Convenience, livability, and energy efficiency are top
priorities in the construction of new homes this year. Builders nationwide were
surveyed to find out what features they were most likely to include a
single-family home this year. Modular home builders and their factories are adding more custom features to new homes than they ever have.
Among the features that are most likely to be included in a
typical single-family home this year are:
- A walk-in closet in the master bedroom
- “Low-e” windows
- A laundry room
- A great room
Also, builders report more attention to energy efficiency in
the construction of new homes. For example, Energy-Star rated appliances,
programmable thermostats, and Energy-Star rated windows also were among the top
of the list for features most likely to be included.
On a median per-square-foot basis, owners of used homes
spent 78 cents per square foot per year on electricity, while owners of new
homes spent 65 cents per square foot per year, according to data from the 2009
American Housing Survey.
Other popular features that builders listed included granite
countertops; a double sink and a central island in kitchens: a linen closet and
private toilet in the bathroom; first-floor ceilings that are at least
nine-feet high; a front porch; outdoor lighting; and a patio.
