Outdoor kitchens are "out" and closets are "in," according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) on the most and least common features in newly-built homes. The survey found that practical features trump leisure-focused niceties. In other words, built-in shelving is the new fire pit.
The shift towards pragmatism may be due to the post-recession reality of time-strapped families where everyone is forever in a rush. "If a working couple is trying to get out of the house in the morning, they need a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, they need a laundry room that's well lit and well-organized," said Stephen Melman, NAHB economic services director, in an interview with Realtor.com.
Environmentally-friendly features, like low-emissivity windows and programmable thermostats, are also in demand. These trends seem to point towards a future where the space-hogging McMansion is no longer a part of the suburban landscape, don't you think?
Check out the lists below and decide for yourself.
The 10 features least likely to be found in newly-built homes:
- Outdoor kitchen
- Laminate countertop
- Outdoor fireplace
- Sunroom
- Two-story family room
- Media room
- Two-story foyer
- Walking/jogging trails (Note: This was listed as a "community feature")
- Whirlpool tub in master bath
- Carpeting on main level
The 10 features most likely to be found in newly-built homes:
- Walk-in closet
- Laundry room
- Low-emissivity windows
- Great room
- Energy Star appliances
- Energy Star windows
- Ceiling 1st floor 9'
- 2-car garage
- Programmable thermostat
- Granite countertop
[via Realtor.com
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