The Baby Boomer generation — those born during the post-war “baby boom” that lasted from approximately 1946 to 1964 — has long been thought of as the generation that would never grow old. This demographic is also one of the largest in the U.S., meaning its influence on American culture and life has been significant over the last few decades.
Knowing this begs the question: how do members of the Baby Boomer generation choose to remodel their homes with a remodeling company? Do people within this age group share similar tastes and preferences when it comes to home improvement?
The ways that Baby Boomers think alike when it comes time for a home remodeling project are a fascinating reflection of this generation. Here are just three of the biggest home improvement trends among the Baby Boomer generation:
A strong sense of environmental awareness
The environmental movement found its footing just as many Baby Boomers were coming of age in the 1960s and 1970s. We wouldn’t have Earth Day if it weren’t for this generation. As a result, many Boomers choose to outfit their homes with more eco-friendly installations and materials such as energy-efficient siding options, roofing materials, windows and more. Low-e windows in particular are great at keeping a home insulated from the outdoors. Composite siding is also a popular choice, as it insulates homes and saves energy — as a result, 15% of new homes are outfitted with composite siding.
Remodeling rather than moving
The concept of “aging in place” — spending one’s retirement years at home rather than moving out — is one that has developed as the Baby Boomer generation has gradually reached retirement age. One Nielsen survey found that nearly two out of three Baby Boomers are choosing to stay in their own homes rather than moving to a smaller condo or a retirement community.
Concern for future generations
A surprising portion of the Baby Boomer generation takes younger generations — their children and grandchildren — into consideration when making home improvement decisions. Instead of short-lived fads in home design, Baby Boomers prefer timeless, classic renovations that will boost their home’s value in the long run.
What do you, as a Baby Boomer, look for when starting to make home remodeling choices in your home? Have any other questions? Let us know in the comments below.
