NAHB Reports The Home Building Trends Of 2014

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) revealed anticipated trends in home building in 2014 at the International Builders’ Show earlier this year. A nationwide survey asked builders what features were most likely to be included in the single-family homes that they would be building this year.

Using a rating system of 1 to 5, where 1 is not at all likely and 5 is very likely, builders reported that the number one most likely feature in a single-family home –with a score of 4.9--will be a walk-in closet in the master bedroom.

Next up on the list are Low-E windows, also known as low emissivity or low thermal emissivity windows. These windows reflect, absorb and emit radiant energy by way of a film coating applied to the glass panes of your window. The coating reflects radiant infrared energy, keeping the energy on the same side that it comes from. This helps contribute to the energy efficiency of your home because on a sunny day a Low-E window will reflect that unwanted heat and energy back toward the sun and won’t let it pass through your glass. By keeping unwanted heat out, your cooling system won’t need to work as hard to regulate the indoor temperature. The same premise applies to your heating system. Energy produced by your heater will reflect off the Low-E windows, keeping it all indoors.

Low-E windows received an average score of 4.8 from builders revealing the increased demand for energy efficient home features. Other energy efficient features that made the list include ENERGY STAR rated appliances and windows, a programmable thermostat and insulation higher than required by code.

Other must-haves include a designated laundry room, a great room, a 2-car garage, a bathroom linen closet, a front porch, a private toilet compartment and a patio.

Despite the popularity of high-end quartz, granite countertops are among the kitchen features that builders will most likely include in their 2014 single-family homes, along with a central island and a double sink.

The features that are least likely to be included? Laminate kitchen countertops and the much-hyped complete outdoor kitchen with a cooking space, refrigeration and sink.

Other surprising features that didn't make the cut are an outdoor fireplace, a sunroom, a two-story family room or foyer, a media room and a whirlpool in the master bathroom.

For more on trends in home building, visit www.nahb.org.

Photos courtesy of By Carrier Custom Home Builders.