New consumers becoming the face of home remodeling market

Contractors and building professionals have seen an ever-changing landscape in the home remodeling world over the last decade. From the economic recession to the pending retirement of the Baby Boomers, consumer needs have changed drastically. According to KitchenBathDesign.com, a new generation of customers connected by social media and the Internet are far more in-tune with the trends of today's interior design.

While every consumer group is different, one common thread can be found between the Baby Boomers and Generation X - they're more likely to live in their homes for another five to ten years. Simply put, when planning to remodel their homes, they want products that will last.

The new generation of home buyers, mostly Gen X and Millennials, are opting for open-ended design that eschews the traditional kitchen, dining room and family room layout. Merging these three rooms together has become wildly popular, and kitchen designers have been slow to adapt to this fundamental change.

Above all, consumers are looking for spaces that are multi-purpose, but versatile enough to reflect their own unique style. Contractors that educate themselves on the needs of each demographic will be better off when making their next sales pitch.