Builder group lists Top 12 amenities in an average home

Master bedroom walk-in-closets and a laundry rooms are the top features that builders are most likely to include in a new home this year, according to a survey of builders conducted by the National Association of Home Builders.

“Both features speak to improving organization and storage characteristics of new homes,” according to NAHB on its Eye on Housing blog.

Greater energy efficiency amenities also were ranked important with low-E Windows coming in No. 3 on the most likely amenity list on new homes. Energy-Star rated appliances and windows as well as programmable thermostats also rated high.

The following were ranked as the most likely features and amenities to be included on an average single-family home in 2015:

1. Walk-in closet in master bedroom
2. Laundry room
3. Low-E windows
4. Great room (kitchen-family room-living room)
5. Energy-Star rated windows
6. Ceiling height on the first floor of 9 feet or more
7. 2-car garage
8. Programmable thermostat
9. Granite countertop in the kitchen
10. Central island in the kitchen
11. Bathroom linen closet
12. Front porch

On the other hand, the features identified in the survey as the most unlikely to be included in new homes this year are:

1. Outdoor kitchen (cooking, refrigerators and sinks)
2. Laminate countertops in the kitchen
3. Outdoor fireplace
4. Sunroom
5. Two-story family room
6. Media room
7. Two-story foyer
8. Walking/jogging trails in the community
9. Whirlpool in the master bathroom
10. Carpeting as the flooring on the main level