Why Builders Are Adding Firepits as Standard in 2026

Episode 95 of The Housing Economy explores why homebuilders across the Sun Belt and beyond are installing built-in firepits as a standard feature, not an upgrade. Lucas and Luna dig into the data: with mortgage rates hovering near 6.4% and home prices cooling, builders are using outdoor living spaces to differentiate. They cite a recent NAHB survey showing 58% of new homes under $500,000 now include a permanent fire feature—up from 22% in 2020. The hosts discuss how this ties to the broader shift toward staycation spending and the rise of 'outdoor rooms' in floor plans. Plus, a look at how the trend is reshaping landscaping costs and resale value, with specific numbers from the latest Case-Shiller index. #Homebuilders #Firepits #OutdoorLiving #RealEstate2026 #HousingMarket #MortgageRates #HomePrices #NewHomeFeatures #SunBelt #Staycation #NAHB #CaseShiller #HomeDesign #Landscaping #ResaleValue #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo