For nearly three decades Graham Builders, Hawaii’s premier residential design+build firm, has collaborated with homeowners to develop plans that reflect the vision and needs of each family.

As housing prices continue to soar, homes that adapt to changing family needs and spaces that serve multi-functions are the fastest growing trend.

“Today it’s all about flexibility and adaptability. In design terms, this translates into plans that can be modified to accommodate the lifespan of the family,” said Evan Fujimoto, Graham Builders’ president. “Twenty-five years ago, it was rare for a homeowner to plan how his primary residence could be a potential income source or how renewable energy technology would make it possible to reduce costs of living. That’s not the case anymore. Most homeowners are rethinking what a home means to them. For many, their home is an investment that must pay dividends.”

The recent memory of the 2008 financial crisis and the current lack of affordable housing have people, especially those close to retirement, thinking of ways to establish future financial sustainability.

Although many still think of their home exclusively as their private residence, a growing number of Hawaii homeowners are giving serious consideration toward ways their home can be a source of supplemental income.

ADUs, for example can work today as a home for an older family member and then later, when the ADU becomes available, as a rental.

Flexible, adaptable space within the home also is on many homeowners’ minds. To keep their construction budget in check, many homeowners are opting for smaller homes that optimize space. “Homeowners are being more realistic about what they want and are asking our designers to create homes that are more in line with their everyday life. A larger residence does not necessarily equate to more happiness,” said Fujimoto. “We’re seeing homes that are trending smaller but with requests for spaces that can be adapted for different uses.”

Local design+build contractor Graham Builders has guided hundreds of satisfied homeowners through successful projects for nearly three decades.

Homeowners interested in learning more about the ins- and-outs of home construction are invited to attend Graham Builders’ upcoming “Building Your Home for Life” seminar on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9-11 a.m. at the Honolulu Country Club.

Seminars are free. Reservations are required.

To register, visit grahambuilders.com or call 593-2808.