Previously, we discussed the appeal of the flex room to give homebuyers versatility in their home space. Another similar trend has been gaining traction in the industry thanks to a growing shift that is emerging among today’s buyers: the desire for separation, privacy, and personal retreat. As a result, the away room is making a strong comeback, creating a valuable opportunity for homebuilders to address evolving consumer preferences.
The concept of an away room is simple yet powerful. Unlike a flex room that is designed to serve multiple purposes, an away room is intentionally created as a place of escape. It offers homeowners a dedicated space to relax, recharge, focus, or simply enjoy a moment of solitude away from the activity of the main living areas. In an increasingly connected and often hectic world, that sense of personal refuge has become more important than ever.
Several factors are driving the resurgence of away rooms. First, households are busier and more diverse in how they use their homes. Family members may be working remotely, attending virtual classes, gaming, streaming entertainment, or pursuing hobbies simultaneously. While open-concept layouts encourage interaction, they can also create noise, distractions, and a lack of privacy. Homeowners are recognizing the value of having a separate space where they can disconnect from household activity without leaving home entirely.
Mental wellness has also become a significant influence on residential design. Buyers increasingly view their homes as sanctuaries rather than simply places to live. An away room provides an environment that supports relaxation, mindfulness, reading, creative pursuits, or quiet reflection. Whether used for meditation, conversation, music, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in peace, these spaces contribute to a home's overall livability and emotional appeal.
Successful away rooms are distinguished by their location and atmosphere. Builders should consider placing them away from primary traffic patterns and active gathering areas. Proximity to a private courtyard, covered porch, or scenic outdoor view can further enhance the room's retreat-like character. Design elements such as larger windows, comfortable proportions, sound insulation, and softer lighting can help establish a calm and welcoming environment.
It’s important to note, the away room is not limited to luxury homes. Buyers across a variety of price points appreciate spaces that provide privacy and separation. Even a modestly sized room can become a highly valued feature when thoughtfully designed. In many cases, homeowners perceive greater value from a dedicated retreat space than from simply expanding common living areas.
From a marketing perspective, the away room offers builders a compelling differentiator. While many homes may feature similar square footage and amenities, few provide intentional spaces designed specifically for personal well-being. Showcasing an away room allows prospective buyers to envision a lifestyle that balances connection with privacy—a combination that speaks strongly in today's market.
As home design continues to evolve, builders who recognize the growing demand for personal retreat spaces will be well positioned to meet the needs of modern buyers. The resurgence of the away room reflects a broader shift in how people want to live: connected when they choose to be, but with the ability to step away when they need to. By incorporating thoughtfully designed away rooms into future floorplans, homebuilders can deliver homes that feel more functional, more comfortable, and ultimately more desirable.
The passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act marks a major step toward addressing America's housing shortage while supporting the residential construction industry. By reducing regulatory barriers, encouraging innovative building methods, and promoting the development of new housing, the legislation is expected to help builders deliver more homes to meet growing demand.
For builders, this creates new opportunities—but also increased responsibility. As more homes are built and more families achieve homeownership, buyers will continue to expect quality construction backed by trusted protection. That's where Residential Warranty Company (RWC) plays an essential role.
Supporting Builders in a Changing Housing Market
The ROAD to Housing Act is designed to streamline housing development and expand access to affordable homes by cutting bureaucratic red tape, increasing private investment, and modernizing federal housing programs. As builders respond to these opportunities, maintaining customer confidence becomes increasingly important.
Key Components of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act
Streamlining Construction & Planning: The law cuts costly red tape by streamlining and expanding exemptions from lengthy federal environmental reviews. It also empowers local communities to speed up permitting by utilizing pre-approved “pattern book” designs (such as duplexes and townhouses) and establishes guidelines for point-access block (single-stair) multifamily buildings.
Expanding Financing & Investment: It encourages private construction lending by lifting the Public Welfare Investment cap for supervised banks, increasing community banking operations, and updating FHA multifamily and manufactured housing loan limits. It also makes community land trusts eligible for HOME Program funding and adds new construction as an eligible use under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Protecting Individual Homebuyers: To expand access for everyday families, the law curbs unfair competition by restricting large institutional investors from buying additional single-family homes if they already own a massive portfolio.
An RWC structural warranty helps builders demonstrate their commitment to quality while providing valuable protection for homeowners. Backed by decades of experience, RWC warranty programs help reduce builder risk, offer a clear process for addressing structural warranty claims, and provide homeowners with added peace of mind.
Building Consumer Confidence
Today's homebuyers are making one of the largest investments of their lives. In a market where affordability and value are top priorities, a structural warranty offers reassurance that their new home is protected against qualified structural defects.
For builders, offering an RWC warranty can help:
- Differentiate your business in a competitive marketplace.
