With the end of 2016 approaching, NAHB’s Eye on Housing is reviewing the posts that attracted the most readers over the last year. In February, Rose Quint examined the most common features of new homes.

Successful businesses stay on top of what their competitors are doing. For home builders, this involves knowing what features other builders are putting in their new homes.  In December 2015, a nationwide survey asked builders about the likelihood that a number of features would be included in the typical single-family home they will build in 2016.

Using a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 meant not at all likely to be included in typical home and 5 meant very likely, builders reported the following as the most likely features to show up in the typical 2016 home:

• Walk-in closet in the master bedroom (avg. rating 4.9)
• Laundry room (4.8)
• Great room (4.7)

Several features that help owners with energy conservation are also very likely to be included in new homes built this year: low-e windows, ENERGY STAR® appliances and windows, and a programmable thermostat.  Other likely candidates:  9’+ ceilings in the first floor, a central island and granite countertops in the kitchen.

On the other hand, builders reported the following features as the least likely to appear in homes in 2016:

• Cork flooring in the living areas of the main level (1.3)
• Pet washing station (1.6)
• Laminate countertops in the kitchen (1.7)
• Outdoor kitchen (1.9)

Two-story spaces (family room and foyer) also seem to be unlikely features, as well as an outdoor fireplace, a sunroom and a media room.