Home shows like the “Parade of Homes” or “Street of Dreams” let you walk through a number of finished home models by custom home builders. You get to see some of the latest and greatest trends in finishes, fixtures, and home décor and check out different floor plans, layouts, and home designs. You can walk around neighborhoods and communities that you may not have ever explored before. But if you’re intending to get ideas and inspiration for your own dream home, you may find yourself a little overwhelmed. Here are some tips for helping you navigate your next home show and leave with some organized ideas for designing and building your own Des Moines area custom home.
Dress for success.
If you have small children in tow, bring along some snacks and something to keep them occupied while you peruse the model homes. A bag that you can drop any product, builder, and home information materials into will be helpful, too. Most importantly, wear comfortable walking shoes.
Give yourself enough time.
Plan a few hours for your visit so you can take your time and explore each home’s amenities and features. If possible, attend the show on one of its earlier days so you can return to revisit any homes you particularly like or want to explore further.
Use your technology.
Bring a camera (or phone with a camera), and be prepared to take LOTS of pictures. Snapping photos of the manufacturer information, builder contact info, product names, or other things you want to keep handy is a good idea, too. You can also take video of things you really like and narrate your comments for later reference.
Make your own captions.
To make sure that you remember which pictures corresponded with which house (e.g., that master bath showerhead that you loved in the sixth house, the countertops you wanted from the first), bring along a few index cards or post-its. Write down the number or address of the house, and make sure the note is visible in the photo you take of the item. That way, finding the builder to follow up later is easy.
Go old school.
A notebook or sketchbook is also great to take along with you for recording less pictorial inspiration. This can be thoughts or feelings about what you like or don’t like about a model, such as “loved the open plan of the kitchen space flowing into the living area” or “first-floor master suite would be a definite plus.” Recording these notes in the moment will be easier and more comprehensive than trying to remember later what you liked or disliked.
Ask questions.
Builder representatives will be on site at the home show and can help you answer questions about the homes and the materials and products in them. They will also have informational material and contact information at the homes. If you love the bathtub but wonder if it comes in a jetted model, don’t hesitate to ask – either at the event or by contacting the builder afterward.
Pay attention to detail.
It’s a builder’s attention to detail that sets one apart from the next. Check out the corners of trim, particularly at the baseboards, ceilings, and doorframes. Quality finish work is a sign of quality craftsmanship throughout the home, while shoddy nailing and pieces that don’t quite match up exactly can be a sign of more hidden issues.
Consider buying off the rack.
Frequently, the model homes that are on display in a home show are actually for sale! If you walk through one that you really love, consider making an offer. You can often get good deals on high-end materials, finishes, and even furniture and décor by purchasing a finished model.
Homes by Brill has a gorgeous Prairie Style ranch in this year’s Hubbell Living Home Show in the charming, up-and-coming town of Johnston, Iowa. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2,600-square-foot walk-out ranch sits on a cul de sac lot with a walk-out backyard facing a huge field with no adjacent houses. Come see and tour this home as well as models from eight other Des Moines custom home builders this Saturday and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.
Click the link below to find out how easy it is to get started on your own Des Moines custom home or contact us today!
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