We’re seeing it with our clients who are scaling back on features such in-home theaters, surround sound and carefully hidden cables and cords.

Today, it’s more about creating a functional home and stretching the building budget. People are looking for ways to build homes that cost less. One way to do that is by creating shared spaces and multipurpose rooms.

Instead of having two separate guest rooms, an office and a media room, those spaces can be combined. Most people have guests only a half a dozen times a year, so it makes sense to put an extra bed or fold-out couch in your office. Or put a bed in the kids’ playroom and it makes a great space for your younger guests to spend the night.

In general, clients are looking to build a home that is smaller and more cost effective than the one they currently have. That means no wasted space and making the home as efficient as possible.

This is where we see many clients express an interest in making their homes green as a way to save money on water usage, energy and overall environmental impact. Clients really want us to research every possible way to make their houses green, but on their budget.

It’s important for us to talk with our clients to determine what is important in their lives and their priorities when it comes to building a new house. It may be that cost is the ultimate concern, so we plan for fewer windows or use two windows in a space instead of a pair of more costly French doors. Or, it may be that going green is a high priority, so we focus on how to build an efficient home on a budget.

Before approaching an architect, think about your priorities, your budget and your space needs. Our mission is to put all those together into a custom home you’ll want to live in for years to come.