MBA - Parade of Homes 2017

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Homes on Parade 22 new houses offer a chance to see current building trends

BY B.L. HOGAN

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he Metropolitan Builders Association’s 72nd annual Parade of Homes, which kicks off August 12, offers a look inside 22 new homes in three subdivisions. But it’s not just for people who are shopping for their next residence.

“This isn’t only about new homes,” says Kristine Hillmer, the MBA’s executive director. “This is about looking at trends; it’s about looking at new innovative products; it’s about new concepts.

“A lot of people who come to the Parade of Homes aren’t necessarily in the market to buy a new house, but what they want to do is take these elements and concepts back to their (own) new house or their existing house.”

The Parade of Homes will run every day through Labor Day, featuring homes constructed by 18 MBA builder members.

Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Builders Association

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The three subdivisions are Four Winds West, a new development in the Village of Hartland; Fox Meadow, also new, in Menomonee Falls; and Highlander Estates, a new phase of an existing subdivision in Mequon.

The Parade will be the public’s only chance to see a number of these homes, according to Hillmer, as some are already sold, and others are likely to be sold during the event. Natalie Riley, MBA communications manager, says that in one recent year, all the homes were sold by the end of the Parade.

In addition to the houses themselves, the event is a way for developers to showcase these new communities, Hillmer says.

“If you’re moving, say, from St. Francis to Menomonee Falls, or from Franklin to Mequon, you may have no idea that these

neighborhoods are available,” she says, adding that the Parade is also a way for participating builders to showcase their craft for possible future new-home buyers.

And what about those new-construction trends?

“Color is one,” says Hillmer. “The trend for the last couple of years has been very much grays, with a lot of white woodwork, and very neutral. What you’re going to see in a lot of these houses is color popping up.”

Bielinski Homes is one builder going that way in the house it built in the Menomonee Falls subdivision. “Think of the colors in Sherwin-Williams Noir theme, like Anchors Aweigh, Mature Grape, Alchemy and Cyberspace,” says Paul Bielinski, chief operating officer.

Hillmer says that builders can supply AUGUST 2017

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MORE DETAILS OF THE PARADE OF HOMES People’s Choice Awards: Vote for your favorite overall home, landscaping, interior design or best room in each subdivision. Three lucky voters will receive prizes.

Experts: Those interested in building or buying a new home, remodeling or gathering ideas for home improvement projects will be able to interact with the area’s top experts in the field.

Tickets: They’re available for purchase online or through several advance ticket locations, for a discounted price of $10, or at the Parade of Homes gates for $12.

The tickets grant admission to each of the three subdivisions, one time each.

Special events: They’ll be held throughout the Parade, including a food drive, two-for-one days, Realtor days, social media days and military appreciation days.

Hours: The Parade homes will be open Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.

On the weekends and Labor Day, they’ll be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information or discounted tickets, visit MBAparadeofhomes.com.

visitors with the color choices they made in finishing the houses. That way, she said, “You know they’re color choices that match, so it takes some guesswork out of it.”

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The Bielinski house also boasts compartmentalized baths: “Both the owner’s bath and hall bath are designed so that multiple occupants can use them simultaneously and privately,” says Bielinski.

“This is a feature you don’t always see in the owner’s bath and rarely see in the hall bath.”

Also this year, Halen Homes’ house in the Fox Meadow subdivision is done in a modern-contemporary style, and includes cabinets hung on the wall (and not touching the floor), a staircase that uses steel cable for balusters and a double-sided fireplace that can be accessed from both indoors and outdoors, says Scott Thistle, the firm’s principal.

That indoor-outdoor fireplace is an example of how many new homes emphasize outdoor living, Hillmer says.

“Because Wisconsin has beautiful summers, and because functionally speaking you can’t use your outdoors half the year, they really make the most of this space,” she says, “whether it’s outdoor kitchen spaces or a fire pit or a gathering area.”

In addition, some of the homes make use of open concept design, with space

between the kitchen and great room providing a combined space for entertaining.

