If you’re planning to buy a new home, you probably have a wish list of features. But how likely is it that you’ll find those features in a new build?
According to a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders, some of the features you’re most likely to find in a new home in 2020—rated on a scale of 1 (not likely) to 5 (very likely)—include:
- A walk-in closet in the master bedroom (4.9)
- Low-e windows (4.8)
- A separate laundry room (4.8)
- Higher efficiency lighting (4.7)
- A “Great Room”—combination of kitchen, family and living rooms (4.7)
- Kitchen island (4.6)
- Programmable thermostat (4.6)
- Nine foot high ceilings on the first floor (4.6)
- Energy Star appliances (4.6)
- Two car garage (4.4)
- Front porch (4.4)
- Exterior lighting (4.3)
- Separate area for toilet in master bathroom (4.2)
- Water conserving toilets (4.2)
- Bathroom linen closet (4.2)
- Indoor fireplace (4.2)
- Patio (4.2)
- Walk-in pantry (4.2)
- Energy Star windows (4.2)
- Granite countertops in kitchen (4.2)
Some of the features you’re least likely to find in a new home build in 2020 include:
- Cork flooring for living areas on the home’s main level (1.3)
- A geothermal heat pump (1.4)
- Solar water heating/electric system (1.4)
- Two toilets in master bath (1.5)
- Laminate countertops in kitchen (1.6)
- Pet washing station (1.8)
- Outdoor kitchen (2.1)
- Carpeting in main living areas on main level (2.2)
- Whirlpool in master bathroom (2.2)
- Sunroom (2.2)
- Media room (2.3)
- Outdoor fireplace (2.3)
- 2-story family room (2.4)
- 2-story foyer (2.5)
The Takeaway:
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re shopping for a new home, understanding the features that are common to new builds (and the features that are not-so-common) can help you set more realistic expectations for your home search—which can make the entire process easier and less stressful.
