Extreme Nesting

I grew up in a home not unlike many on the Big Island. It had three bedrooms and was about 1,000 square feet. It was pretty much the same as many others in Palatka, Florida. In those days, it was a big deal if a house had more than one bathroom. Sound familiar? If so, innovations and the evolution of the American home might be a real eye-opener.

The Rise of “Nesting” and Home Customization

“Nesting,” the desire to stick close to home, really blossomed following 9/11. The idea of a “stay-cation,” working from home, and creating a personal sanctuary continued to grow during COVID. Crafting spaces specific to an owner’s lifestyle increased the popularity of home offices, media rooms, craft rooms, exercise rooms, saunas, and, of course, swimming pools.

The continuing popularity of HGTV, home improvement stores, and online posts about home improvement “hacks” is ever expanding. Personal “nests” have reached a whole new level.

From Hobby Rooms to Home Entertainment Centers

I’ve personally seen indoor handball courts, pickleball courts, tennis courts, wine cellars, indoor waterfalls, putting greens, skate parks, and 3-hole golf courses. From time to time, we even see treehouses on the market. Our office once listed a home with its own baseball field!

These, however, pale in comparison with what’s possible today. Love bowling? For over $500k, you could be throwing gutter balls any time you wish with your own personal bowling alley. Worried about losing your sharpshooter edge? Adding a firing range might be the answer. How about an indoor basketball court? Adding one will take you to new heights—2 ½ stories, to be precise.

Some prefer indoor climbing walls, shuffleboards, or his-and-her hobby areas. The possibilities are endless.

The Potential Pitfalls of Over-Customization

Here’s the rub: these spaces are so specific that resale could become a real problem. Take, for instance, Michael Jackson’s former home, Neverland Ranch. Except for the novelty, the number of buyers specifically interested in the 6.5-square-mile zoo and amusement park—complete with a mansion—was fairly limited. The sale took time and ultimately sold for far less than the asking price.

Creating a personal home playground might sound like the ultimate fantasy, but life can be unpredictable. It’s good to remember that the time may come when the property has to be sold. Too much of a good thing can severely limit the number of like-minded buyers.

The Importance of Balance in Home Design

One would think that living on an active volcano in the middle of the ocean would be extreme enough for just about anyone. However, if you feel compelled to make a few unorthodox modifications to your home, you might want to first chat with your REALTOR®. After all, you don’t want your nest to become so extreme that no other hen will ever want to roost there.