Departments
They've built it, now go
By Beth Nervig
September 15-16 & 20-23
For two weekends in September, Rochester Area Builders will be hosting its free semi-annual Fall Showcase of Homes, which features more than 50 homes in Rochester and surrounding communities. The homes range in price from $200,000 to $1 million, in styles that include everything from traditional rambler to contemporary two-story.
The showcase normally attracts roughly 5,000 visitors, organizers say, noting that the wide variety of design elements usually appeal to homeowners of all tastes. Karen Blissenbach, an organizer of the event and co-owner of Design Studio B, says that home theaters with projection screens are a hot item this year. Snack counters are another up-and-comer, replacing wet bars in some houses for a more versatile game or drink counter that is both adult- and kid-friendly. According to RAB executive director Sandy Friend, the event exposes visitors to the latest designs and updates in flooring, countertops, and cabinets. Each year, visitors “can see what things are coming up. The colors. The new ideas. People like to go see what’s going on,” Friend says.
On the first Saturday of the Showcase, houses are judged by professionals in the construction industry, and the best houses in each price category are noted so that visitors are able to hit the must-sees during the second weekend. Attendees can also vote on their favorite house, and Friend says that the People’s Choice Best Home Award is “very coveted among the builders.”
The event runs noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 15, 16, 22, and 23 and 3-6 p.m. on Sept. 20-21. For info, including a list of homes, call the Rochester Area Builders at 282-7698 or check out www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com.
Remodeler’s Home Tour
October 6-7
It’s a one-two punch: the Fall Showcase of Homes will whet your appetite for a style makeover and then, not even a month later, the Rochester Area Builders Remodeler’s Home Tour will reinforce your newfound desires.
The Remodeler’s Home Tour, which offers builders a chance to show off their best makeovers of existing homes, will include many interesting projects this year.
For example, Tom Gommels of Master Builders will be showcasing an older farmhouse dining room and kitchen with recessed lighting, cherry cabinetry and new flooring. He’s also showing a two-story addition with a two-sided fireplace separating a sunroom and dining room. Other elements of renovation can be seen with new patios, shop spaces, and even re-routed driveways. From year to year, Gommels notes that the most popular remodels include kitchens and sunrooms, with the more windows the better.
Another continuing trend is for owners to open up interior walls to create a more open and spacious floor plan. Gommels adds that people always enjoy being able to actually touch the new renovations and see them in person. “To be able to walk through the project helps them to visualize it happening in their own home ... this isn’t something on TV on some remodeling show.” The tour also helps people get in contact with remodeling companies and contractors. The number one response from visitors, according to RAB’s Sandy Friend, is: “Thank you. We needed this in our community.”
The Remodelers Home Tour runs October 6-7 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Rochester Area Builders main office, 108 Elton Hills Lane NW.
For tickets or information, call the Rochester Area Builders at
282-7698 or check out www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com.