W hen pioneers like Harry Summers and Barry McComic developed communities such as Rancho Bernardo, buyers were lucky if they could choose from a few kinds of carpeting and between three or four bedrooms. People are so busy, what with husbands and wives working, and kids in school, that they are likely to spend free time cozied up at home. Since they spend more time there, they want more creature comforts. Home plans reflect the trend.
Tile is more expensive than carpeting and comparable to wood.
But it lasts longer than either one and is virtually maintenance-free. It's also great for allergy-prone types bothered by carpeting that collects dust and mold. One newly popular product, Rock reports, is ceramic floor tile glazed to look like wood. Quality is key to pleasing today's buyers, from the outside in, says Larry Case, president of Case Group Architects, a leading designer of new communities. After all, the front door is the first thing people touch on your home, and you want to make a good impression.