Today’s list of “must haves” for prospective home buyers very often includes open concept. Open concept living skyrocketed in popularity in the 70s and has dominated new home design and home remodeling ever since. But some feel it’s beginning to lose its appeal in favor of cozier and energy-efficient floor plans.

Is open concept living right for you? Here are some things to consider.

More expensive to build. Because open concept floor plans lack interior walls that are often used for support, heavy steel beams are needed which can increase construction costs.

Open sight lines mean less privacy. Whether you’re in the kitchen, dining area, or family room, everyone else can see and hear what you’re doing. This might be a benefit for those with small children, but if you want to read a book while your spouse is cooking or teen son is watching TV, you might need to find a quieter spot.

Cooking becomes a spectator sport. Sure, it’s nice to be included in the party while you stay busy in the kitchen, but if you prefer to prep in private, or simply don’t want your guests to see the stack of dishes in the sink and pots on the stove, open concept may not be right for you.

Food odors travel and linger. Nothing beats the aromas a home-cooked meal can produce, but you may not want the smell of roasted garlic wafting through your living space and settling into your sofa cushions.

More visible clutter and mess. A stack of bills on the counter, dishes in the sink, and your daughter’s school science project sprawled out on the dining table…it’s all out in the open with open concept.

Acoustic issues. A running dishwasher, a smoothie in progress, your son’s favorite cartoon on TV – all these sounds bounce around in an open space.

Storage becomes scarce. Fewer interior walls mean less space for closets, bookcases, shelving, and even furniture pieces you’d normally place against a wall.

Less energy-efficient. It typically costs more to heat and cool an open concept home, especially one with vaulted or cathedral ceilings. Also, you can’t split a large open space into HVAC zones that would allow you to heat or cool only occupied spaces.

We’re not real estate agents nor are we in the home remodeling business, but we are HVAC professionals. As such, we’ll recommend and install the most energy-efficient home comfort systems possible, no matter what style your home might be. Contact us today for a new system proposal or for ways to cut your current heating and cooling costs – there’s always one or more ways to do so.