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For 2015, It's What's Inside That Counts
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"A lot of people don't even use the fireplace, but they won't buy a house without a fireplace," Ahluwalia said.
The same goes for garages, which will probably get much larger, especially in pricier homes.
"Even people who don't have three cars want to have a three-car garage," he said.
Technology will become a more integral part of the house, the study found. Universal design, a concept that makes homes accessible to all people regardless of age or disabilities, will also find a place in new-home construction.
In fact, it already has, to a limited extent. Winchester Homes of Bethesda, for example, is building a two-story house in Clarksburg Village with a master bedroom on the first floor and other features such as a zero-step entry, wider hallways and doorways, and plumbing fixtures that can be turned on and off with one hand. "There's a lot of people out there who can't find this type of housing," said Alan Shapiro, senior vice president of operations at Winchester Homes.
One national trend that some local builders said they don't think they will see in the D.C. area is more luxurious outdoor spaces.
The association's study predicts that outdoor kitchens complete with sinks, refrigerators and cooking islands will become more popular in upscale homes.
But houses are built on small lots in the Washington area because land is so expensive, not to mention that it's just too humid in summer and cold in winter to spend much time outdoors.
"You can't use it enough," said Stephen Paul, executive vice president of Mid-Atlantic Builders of Rockville.
Local builders did agree with the survey's findings that "green" methods will become more widespread. The builders association predicts that the home of the future will have water conservation devices and energy-efficient appliances, among other features.
"The cost of energy is going to continue to rise," Paul said. "It will encourage essentially green building and efficient building."
