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 >>