A revolution has been quietly making its way through the builders of America.  Realizing that not only do women make 91% of all home-related purchases, but that they also see their homes differently, designers and builders have begun revising their floorplans with what's become known as the Woman-Centric approach. 

In the Columbus area, two builders have embraced the Woman-Centric Approach to design and building. Virginia Homes and Fairfield Homes are proud to be the only licensed Woman-Centric builders in the Central Ohio region. Both builders are known for their innovative work and impeccable customer service, and being Woman-Centric builders is part of that philosophy. Commented Zack Deleon, Director of Single Family/Commercial Development for Fairfield Homes, "Women have always been the driving force when buying a new home.  Now, we have the knowledge and expertise to deliver a better product based on the lifestyles of our customers."

Woman-Centric builders understand that a home isn't just a house it's a living space that changes depending on the people living in it.  For instance, research showed that women were more interested in the floor plans than the exteriors, and in how a home "lives" rather than how it looks.  Further research determined that there are four ways that women evaluate designs: how the home entertains; how the home handles daily stress; the flexibility of the home's design; and the home's ability to address storage needs. 

These are deceptively simple and logical ideas, but completely radical when applied to how homes have been designed for generations.  "The Woman-Centric Matters program is going to revolutionize the way we design, sell and build homes," said Charles Ruma, President of Virginia Homes. "Every system and process in our company is being re-thought to enhance our buyer's experience. We are redefining the market and rewriting the rules."

For example, entertaining often involves food, so the kitchen tends to be the hub of activity. A Woman-Centric kitchen opens to other entertaining areas, including dining spaces, the great room and outdoor living spaces. It also eliminates clutter by providing plenty of organized storage where it is needed as in larger, better organized pantries, for example.

Studies show that stress is an undeniable issue for women. They want their home to be a sanctuary, a retreat from the rest of the world.  Home designs need to include de-stressing elements that have real practical value, like spa showers, private sitting rooms, and patios or porches.  Research also reveals that nothing is more stressful than getting the family out the door in the morning.  This discovery led to Woman-Centric designs with rear entry foyers featuring benches for removing shoes, lockers for the kids, and a drop zone that incorporates a recharging center for cell phones and other electronics, a tall space for hanging umbrellas and coats, and a cork board or write-on board for messages.  And since most people enter their homes through the garage, women are adamant that the rear foyer entrance not double as the laundry room. (Having people traipse past dirty laundry increases stress levels!)

Additionally, women have concerns about how adaptable a home will be in the future. (For example, baby boomers who may find themselves caring for aging parents.)  The Woman-Centric Approach covers all sorts of contingencies.  These home plans have adjacent secondary bedrooms / guest suites that provide both private sleeping and living spaces. Others have flexible bathroom arrangements that are perfect for newly blended families, while some include options for creating his-and-her offices by adapting a spare bedroom or converting a dining room. Woman-Centric plans also offer unfinished areas, on a second level or over a garage or in a basement, that families can configure as the need arises. 

Obviously, a Woman-Centric home design isn't just for women! It involves sensible, thoughtful perspectives that are appreciated by both women and men.  And at its core, a Woman-Centric approach to doing business embodies the values and philosophies of both Virginia Homes and Fairfield Homes.  According to Mr. Ruma, "I believe that home building has become a commodity and that our industry has done a poor job in designing homes for the way we live. This program takes us out of the commodity race and puts us back into the human race."

For more information on Woman-Centric designs, and Virginia Homes or Fairfield Homes, contact Charles Ruma of Virginia Homes in Powell at Charles@Virginia-Homes.com or Zack Deleon of Fairfield Homes in Lancaster at zdeleon@gorsuch-homes.com. Or visit www.Virginia-Homes.com or www.FairfieldHomesOhio.com to see floorplans and community locations in the Columbus area.