What have been the trends in the home industry for 2015?

Think energy efficiencies, smart homes, micro-appliances, size, and customized.
The future of home design is looking more and more efficient, compact and customized. While we aren't quite ready to 3D-print dinner, innovation and invention are at the forefront of building industry trends. Here's what's happening on the front lines of home design today and what it means for your house tomorrow.
Number 1 - Meet "zero energy ready," the new efficiency standard
A Zero Energy Ready Home is a high performance home which is so energy efficient, that a renewable energy system can offset all or most of its annual energy consumption.

Zero Energy Ready (ZER) is today's gold standard for efficient home design. Created by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2008, the program boasts over 14,000 energy-efficient homes resulting in millions of dollars in energy savings. The goal of a ZER Home is twofold: to be capable of being powered by renewable energy sources, and to create a healthy and comfortable environment that is durable enough to stand the test of time.
Considered a substantial step beyond Energy Star, this program is ideal for new construction where the specification of insulation, windows, doors and mechanical systems can be coordinated in advance of construction and performance calculated holistically. ZER technologies can also be retrofitted into existing homes. The Revitalize Home, a recent demonstration project sponsored by Dow Chemical Company, illustrates how working to ZER standards by upgrading insulation and air sealing details resulted in a 30% monthly energy cost savings and a 33% reduction in CO2 emissions.
As the program grows in awareness, leading manufacturers are stepping up to create products like foam insulation and sealants that make it easier for builders and homeowners to achieve the standard. While there's an upfront cost to meet the standards of programs like ZER, the benefits can be recouped in a short number of years when considering the total cost of ownership over time and Premier Home Kits can help you with this.