From the perspective of a custom builder, there are three main areas I look for in a home to see if it’s worthy of building as a speculative home and especially as a Parade Home entry.  First, is curb appeal.  We market homes by either photos online or someone physically driving by.  If the home doesn’t have curb appeal, then no one is going to click on it to see more or no one is going to stop their car and get out to see what’s inside.  So curb appeal is a top priority.

Second thing I look at is the Kitchen.  How is the Kitchen designed, where is it located within the plan, how many cabinets does it have?  How big is the island?  What features can we add? Etc.  Since Kitchens are the heart of a home, the Kitchen plays a significant role in a plans success.

And the third most important feature we look for is the Master Suite, especially the Master Bath.  There’s no perfect equation I go by that distinguishes if a Master Bath makes the cut, but there are certain things I look for.

In last year’s Parade entry, we built our Meadow plan.  The Meadow is a great plan because it has many great features within the home.  Good curb appeal. . . check.   Great Kitchen. . . check.  Master Suite. . . check!

What makes the Master Bath so great in the Meadow plan?   In this situation, we manipulated the bathroom from its original design to create a large double headed shower and linen closet.  We added stained 1×6 and a beautiful chandelier to the ceiling.  On this plan we have a large but unique vanity configuration.  I have done the vanity a different way all three times we have built this plan.

This time around when I was working on the cabinet selections, I found a brand new feature the cabinet supplier was offering:  A Vanity Cabinet Pullout that helps organize and store all your hair tools and products.   How cool is that!!!!

Working with our Custom Cabinet Guy, Bryant helped me with the layout and the pullout became a perfect additional to an already incredible Master Vanity.   During last year’s Parade of Homes it was one of the Hot items that ladies from all ages LOVED.  And I love it too, “I want that” in my next home!

We recently had a client that added one to her personal vanity and her daughter’s vanity.  An advantage to working with a custom cabinet maker, is we are able to include a feature such as this and blend it seamlessly into the cabinet configuration.

I’m also about to add it to this year’s Parade Home entry in the Master Bath’s  “L” shaped vanity configuration.  It was a challenge, but Bryant worked with me to include it. Can’t wait to show you.

What do you think?  Let me know if this is something you would like to have by replying #IWANTTHAT.