The 6 must-have spaces in your next home

By Steve Kerch of Marketwatch.com
ORLANDO, Fla.  Homeowners, shaking some of their recession weariness, are making
plans again to upgrade to a new home or remodel the one they're in, a survey from
Better Homes and Gardens magazine finds.
But their flirtation with a nicer home is still grounded in economic reality.
Consumers are starting to give themselves permission to dream about a new home
again and for the first time in several years actually are considering houses that
are slightly larger than their existing homes, said Jill Waage, editorial director
for home content at the magazine.
But they aren't looking at something significantly larger. They want more space but
it is driven by both function and finances, she told an audience at the
International Builders Show here earlier this month. Their priority is a home they
will enjoy. The new mantra is I am spending my money, so make it count.
According to a survey of Better Homes and Gardens readers taken in late December,
these are the six spaces that homeowners most want to see included in their new home
or updated in their existing one:

1. Separate laundry room
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2. More storage and built-ins
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3. A home office
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4. An outdoor grilling/living area
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5. A second bedroom with a private bath
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6. Everyday eating space close to the kitchen
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