Design centres turn lifestyle dreams to reality

The process of building a new home can be a long and tedious one, and homebuilders make every effort to make it as smooth as possible. But one part of the process that can feel both overwhelming and fun is the selection of interior finishes. This is where the buyer gets to realize the look and lifestyle of their home, and the homebuilder design centres are the places where the magic happens.

It used to be that the selection process involved going on several trips to different locations to pick out lighting fixtures, kitchen and bathroom hardware and the various little pieces that make a house a home. But many of today’s homebuilders have simplified that process, building their own design centres for a one-stop shop where everything from appliances, to flooring to tiles and cabinetry can be selected and matched with ease.

Each one has their own unique method to make their clients’ dream home become a reality, and we take a look at the processes employed by Brookfield Residential, Excel Home and Trico Homes to turn what could be a stressful experience into something more fulfilling and even enjoyable.

Like most public places during the pandemic, everyone we spoke with takes all precautions to comply with Alberta Health guidelines. Enhanced cleaning methods of all surfaces – including samples – are instituted, as well as the wearing of masks and maintaining social distances at all times.

All three can arrange virtual meetings and Brookfield Residential says they take added steps to make sure those selections through this method are matched perfectly, but most say the in-person meeting is what clients still prefer.

Excel Homes

Excel Homes does things a little differently when it comes to the material selection process. They don’t have one single design centre – they have several, in fact, one each in all of the communities they build single-family homes in.

Excel Homes’ show homes come equipped with their own design centres where clients can do all their selections with ease and comfort. Excel’s area managers have the expertise to assist clients in creating the aesthetic appeal of their homes with the wide array of material selections in these design centres.

“This makes it easier for the clients, they can make their selections in the community where they are building their new home in,” says Zachary Boyce, marketing coordinator at Excel Homes. “We make it as simple as possible, so our clients don’t have to drive around to different locations to make their selections.”

Boyce says Excel’s expert designers have curated a number of finishing touches available for clients to select from, in each of their show home design centres. “We have refined our list of options to the very best in quality, lasting style and value. This means you don’t need to make multiple trips to the design centre, and you don’t need to choose from an endless number of product suppliers. All you need to do is select the colours you love and watch your home come to life.”

Tyler Scott, area manager for Excel Homes in Carrington South says he helps clients do their selections by building a colour palette first. “We start with the cabinetry, kitchen backsplash, countertops and flooring. Appliances, are of course an essential part of the journey and we help clients pick those out too.”

They have the process down to a T so they can finish the selection process in a few short hours. “We also keep it at one client at a time in the design centres to maintain health and safety protocols,” Scott says.