"Futureproofing" is one way to ensure a new home won't become obsolete in an age of ever-emerging technology and expanding lifestyle choices. By making wise choices concerning the infrastructure and interior options, you can protect your valuable financial investment and invest in your personal future.
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"Futureproofing a home involves thought and planning. First, you have to think down the road a little bit and consider how you will use this home. A lot depends on where you are in your life. Location is important when you think about the future. If you aren't interested in the school systems in an area, the next buyer might be," says Doug Fenichel.
Fenichel is the director of public relations with the New Jersey-based K. Hovnanian Companies, which designs, constructs and markets single family homes, townhouses, and condominiums in planned residential communities throughout the Northeastern United States, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, California, Texas and Tennessee.
When planning your future, ask yourself these questions:
- Will you raise a family in this house?
- Is there a possibility that you might start a business in your home, or work out of the home?
- Because most homeowners live in their house for several years, how can you ensure the home will grow with you?
Invest in an extra room in your floor plan, Fenichel advises, so you have room to grow even if you see no reason for the additional space at the present time. For example, a basement can be finished off and turned into workout studio, or family or recreational room. Likewise, a loft can become a great place to set up an office, or serve as a play area for children. And an extra bedroom can be transformed into a library or home theater.
Connecting to the Future
By far, the number one futureproofing option is structured wiring systems that will connect today's home with the future, says Barbara Fowler, Design Gallery manager with Sivage Thomas Homes, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 
Sivage Thomas Homes is a Diamond Builder (awarded for excellence in customer satisfaction) and in 1999 was recognized as America's Best Builder by Builder's Magazine.
Creating a high-tech infrastructure is the best investment today's homebuyer can make. While there are typically a number of home networking packages builders offer, it's vital to opt at least for the basic system package.
"Families are nesting more. They are spending more time together in their home. A well wired home affords family office and communication capability, and home entertainment. You can't do this after you move into a house. Homeowners need to think through their priorities and what they enjoy. Entertainment and technology are the two most important features for new homebuyers today," says Fowler. "Even if the family doesn't yet have the entertainment theater or audio equipment yet, you can't put this system in later."
Specifically, such structured wiring systems can provide for present or future multiple plug-and-play access points for, multimedia, phone, computer networking, and high-speed Internet access. Technology is important for another reason as well: family safety. A security system buys peace of mind. In addition, a Family Safety Camera system, with cameras placed throughout the home, as well as outside, allows parents to keep an eye on children, and on the outside world.
Longevity and Adaptability
"The goal of futureproofing a home is to ensure the longevity and the adaptability of the home," says Kara Opanowicz, director of the Home Design Gallery for K. Hovnanian Companies, which is located in Edison, New Jersey. Choose long lasting building materials, such as roofing that has a 25-year warranty. The same principle is true for futureproofing the interior of the home. Choose enduring materials that have a timeless appeal.
"These interior options work toward the long life and value of a home," she says. "Hardwood floors develop a wonderful patina with age, granite is indestructible, and Corian, if damaged, can be easily repaired."
Without a doubt, storage space, while not an issue for some new homeowners, becomes a universal issue over time as people acquire more and more things, says Opanowicz. Opt for an attic, storage closets in the garage, and closet organizers that can double the storage capacity of any closet.
Investing in the Lives within the Home
Homes today are more energy efficient than ever. That's the good news. The bad news is, because homes are so airtight, the air quality within the household has diminished greatly. Allergens and pollutants are putting many at risk. In response, air cleaning and ventilation systems, incorporated into the HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioner) system are in high demand. That demand is expected to increase in the near future.
Futureproofing your home requires a little thinking beyond the blueprint, keeping abreast of the trends, and an eye on the future. Choosing smart infrastructure options will guarantee the resale value of your home, while providing an optimally functional, healthy and enjoyable environment for your loved ones. At a time when home is more important than ever, it's wise to build into your plan room for change.