--- title: "8 Popular Features to Consider When Building a New Home" description: "Before you start house hunting, it’s important to know which features are a must-have. Here are 8 features to consider when building a new home." publishDate: 2019-10-11 author: "K Hovnanian Homes" category: inspiration tags: ["Design Features", "interior design", "new construction home"] canonical: https://www.khov.com/blog/8-popular-features-to-consider-when-building-a-new-home/ markdownUrl: https://www.khov.com/blog/8-popular-features-to-consider-when-building-a-new-home.md --- Touring model homes is an exciting part of the house hunting process. But prior to settling on a model, it’s important to have an idea of which features are must-haves and which ones you can live without. Before you finalize your must-have list, here are 8 popular features to consider when [building a new home](https://www.khov.com/). ## **1. Storage Space** If you want to look like Marie Kondo organized your home, you will need ample storage space. Look at floorplans that have a spot for all of your personal belongings and necessities, especially in the kitchen. Walk-in pantries are a popular feature in kitchens. Here, you can store dry goods, spices, condiments and even seasonal dishware. Consider selecting a kitchen that has extra cabinets and drawers to hold all of your dishes, appliances and tools. Attics, spacious owner's suite closets and under-the-stairs storage options allow you to store to your belongings without them being in plain sight for your houseguests. ![](https://www.khov.com/api/image/transform/?src=https%3A%2F%2Fauthoring.khov.com%2Fglobalassets%2Fimported-wordpress-blog-images%2Fverticalfour-seasons-at-orlando-balfour-owners-closet-683x1024_0456ae33.jpg&width=900&modern=true&maxAge=2592000) _The large owner's suite closet at our Balfour model at [K. Hovnanian's Four Seasons at Orlando](https://www.khov.com/find-new-homes/florida/kissimmee/34747/four-seasons/k.-hovnanian%27s-four-seasons-at-orlando)_ ## **2. Open Floor Plan** Open floor plans are a trend that is not going anywhere. This floorplan is loved by homeowners of all ages. [For young families](https://www.khov.com/blog/best-house-layout-for-family/), it gives parents the ability to cook in the kitchen while simultaneously watching their kids in the family room. If you’re an empty nester that loves to host parties, having a large, open area makes entertaining a breeze. You can easily move from the kitchen to the living room to the dining room. ## **3. Outdoor Kitchens** Outdoor kitchens are [a popular feature in Florida](https://www.khov.com/find-new-homes/florida) and other warm locations. These spaces allow you to cook, prep and eat your meals in one area outside of the home. Grills, smokers and pizza ovens are a few of the cooking appliances you can incorporate into an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens also generally have ample counter space so you have an area to chop veggies, shuck corn and do other meal prep tasks. ## **4. First-Floor Master Suites** Are you looking at a two-story home? Consider a home with a first-floor master suite. These bedroom suites are perfect for couples who plan to age in the home or [for multi-generational households](https://www.khov.com/blog/what-is-a-multigenerational-home/). Older parents or relatives can have a suite to themselves and avoid having to go up and down the stairs frequently. ## **5. Large Kitchen Islands** If your family frequently cooks, opt for a floor plan with a large kitchen island. Here, kids can receive help on their homework while you make supper. Besides cooking and prepping meals, kitchen islands can also function as a breakfast counter. ![](https://www.khov.com/api/image/transform/?src=https%3A%2F%2Fauthoring.khov.com%2Fglobalassets%2Fimported-wordpress-blog-images%2Ffour-seasons-kent-island-santorini-kitchen-2-1024x604_7a6e4731.jpg&width=900&modern=true&maxAge=2592000) _The spacious kitchen island in our Santorini home plan at [K. Hovnanian's Four Seasons at Kent Island](https://www.khov.com/find-new-homes/maryland/chester/21619/four-seasons/k.-hovnanian-s-four-seasons-at-kent-island)_ ## **6. Media Room ** If you are a movie buff, add a media room to your must-have list. Homebuilders design these rooms to replicate a theatre experience. Although media room dimensions vary by model, they typically have room for a wide screen TV and a high-quality sound system. The type of seating used will depend upon the amount of space you have and your personal preference. ## **7.** **Wine Storage** Many new-construction homes are catering to wine aficionados. If you love to unwind with a glass of vino, upgrade your kitchen or dining room with a wine fridge. Having a dedicated space for your wine will ensure it is always the right temperature and will free up space in your fridge. ## **8. HovHub** ![](https://www.khov.com/api/image/transform/?src=https%3A%2F%2Fauthoring.khov.com%2Fglobalassets%2Fimported-wordpress-blog-images%2Fcane-bay-mont-blanc-hovhub-1-1024x604_86df7e5d.jpg&width=900&modern=true&maxAge=2592000) _A HovHub in our Mont Blanc home plan at [K. Hovnanian's Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay](https://www.khov.com/find-new-homes/south-carolina/summerville/29486/four-seasons/k-hovnanians-four-seasons-at-the-lakes-of-cane-bay)_ Do you need an area to pay bills, but don’t need a full home office? Consider adding a HovHub to your home. This small desk area can be incorporated near the kitchen or living room and provides the perfect space to catch up on emails while still being a part of the action. It can also serve as a drop zone for the mail or a charging station for your electronic devices. Now that you know more about popular house features, you can finalize your must-have list. After that, you’ll be one step closer to finding your dream home.