Successful businesses stay on top of what their competitors are doing. For home builders, this involves knowing what features other builders are putting in their new homes. In December 2015, a nationwide survey asked builders about the likelihood that a number of features would be included in the typical single-family home they will build in 2016.
Using a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 meant not at all likely to be included in typical home and 5 meant very likely, builders reported the following as the most likely features to show up in the typical 2016 home:
- Walk-in closet in the master bedroom (avg. rating 4.9)
- Laundry room (4.8)
- Great room (4.7)
Several features that help owners with energy conservation are also very likely to be included in new homes built this year: low-e windows, ENERGY STAR® appliances and windows, and a programmable thermostat. Other likely candidates: 9’+ ceilings in the first floor, a central island and granite countertops in the kitchen.
On the other hand, builders reported the following features as the least likely to appear in homes in 2016:
- Cork flooring in the living areas of the main level (1.3)
- Pet washing station (1.6)
- Laminate countertops in the kitchen (1.7)
- Outdoor kitchen (1.9)
Two-story spaces (family room and foyer) also seem to be unlikely features, as well as an outdoor fireplace, a sunroom and a media room.
This post was originally published on NAHB’s blog, Eye on Housing.
