A select number of newly constructed homes throughout Owensboro and Henderson were on full display as the Green River Building Industry Association hosted its Fall Tour of Homes on Saturday and Sunday.
The organization’s annual two-day event, originally under GRBIA’s former name — the Home Builders Association of Owensboro, featured 12 homes from six local builders including Jagoe Homes, KSB Living, Martin Custom Building, Inc., Joe Mattingly Builders, Inc., CR Contracting and Hayden Construction Co, Inc.
The highlighted properties were scattered throughout Daviess County from downtown, neighborhoods near Rudy Mine Trails to Thurston and, for the first time, three homes about 30 minutes out in Henderson.
The free event gave attendees the opportunity to tour each home, see the latest designs and speak with builders and professionals in the housing industry in-person.
Jared Martin, owner of Martin Custom Building, Inc., said the company has been part of the event “since it started” along with GRBIA’s similar event, Parade of Homes, which occurs annually in the summer.
Martin, who was on site Sunday showcasing his organization’s 3,300-square-foot, four-bedroom home at 5013 Bridgewood Drive, said events like this give the company a chance “to show our product” while having the possibility of “(meeting) potential clients.”
“Most people we build for have been through the Parade (and Fall Tour of Homes) at some point. We get to meet (them) and they get to know us, and see what we have available,” he said.
Martin said he likes getting to meet people in a more informal setting, as the event allows visitors to stop by anytime during the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. timeframe as opposed to a scheduled appointment.
“If they come in and meet us, they may not build right away. They may come back a few years later,” he said, “but you get to meet your potential clients and kind of build a relationship from there.”
Additionally, Martin said it’s not uncommon for people visiting the featured properties to simply be looking for inspiration for their own respective homes.
“A lot of people (that) come through just want to see some of the current trends, and colors and things like that — flooring, cabinetry — just to kind of get some ideas,” he said.
Martin, who has been with the company for 27 years, said the open concept floor plan has continued to be a popular choice when it comes to building new homes.
“Early in my career, you didn’t see (open concept) as much, but that’s what most people are looking for,” he said. “They’re kind of going away from the formal dining rooms … and (looking) for the big open area for dining that’s open with the family room and kitchen.”
Seven of the properties part of the event were featured by Jagoe Homes, including 690 Alabaster Lane in the Heatherstone neighborhood off U.S. 60 — a 1,395 square-foot one-story abode that is currently under construction.
“The main reason why (Jagoe) put this (property) in (the Fall Tour of Homes) is because we wanted to showcase the back section of this neighborhood. It is our newest neighborhood in Owensboro,” said Peyton Saint, new home sales consultant with Jagoe Homes. “Back here, you’re going to have a starting price point much lower than the other areas (where) we have houses for sale in the (Fall Tour of Homes) this year.”
Despite not having furnishings in place, Saint finds seeing a home undergoing the building process still has benefits of showing to the public.
“It is good to walk through a house under construction because you can see our construction quality, which Jagoe prides (itself) on having high quality,” he said. “I like seeing (a property) at this stage because you kind of get a feel for what actually went into the build process so far.”
Saint said seeing houses like the Alabaster property can help people envision ideas of how to lay out furniture, what colors to use for painting, the type of flooring to consider and the type of art pieces to hang on the wall among other décor.
Saint, who lives in a home in Bowling Green with the same floor plan — the Leonardo-Craftsman — said he enjoys being able to help potential clientele come up with thoughts of designs and how to make the home their own.
“… With new construction, especially at this phase, (it’s about) painting that picture, so you kind of have an imagination when you are looking at this stage,” he said. “… It’s not a one size fits all. You can lay it out as you want to.”