All the hard work is over.
Now, it's time for the 36 builders involved in the 2015 Fall Parade of Homes to sit back and observe consumers' reactions to all the time and creativity that's been poured into their show homes.
"It's a lot of work without question, but it's worth it," said Rob Swan of Huntington Homes. "Building a show home, for us, it takes roughly 10 months from design (which may take two to three months) to completion. It's exciting for us because we get to incorporate new design ideas and features we think will excite people, and help them enjoy life more."
Spencer Curtis of Hilton Homes said the last week of the show home building process is the most stressful and busy.
"I'd have to say the week before the Parade is a bit of a pressure cooker. As builders, we tour our show homes -- we have six entered in the Fall Parade this year -- both before and after they're decorated. We also meet with our sales representatives to talk about different plans and sub-divisions -- and then we check homes again just in case we find some last-minute details that need to be addressed," he said.
While the builders tend to get all the credit for their innovative, feature-packed show homes, a team effort is required to produce the final product, said Jason Arlt of Arlt Homes. "So much goes into the creation of a show home," said Arlt. "For us, as a custom builder, it's a full-year cycle to realize most of our show homes. Everyone, from us, to the trades, to the interior designers puts in a lot of time across the board. Everyone plays an important part in creating the end product."
Those products figure to be better than ever for the 2015 Fall Parade of Homes, said Mike Moore, president of the Manitoba Home Builders Association (MHBA).
"This year there will be 130 new homes produced by 36 builders in 32 areas both inside and outside the city," said Moore. "More than ever, there's going to be a great mix of condominiums, single family detached homes and even townhomes, which seem to be making a comeback. There are new areas (such as Devonshire Village) to check out and new builders involved. The good news for prospective home buyers is there's truly something for everyone."
That increased selection bodes well for consumers, said Moore. "There's going to be more choice across the board, and most importantly, a high percentage of the homes are going to be very affordable. That's going to give first-time buyers a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. They and other buyers are going to be able to find the style of home they want in the neighbourhood they want for a very affordable price."
Not only will homes be affordable, but they'll also feature creative, livable designs, he added.
"People are going to see design features they haven't seen before, or will see features that blow them away -- such as a certain type of island, or dual walk-in closets. Designs are also going to feature incredible flexibility with open rooms that allow you to play with a home's configuration more, as well. Even if people don't buy a home, they usually get ideas from homes that they can plug into their own home."
Hearth Homes' sales manager/designer Liam Milne said the stress associated with prepping for the Parade is well worth enduring. "Every Parade is the same, whether it's spring or fall," said Milne. "You build the home, then push right to the last minute to get it ready. Generally, we stage a home in a day, so in this case, I'll likely be up until five in the morning on Saturday to make sure our home (on Rose Lake Court in Bridgwater Trails) is ready."
Elation, not exhaustion, will be the feeling once the home is deemed ready for public display, said Milne.
"I won't be tired, I'll be excited. I'll be so pumped up about the home because I know people will be looking for a home they can fall in love with -- a place they'll call home for many years to come, and enjoy coming home to because they absolutely love our design. As builders, that's the thought that motivates us, and makes the whole process so exciting and so rewarding."
lewys@mymts.net