“Screen porches are often included in the large extended space,” says Jakki Brunn, chief operating officer of Trustway Homes. Their model features an outdoor living space in Hartland’s Four Winds West. Hillmer talks about how good it is, “having that sight line from your kitchen and your cooking to what your kids are doing in the great room – that has been a trend, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

There are also lots of innovative materials used in these homes, such as with Kings Way Homes, whose home in Highlander Estates in Mequon has newly developed Kolbe Forgent series windows made with a hybrid of fiberglass and a UV stable polymer, and a Miele high-end domestic stainless steel appliance package.

These are just a couple of new products and materials visitors will see, says Hillmer. “Whether it’s the insulation which you may not see but it adds to the energy efficiency of the house, whether it’s the furnace and air conditioning systems that are energy efficient or whether it’s Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Builders Association

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the flooring choices, for example a tile that looks like wood.

“Be sure to look down at your feet and look up at the ceiling, where you’ll see different paint, fixtures, finishes or tray ceilings. So you really have to look down and look up, as well as looking around.”

Mudrooms also are popular these days, and you’ll see them in some of these homes.

Also popular: house plans that have a master bedroom or suite that’s separate from the other bedrooms in the house – either a “split ranch home” with the master bedroom on one side and the kids’ and guest rooms on the other, or a two-story house with the master suite downstairs.

The master suite – the bedroom, an attached bath and a master closet – can become an “oasis” for parents, she said, or it can be used as a way to “age in place,” once climbing stairs becomes difficult.

“The final thing that really is interesting to look at,” says Hillmer, “is the

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technology and automation that can be included in your home. Anything from your smart appliances, to apps on your phone that you use to control your heating and air conditioning, turn on and off your lights or make sure your garage

door is either open or closed.” This technology also allows you to open or close blinds or monitor your security system, she said – even a skylight that can sense moisture in the air and close itself before the rain falls. ◆

Map courtesy of the Metropolitan Builders Association

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Creating Bright, White Home Spaces This stylish color makes for cool, calm interiors

BY THE INSIDERS TEAM AT NONN’S

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ummer is sizzling out, and soon it will be fall. With this season change we usually exchange our white wardrobes for autumn colors – but what if we decided to keep our bright whites a constant? The fashion police may have outlawed wearing white after Labor Day, but this trendy color is here to stay year-round in the home. With its cool, clean look and varying shades, white is anything but a fashion faux pas.

• SURVEY YOUR SPACES Before white whisks you away, analyze your abode. Look around and see what could use a facelift. Is the room cluttered, bare or dark? If so, white can bring in a different demeanor, even by means of a simple paint job. And while you may think the color is anything but charismatic, vamping up the texture to play on the hue will add depth of color and character.

Contrasting texture against this less than loud color will make a statement that will leave your guests speechless.

contrast between the two will expand your space without having to hammer a thing.

• THINK BIG (OR SMALL)

• CURATE THE KITCHEN

Wishing for white as your go-to hue may seem like a daring dream, but it’s closer to reality than you might think. With its neutral nature, white works just about anywhere, even if square-footage is sparse.

Your tiniest rooms feel like they double in size with the addition of white, bringing in light where it lacked before. But if you’re not completely prepared to commit to a single shade, consider adding ivory accents. They’ll elevate the elegance without a total whiteout.

Pro Tip: If scarce on space, painting the walls in a lighter tone will trick the eye into thinking the room is larger. Dark walls absorb light, while white reflects it. To create a more sizeable space, try painting the trim an even lighter color than the walls. The subtle

White doesn’t have to be vanilla. For rave reviews on the most used room in the home, make white the theme for your kitchen. And since the kitchen can become costly with larger renovations, updating the color scheme is the perfect way to update the appeal without breaking the bank.

Introducing white to the kitchen can start in a number of ways. First, consider where you want to make a statement. Do you want the countertops to inspire, or the appliances to steal the show? Planning these details will make decisions less grueling when it comes time to fine-tune your designs. An easy way to get a quick vision for your kitchen is to head to a design showroom, where many different styles are on display all in a single space.