- Reinforce your reputation for quality craftsmanship.
- Increase buyer confidence during the purchasing process.
- Provide third-party warranty protection that supports long-term customer satisfaction.
Preparing for Growth
As the housing industry continues to evolve, builders who combine efficient construction practices with strong consumer protections will be best positioned for long-term success. Legislative efforts like the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act are expected to encourage additional residential development, making trusted partnerships more valuable than ever.
Residential Warranty Company remains committed to supporting builders with industry-leading structural warranty programs, risk management resources, and exceptional customer service. Together, we can help build stronger communities while giving homebuyers the confidence they deserve. Whether you’re building your first home of the year or your thousandth, RWC is proud to be your partner in protecting what matters most.
Check out building/warranty/industry news, RWC announcements, upcoming events, etc.
Check out building/warranty/industry news, RWC announcements, upcoming events, etc.
Check out building/warranty/industry news, RWC announcements, upcoming events, etc.
Check out building/warranty/industry news, RWC announcements, upcoming events, etc.
Check out building / warranty / industry news, RWC announcements, upcoming events, etc.
After decades of dedicated service and unwavering commitment, VP of Sales, Suzanne Palkovic, bid farewell to RWC & Affiliates this summer as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement.
Sue began her career at RWC in October 1987 as our Pennsylvania sales representative after a short stint selling life insurance for another company. Her devotion to her job, her coworkers and the company led then Vice President of Sales Lynn Nelson-Probst to promote Sue to Assistant Sales Manager in 1994.
By virtue of her imagination and ability to see projects through to the end, Sue was promoted to Director of Research and Development in 2001, and in 2003 she was named Vice President of Marketing, Research and Development. After Lynn Nelson Probst retired, Sue became our Vice President of Sales in June of 2015, the position she held until her retirement. During her last eight years with the company, she managed our entire sales force and was a constant proponent of superior customer service for our builder members. Sue was a tireless worker for our company. Her strong leadership and keen understanding of the warranty marketplace contributed greatly to our companies’ success. We will miss her wit, her wisdom, her tenacity, and her dedication.
Sue is succeeded by our new National Sales Manager, Rich McPhee. Rich is new to the position, but not to the company, having served as a highly successful sales representative in the mid-Atlantic states for the last ten years. Sue had an opportunity to mentor Rich, and we are happy to report that he has hit the ground running.
Sue plans to travel, spend time with her family, and become more active supporting causes that are near and dear to her heart. She leaves RWC with our good wishes for a long, happy and healthy retirement and with heartfelt gratitude for many years of loyal service.
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Did you know that there is a specially designated number you should call before starting any digging projects? 811 is the (free) phone number you need to call before digging to protect yourself and others from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines.
There are millions of miles of buried utilities beneath the surface of the earth that we don't even think about but are vital to everyday living like water, electricity and natural gas. By simply calling, you'll help prevent unintended consequences such as injury to you or your family, damage to your property, utility service outages to the entire neighborhood and potential fines and repair costs.
Most contractors know that they need to find out what’s underground before beginning to break ground, but there may be some finer points of safe digging that you’re not aware of.
How exactly does this 811 thing work?
Simply call 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging, and your call will be routed to your local call center. Tell the operator where you're planning to dig. Your affected local utility companies will be notified about your intent to dig and will send locators to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried lines with flags or paint.
When can I begin my digging project?
Wait for the marks! Utilities will mark their buried lines on your dig site. Most crews will arrive to mark your dig site with paint or flags within a few days and will make sure you know where to avoid digging so you don't hit buried utilities. Remember there may be multiple utility lines in the same area. Be sure to check your state laws for specific information. It's also a good idea to call and confirm that all affected utility operators have responded to your request and located accurately. (State laws vary on the process for confirmation; check with your local one-call center for more information.)
It's finally time!
Now it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work - but respect the marks! Make sure to always dig carefully around the marks, not on them. State laws generally prohibit the use of mechanized equipment within 18-24 inches of a marked utility, which is called the “tolerance zone”. If you must dig near the marks, hand dig or use vacuum excavation to expose the facility. After exposing the facility, avoid using mechanized equipment within the same tolerance zone.
The marks provided by the affected utility operators are your guide for the duration of your project. If you are unable to maintain the marks during your project, or the project will continue past your request’s expiration date, please call 811 to ask for a re-mark. In addition, if excavation equipment is removed from a work site for more than two (2) business days, you must notify the call center again.
Also keep in mind that some utility lines may be buried at a shallow depth, and an unintended shovel thrust can bring you right back to square one - facing potentially dangerous and/or costly consequences. Don't forget that erosion or root structure growth may shift the locations of your utility lines, so remember to call again each time you are planning a digging job. Safe digging is no accident!
Source: call811.com and ccicomply.net