (57%) by The New Home Trends Institute2 deemed easy-to-clean surfaces as a necessity of a healthy home, while 34% of homeowners3 went a step further saying surfaces that repel germs, viruses and bacteria are a must-have. Glass cooktops like the WhirlpoolⓇ 30-inch Electric Ceramic Glass Cooktop, for instance, is easy to wipe clean after use, and the knobs can be washed in the dishwasher. When it comes to countertops, quartz4 is a favorite for its easy maintenance and durability.
Provide Healthy Cooking Options
Part of promoting wellness in the home means creating a space that gives consumers the option to make healthy food choices. In the kitchen, help make cooking convenient and healthier with connected appliances that offer better-for-you cooking methods such as grilling and steaming. The KitchenAidⓇ Smart Oven+ Combination Oven, for example, allows for grilling, baking and steaming all in one appliance. Plus, with mobile app connectivity, homeowners can remotely monitor and control their oven, suggest when it's time to tend the food, or enter their own cooking instructions and save them for next time.
Let potential buyers know that they can download and sync the YummlyⓇ app with select Whirlpool smart ovens to receive personalized recipe guidance and step-by-step instructions to make it easier than ever to make a healthy meal. They can scan ingredients to find recipes that include what they have on-hand, then choose a guided cooking recipe that fits their meal preferences.
For additional details about our appliance offerings, contact a sales rep today. Keep up with other trends and news in your industry by visiting The Trade Channel page.
1 https://constructutopia.com/sites/utopia/files/2021-01/New%20Home%20Trends%20Institute%202020%20Healthy%20Homes%20Research%20Report%20posted%20on%20ConstructUtopia.pdf
2 https://constructutopia.com/sites/utopia/files/2021-01/New%20Home%20Trends%20Institute%202020%20Healthy%20Homes%20Research%20Report%20posted%20on%20ConstructUtopia.pdf
3 https://constructutopia.com/sites/utopia/files/2021-01/New%20Home%20Trends%20Institute%202020%20Healthy%20Homes%20Research%20Report%20posted%20on%20ConstructUtopia.pdf
4 https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/countertop/quartz-kitchen-countertop-buying-guide/
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PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE
KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ 30" Combination Oven with Powered Attachments and PrintShield™ Finish
KitchenAid® 36" Wall-Mount, 3-Speed Canopy Hood
Whirlpool® 30-inch Electric Ceramic Glass Cooktop with Dual Radiant Element