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If you decide you’re all-in on what white has to offer, we say go for it! A great way to bring in the hue is to install a white countertop. This will add both color and texture to the space. After the counters, move to the cabinets and lighten things up with a coat of paint. If you want to keep things light, but not all the way white, turn your attention to whimsical cabinet handles, or consider a colorful mosaic backsplash.

Pro Tip: Depending on the style of your home, you can use white to make your kitchen look modern or Victorian. If you’re struggling and aren’t sure how to select a style, consult an expert. Design pros can take your kitchen’s current palette, mix it up and make it feel trendy or timeless.

• SUBDUE YOUR SITTING ROOM

Sitting rooms often get lots of love, as they’re the most comfortable spot in the Photo courtesy of Nonn’s

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home. But all this love can leave the space looking less than fresh. All it takes to bring it back to life is a little white! If you have dark hardwood floors, contrast them with a creamy couch. Paint the trim of the windows white, so the light can appear brighter than before. To turn up the tone in the space, make the jump and paint the face of the fireplace too. The consistency of color will refine the room and easily let loungers relax. Once you’ve decided the type of white you’d like to include, add other colors carefully, so the space remains as soothing as possible. You’ll now notice that time moves just a little slower, the space feels a lot calmer, and the design stays stylish.

Pro Tip: If you’re weary of the worry that comes with white, durable fabrics are key. White leather easily washes off, textured carpets suppress smudges, and stain resistant rugs are great options to keep your digs immaculate.

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• WHITE-OUT

THE WASHROOM White comes off as both clean and pristine to onlookers. What better place to implement the tone than the washroom? White accents can transform an often overlooked space into a sought-after spa. With the likelihood that both the toilet and tub are already white, moving the needle even further can be as easy as you’d like. Just make the switch to a white shower curtain and towels, and you’re well on your way to a cleaner washroom. For a more defining difference, apply white paint to the walls, and install white subway tile inside the shower. Use dark grout in-between each tile to underscore the style even more. If you do choose to take on the subway tile in the shower, switch up the style on the floor. Play with interesting shapes – ones that tie to the mosaic you made in your kitchen – or shift the size to something smaller. Your washroom will be one step closer to achieving true spa status.

• WAIT IT OUT Before you let white whisk you away completely, remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your home wasn’t either.

The possibilities to transform your home into a white and bright oasis are endless, but they should be considered carefully. Don’t rush into a remodel — turning everything white in a single night can make your home feel cold and bare. To make the space fitting for you, build it up over time. Wrap your personal taste into the white touches you want to add, so your home is not only impeccably clean and classic, but also tells the story you want it to. Experiment with your walls, your chairs, your art, even your lights. The thing about white is that it goes with anything, anywhere. Labor Day may be on its way, but this year, white is here to stay. ◆ Nonn’s is a family-owned business that designs and sells flooring, countertop, cabinetry and appliances.

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More than Hot, Cold HVAC pros have many ways to bring comfort to homes

BY B.L. HOGAN

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ften when people are building a new home, they don’t give much thought to its heating, ventilation and air conditioning. But, say two experts at Auer Steel, a major supplier of equipment to HVAC contractors, more research on that subject can bring great benefits to the owners of a new home.

“You’ve got all these decisions to make,” says Tina Seibold, Auer’s marketing manager, describing the process of building a home.

“What type of wood do you want, your cabinet style, your sinks and faucets, what’s the color of your walls, where do you put your electrical outlets...? A lot of the times, the homeowner goes, ‘I’ve got a furnace; do I get air? Awesome,’ and they’re done. But that conversation can be so much bigger.”

That’s because, as Seibold says, “Today’s HVAC contractors really are experts not just in temperature, but in total home comfort.” That means that with rapidly advancing HVAC technology, you can also assure that your home doesn’t have any cold spots or hot spots, that its humidity is kept at the right level and that the quality of the indoor air is optimal. And, with your contractor’s help, you can even automate the place.

