Homeowners learning the unpleasant truth about declining home values, retirement savings and mortgage availability may ultimately take these lessons and apply them to future home purchases, according to market watchers. But a quick look at history shows it’s all part of a housing cycle: The frilly Victorians gave way to more simplified structures of the Jazz Age. Larger, custom homes then turned into Levittown subdivisions, which could be stamped out faster and cheaper.

What will this recession mean for tomorrow’s homes? Some predict consumers to choose smaller, more manageable homes ― or attached homes ― and move away from vaulted, wasted space designs. Homes that are placed closer together to aid utility hook-ups and road construction could also be in store.

But don’t say good-bye to McMansions just yet, says the National Association of Home Builders, as the group reports that so far average home size is still increasing. However, homeowners are requesting more quality for their money, and spending their income on the things that will give them the biggest return on investment.

From upgraded fixtures and appliances, to household energy-monitoring systems, the way consumers approach home design in the future could be vastly different. Is your company prepared to address the changing needs of your customers?

Even though many contractors are opting out of domestic travel to conferences and tradeshows this year, it’s still important to keep up with trends and the latest product innovations. Through “virtual tradeshows,” local rep displays, online networking with peers (and don’t forget your handy-dandy trade magazine), contractors can still be in-the-know.

And it doesn’t hurt to pass what you know on to your customers. Whether in a regularly scheduled customer e-newsletter or a direct mail campaign, share your lucky finds with potential customers, and you could get their wheels turning on household upgrades that could ultimately save them money and get them a better return on investment.