5 design concepts to spark new-home sales

5. Wentworth Plan

ARCHITECT
GMD Design Group
Donnie McGrath, 770.375.7351
donnie@gmddesigngroup.com
Scott Gardner, 919.320.3022
scott@gmddesigngroup.com
www.gmddesigngroup.com

To win in today’s competitive market, homes and communities must distinguish themselves from both the new and resale competition. The one aspect of good design that can stir an emotional response in your buyers is the front elevation. After all, it’s the first thing homeowners see when they come home and the last thing they see when they leave. Here are some tips for maximizing the impact of your front elevations:

A. Minimize the impact of the garage. Many iconic pre-war neighborhoods were designed around the concept of detached garages located in the rear. While this is not typically an economical solution due to cost, there are alternative strategies that can re-create the warm feeling of classic communities while not breaking the bank. In both examples shown, the warmth of the porch and home presents itself to the street and the impact of the garage is minimized.

B. Be authentic with the detailing. The use of authentic details will make the entry experience memorable to prospective buyers. Design the entry sequence to showcase the textures, color, and warmth of authentic materials. In this example, a porch with exposed rafter tails is a unique and memorable feature. The buyer will experience a variety of textures (stone, wood timber, and wood planks) that all work together to convey a feeling that this home is handcrafted. While it would be nice, this level of detailing need not be carried through the entire exterior. Strategic use of quality materials and detailing at the front is all that is necessary.

For past House Review reports, visit www.HousingZone.com/HouseReview.
 

For more articles from Professional Builder's special Design Innovation Report, click here.