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Seibold and Regan Krupp, product specialist at Auer, spoke recently about this rapidly expanding field. And though Auer Steel supplies equipment from numerous companies, they focused on Carrier products. Here are some of the ways these products can make your new home safer and more comfortable.

• INDOOR AIR QUALITY “There’s a big misconception on indoor air quality where people think air inside is just naturally clearer than the air outside,” says Krupp. “But the EPA actually says that the average American home is two to five times dirtier in the air inside, than outside.” This is a concern that can be even more important for new home owners than for residents of “this old house.”

That’s because some of the materials used in new home construction emit volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) for the first few years of the house’s life. Meanwhile, he says, energy-conscious homes are built so air-tight that fresh air doesn’t get in to replace stale air. “So all those chemicals and particles and allergens and viruses and bacteria that would naturally get filtered out of an older home with plenty of natu-

ral ventilation, now we’re actually locking them in with all of our tighter windows, tighter doors, better insulation.”

So how to fix that? Ventilation is a key measure. “There’s no easier way to get cleaner air in your house than actually bringing in that outside air in a controlled way – not just opening your windows,” says Krupp. An advanced ventilation system can bring in outside air without making it colder inside in winter or hotter in summer, Krupp says. In addition, purification or filtration can do a great deal to scrub the air clean.

Advanced filters can clear the air of particles down to microns in size – “bacteria size,” says Seibold. Some air-purifiers even can kill flu viruses, she says. That kind of filtration can be a lot more expensive than the two-inch, $10 furnace air filter, says Krupp.

Still, says Seibold, it’s a conversation worth having for new and existing home owners.

• HUMIDITY CONTROL Controlling the humidity in your new house can also affect air quality, Krupp says – as bacteria and viruses can grow in the dry winter air, and mold can grow in the humid air of summer.

But humidity control is also good for the house itself. If it’s too dry, new wood can develop cracks, and if it’s too damp, mold can grow. “There are even some hardwood floor manufacturers who will put in their warranty nowadays that you need to maintain a [certain] umidity level ... otherwise the warranty’s void,” Krupp says.

In addition, controlling the humidity can make it more comfortable inside the house at night, so you don’t have to crank the air conditioning down in summer or the heat up in winter.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can control humidity, and it helps save money if you install them during the construction stage – that way, a plumber can install a feeder line to the humidifier, Seibold says. Even if you don’t want to install a humidifier during construction, she adds, you can save a lot of money later if you plan ahead for it.

Photo courtesy of Auer Steel

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• DUCTLESS HEATING AND COOLING

Another problem with both new construction and existing homes is that some rooms can be colder or hotter than elsewhere in the house. These hot spots or cold spots can be fixed with a fast-growing technology called ductless heating and cooling. With ductless, you can install room units served by a small coolant line from an exterior heat pump that can provide either heating or cooling to a room.

This is an especially good solution when you’re adding rooms to your house – a ductless system will save you the expense of installing ductwork and matching it up with your home’s existing heating and cooling systems. This technology has been advancing rapidly, Krupp says. “Carrier units have been rated down to minus 22 degrees,” he adds.

• HOME AUTOMATION Another rapidly growing technology is home automation, which Seibold and Krupp say can be installed by qualified HVAC contractors. They can install smart thermostats, smoke and CO detectors, and set them up so you can control and monitor them from your smartphone. “Carrier has put together a home-automation system that looks similar to your home security systems like ADT or Guardian but can be monitored by the homeowner without a monthly fee,” says Krupp. These systems can include sensors to tell whether doors and windows have been left open, or whether there’s a water leak, and they can allow you to remotely open a garage door, lock or unlock house doors, turn on and off lights, and even turn up your thermostat, all from one app on your phone.

Krupp says a new generation of tech-savvy millennial homebuyers are increasingly interested in this kind of system, and that it adds to your home’s eventual resale value.

In summary, Seibold says, people building new homes don’t need to put in all the HVAC bells and whistles, but they should know what’s available. “They just need to have the conversation at the new construction planning phase,” says Seibold.

“If it’s not in the budget or the homeowner doesn’t want to discuss their options, at least they were informed.” ◆ 118

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