Results of the latest home buyer preference surveys, unveiled at the International Builders' Show, revealed at least one surprising trend: an increasing emphasis on the outdoors. "Everyone wants a front porch, deck, patio or fence," said NAHB Director of Research Gopal Ahluwalia. Fellow panelist Joan McCloskey, executive building editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, concurred. "Home owners are adding amenities to the back of their homes," she said. "Today's patio surrounds are much more like private fencing instead of spindly railings. People love to be outdoors and want more privacy."

Findings of NAHB's survey, What the 21st Century Home Buyer Wants, were derived from responses by some 1,200 households that had purchased a new home in the last two years or plan to do so within the next two years. Those findings indicated that large kitchens, high ceilings and laundry and dining rooms are all considered essential elements of a new home, while living rooms are not. Nearly half of respondents preferred floor plans that included a large kitchen with an adjacent family room that is visually open or divided with a half wall. Nearly 80 percent of respondents rated a walk-in kitchen pantry as desirable or essential, while 71 percent wanted island work areas and 59 percent favored light wood cabinets.

Other highlights of the NAHB survey revealed increasing preferences for multiple phone lines, high-speed wiring, three to four bedrooms, three-car garages, larger family rooms, and community walking/jogging trails.

Published: February 20, 2001

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