b'Survey looksatfeatures home buyers wantBy Melissa Erickson Energy Star appliances, low-E More Content Now windows, ceiling fans, and other H ome builders are doingenergy-efficient and smart prod-ucts like programmable ther-more with lessspacemostats are top preferences, that is. The average newQuint said. To keep energy bills home in 2019 was thedown and improve the health of smallest since 2011 and only 20the home, buyers are also inter-square feet larger than in 2007. ested in more insulation than is To determine the most popu- required by code, Quint said.lar features in single-familyOther most-wanted fea-FREEPIK.COMhomes, the National Associa- tures for new and repeat buy-tion of Home Builders surveyeders include hardwood flooring nearly 4,000 home buyers whoon the main level, double sinks had either recently purchasedin the kitchen and a patio.a home or were planning to doto, the survey found that open-con- Granite or natural stone finishes so within the next three years.cept kitchen-family rooms, easilyare the top choice for kitchen counter-Home builders will build whataccessible laundry rooms and threetops, followed by quartz or engineered their customers want, what theresbedrooms were all preferences forstone. Laminate is the least desir-a market for, said Rose Quint,first-time and repeat home buyers.able. For appliances, stainless steel is assistant vice president of sur- Buyers are looking for stor- more well liked than black finishes.vey research for the Nationalage in the garage, walk-in pan- Buyers are avoiding homes that Association of Home Builders. tries and laundry rooms.feature elevators; cork flooring on the While theres no data availableThey want to be able to keepmain level; pet washing stations; spe-about how COVID-19 will affectall their stuff behind a doorcialty rooms like media rooms, sun-which features consumers gravitatethey can close, Quint said. rooms or wine cellars; and plant roofs.12 JULY-AUGUST 2020'