This year’s Elkhart County to offer variety of styles and ideas

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

It’s time for the annual Builders Association of Elkhart County Parade of Homes Plus in Elkhart County again, beginning June 17 - 25.

You’ll see some of the work of Todd Meier and Team Construction Company. Meier is the current president of the Builders Association. “Team has been building homes in Elkhart County and the surrounding area since 1991 and has been in The Parade of Homes for the past 30 years.”

When asked about the plans used for these beautiful homes, Meier replied, “House plans are usually trademarked. So whoever developed or produced the plans you see within the pages of the Parade of Homes magazine actually owns those plans – they are the property of that specific builder. The best thing to do If you find a particular plan you like while visiting the homes in this year’s parade is to contact that builder and open the conversation. That way they can help you take that plan and tailor it to your vision. You can also visit builder websites. You will most likely find a variety of different plans as well as photographs of completed homes.”

There’s never a repeat home in the parade, but you will find many of the builders are the same. This year six of the seven builders have been featured many times in the Parade of Homes – Town & Country Builders, Schrock Homes, Team Construction, Fireside Homes, M.J. Construction and Legacy Homes.

New to the parade this year, as well as being northern Indiana’s newest home builder, is Elevation Home Builders out of Elkhart. Aaron and Brittainy Gilliland, owners of this new business, have submitted something called a ‘barndominium.’

You may never have heard of it before, but you’ll be intrigued by this house. “It’s built in a pole frame structure.

Some people think it just has the look of maybe a huge barn or garage. We’re calling this a luxury home–there are two large garages, but it’s mostly house. In fact, it’s 3,600 square feet of house, 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms, plus office. The garages are 1,000 and 400 square feet. It’s in the woods on five acres, and we kept the lot wooded,” said Brittainy Gilliland.

Kelly Barr and her husband, Bryan, own Square 1 Builders. Their daughter, Sam, also works with them. While they were unable to participate in the parade this year, due to timing issues, their company’s work has often been featured many times in previous years. When asked about the newest trends in homebuilding, Barr was quick to provide an answer.

“Square 1 Builders has been in business over 25 years, and we have participated in many Parade of Home events over the years. It’s always interesting to see where the latest trends are heading. We are seeing more and more buyers who desire a modern rustic farmhouse look, with warm tones. I say that, yet many are choosing to add a pop of color–whether it’s a wall color, or maybe a bold color choice of green or blue for cabinets. Also, there’s still a

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strong draw to the large, open concept for entertaining.

This idea is carrying over into the outdoor living space Homebuyers are looking for homes that have spaces to entertain, to that create a feeling of community.” In fact, the Barrs won quite a few awards last year for their home entry, and Bryan Barr will be the president of the Builders Association in 2024.

There is a judging day, with various categories, depending on the cost of the home, and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite, the Peoples Choice Award, by visiting baec.com. Don’t you want to take a drive? Check out the winners, get some ideas for your own home? Some inspiration? The possibilities are endless at the 2023 Parade of Homes Plus. n

This home is only open Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 1:00-8:00 pm