The Chronicle

As the home building industry celebrates New Homes Month in April, recent research shows that the pandemic had long-term effects on buyers’ expectations for their homes. One of the most lasting consequences is the desire to spend more time outside in the comfort and safety of porches and backyards.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) asked recent and prospective home buyers about the top features they want in a new home. More than 50% of buyers ranked nearly a dozen outdoor features as essential or desirable in a home. Among the most popular outdoor features are a patio, exterior lighting, a front porch, landscaping, and a deck. The survey also found that between 2020 and 2023, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens increased in popularity.

Surprisingly, the desired features varied across generations. Boomers are significantly less likely than younger generations to want outdoor features in their homes. Less than half (49%) of Boomers considered an outdoor fireplace essential or desirable, compared to a majority (70%) of Gen Z and Millennial buyers. A similar dichotomy exists for an outdoor kitchen; only 45% of Boomers want an outdoor kitchen compared to most younger generations.

Functional outdoor spaces are one of the many advantages of a newly constructed home. Builders in our community closely follow buyers’ exterior needs and wants, so spring home buying season is a perfect time to find a home that fits modern lifestyles.

There are many other benefits of owning a new home that may be less obvious but just as valuable. For example, builders generally construct homes in new neighborhoods, and when families move into a new community simultaneously, lasting bonds of friendship and neighborliness often form immediately. Many home builders host community block parties to help neighbors meet and connect.

Entertaining new neighbors, friends, or family outdoors or indoors is easier with newer homes. Older homes often have smaller rooms, so hosting gatherings with friends and family can be challenging. Today’s home builders are creating more open spaces with higher ceilings, oversized windows, and expansive great rooms for added convenience and modern living. 

To find qualified builders, remodelers, manufacturers and other industry professionals committed to making your home green, visit omb.org to access our online searchable directory.

Welcome New Lewis County OMB Members

• Grasser Insurance Agency, LLC
• Ace Plumbing, LLC
• Concrete Coating Experts

Lewis County Government Affairs Update:
Comprehensive Plan Updates:

Every decade communities participating in the Growth management Act (and that meet population minimums) are required to revisit their comprehensive plans. These plans provide a check in and review around the goals previously set for growth in a community, but they also allow for readjusting and setting new goals for future growth. Comprehensive plans cover everything from local economy, to land use and housing. They utilize projections updated frequently by the state around population growth, economic progress, and community needs to set the direction for the community for the next decade. These update periods allow the public to provide their voice on what they want to see for the future of their community. Information can be found, and comments provided for several jurisdictions in Lewis County can be provided at:

• Lewis County – https://lewiscountywa.gov/news-room/announcements/provide-your-thoughts-about-the-future-of-lewis-county/
• City of Chehalis – https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/building/chehalis-comprehensive-plan
• City of Centralia – https://www.cityofcentralia.com/563/2025-Comprehensive-Plan-Update

For more information, please contact Olympia Master Builders Government Affairs Director, Jessie Simmons, at ga@omb.org or (360)754-0912 ext. 102.