featurehome110523CameronHowBuildersChooseOptions
Much of the fun of touring new homes is in noticing how builders design and decorate their model homes. For that reason, touring model homes can play an early role in how buyers approach choosing their own new-home finishes.
For many builders, choosing options begins with the concept of personalization. They want to offer buyers the ability to personalize their spaces from a variety of options offering flexibility to individualize with style.
Some builders hire individuals or consulting firms to conduct research. That process may include evaluating past and current product demand, availability or overstocks. Regional or national customer surveys may take place to provide usable data for developing design packages.
As part of all of this, builders analyze costs relative to materials, labor and home pricing. Some builders primarily serve entry-level buyers or build multifamily homes.
Other builders may serve more buyers who are purchasing move-up homes, who are age 55+ or who may be seeking luxury or multigenerational homes. All of them want to offer the best quality, durability and flexibility in style for the prices their buyers seek.
Demographic considerations also factor in the current market surrounding the community. In addition, builders develop communities with a predetermined idea of their potential buyer profiles.
A suburban community near schools, for instance, is likely to attract families with children of all ages. Design packages or options for family-oriented homes might then offer a greater range of transitional styles with durable, long-lasting features.
Homes geared toward younger people near city centers may feature more modern styles. And homes intended for multigenerational living may feature more flexible options for main-level living as well as more options for traditional styles.
Market research may also factor in details such as current or projected interest rates as well as labor costs. In doing so, builders may create new options for additional floor-plan options or incorporate alternative room configurations.
Some builders may offer variations in finishes to dramatically affect cost without compromising style. Baseboard, door and window trim, for example, come in a variety of sizes and detail options.
Choosing a simpler trim style throughout the home may achieve the same general purpose as a larger or more luxurious style. And if doing so is what can get a buyer their home, then the builder wants to make it happen.
Sustainability and energy efficiency play a significant role for any builder and even more so in California, which has the strictest green-building standards in the nation. Buyers can get involved in this part.
Ask about alternatives to installing solar panels on the roof, for instance. In certain communities, motivated buyers may be able to plan their outdoor living spaces during home construction and have the solar panels installed atop structures other than the main house.
Prospective buyers have a good amount of say in what options are available to them, especially when in the still-looking stage. Here’s how:
Take style tests: Builders develop style profiles with detailed definitions for each profile. An informal evaluation offered by each builder or design center uses AI to help buyers get an immediate set of choices that are likely to fall in their areas of preference.
Those initial selections might feature color palettes, floor and counter materials, fixtures, lighting, and other design elements that are characteristic of the chosen style. Some results even generate ideas for furniture that would look good in each space.
Next, visit several models in new-home communities or model showrooms at builders’ design centers. These showrooms let buyers see how their general design style will look. The showrooms will also display options for personalizing each space within or according to design profile.
Most builders rotate their design options every few months or so. By giving detailed feedback to builders and their designers, a buyer may discover new choices available to them when the time arrives to make decisions.
Finally, have a conversation about customizations. While customizations will affect price, they add a new level to the idea of personalization.
Happy home touring. Fall is the perfect season for it!
Originally published at Cameron Sullivan