All In The Finishing
Whether a house is large and customized or more modest in its dimensions, owners are demanding finishing details for a unique package.
There’s a lot of work with colours and textures.
Details are the stylish accessories on a beautiful outfit, says Ottawa mural artist Karen Xarchos, “They complete it. That’s what people notice.”
“People are definitely into the details,” says Gerry Lavimodiere, co-owner of the awardwinning custom home building company John Gerard Homes.
Floors, kitchens, and bathrooms get the most attention, says veteran builder Denis Laporte.
The current trend toward open great rooms means fireplaces are getting a lot of attention as well, says the president and owner of Denmoor Development Corporation. An open great room also demands a well-designed kitchen.
“The kitchen has a huge impact,” he says. “Wood is the big finish in kitchens because of the great room.”
But whether they have a great room or not, homeowners “want granite in the kitchen,” adds Paul Franchuk, director of sales and marketing for Claridge Homes.
They also want crown dental molding, valance lighting, and glass cabinet doors. When it turns to floors, buyers are asking for granite in the foyer, and bamboo and cork to compliment the traditional choices of oak and maple.
Traditionally, fine detailing has been reserved for pricey, custom homes, but bigger builders are working with buyers to customize plans, adding their personality to suburban addresses or urban condos.
“Tract housing is getting much more custom oriented,” says Mr. Franchuk. “There is definitely a trend in the past two to three years toward upgrading.”
Even purchasers of small townhomes are looking for more features and details, such as open-concept floor plans, luxury ensuites, and cosy porches, he says.
People aren’t just satisfied to take a box anymore. They’re much fussier with their homes.
Unlike the 1960’s, when people bought “as is” homes, buyers now expect to customize and personalize their new home, he says. “Purchasers are expecting more detail. Builders have to respond.”
“Purchasers are more demanding in terms of quality,” says Mr. Laporte, who has built both custom homes and suburban tract houses. Housing has become so expensive, people are expecting a lot for their money. And it doesn’t matter if the house is custom built or not. Buyers are treating it as custom, he says.
In order to ensure they’re getting exactly the look they want, many are hiring interior decorators, says Mr. Franchuk. They’re also spending a lot of time in front of the television.
“They’re watching the Home and Garden channel way to much,” jokes Mr. Franchuk, adding there are benefits to watching home improvement shows. “It keeps the designs fresh and honest.”
By Michele Oberoi
Ottawa Citizen - Saturday, January 31, 2004