A December 2014 survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) asked builders to score various home features and amenities on a scale from "Very Likely" (equaling five points) to "Not at All Likely" (equaling one point) in order to rank which features/amenities are most likely to be included in 2015 new homes. 

The NAHB lists the features/amenities in order by average rating among all builder responses, as well as the percent share of respondents who gave a feature/amenity a rating of "4" or "5." Four features that fall in the top 10 are energy-saving and efficiency-focused home features.

10 Most-Likely Features (Average Single-Family Homes Built in 2015):

  • Walk-in closet (master bedroom)
    Average rating: 4.9
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 98%
  • Laundry room
    Average rating: 4.8
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 96%
  • Low-e windows
    Average rating: 4.8
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 95%
  • Great room (kitchen-family/living room)
    Average rating: 4.7
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 94%
  • Energy Star-rated appliances
    Average rating: 4.5
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 88%
  • Energy Star-rated windows
    Average rating: 4.4
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 84%
  • First-floor ceiling height 9' or more
    Average rating: 4.4
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 83%
  • Two car garage
    Average rating: 4.4
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 83%
  • Programmable thermostat
    Average rating: 4.4
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 83%
  • Granite countertops (kitchen)
    Average rating: 4.3
    Percentage respondents rating "4" or "5": 82%

Among the least likely features/amenities builders plan to include in single-family homes in 2015 are outdoor kitchens, laminate kitchen countertops, outdoor fireplaces, sunrooms, and two-story family rooms, most notable of which are the outdoor living features, considered one of 2013/2014's biggest trends. 

See a full breakdown of the features builders plan to to include (or exclude) in the NAHB's Eye on Housing blog >>