Packed Parade of Homes excites builders

By Collin Gallant on September 6, 2018.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com @CollinGallant

The 2018 Parade of Homes is underway in Medicine Hat with those in the local homebuilding sector hoping a bigger field this year belays better times ahead for the industry.

A total of 11 homes from 10 builders will be open to the public for viewing this month — double last year’s total despite this year’s generally stagnant permit numbers for new builds.

CHBA spokesman Garry Ruff said Wednesday at the kickoff that after several lean years, the new-built home inventory is at a point where builders could see opportunity to build on spec — essentially without a purchase contract — in hopes of meeting demand next summer.

“In 2015, we had 58 homes built on spec,” said Ruff. “That carried us through 2016, and then 2017 was a correction year.

“We’ll see in October after this showcase what the interest is, but all indicators are that the market is coming back. There’s always something happening.”

There are some strong indicators.

Lansdowne Equity Venture took the cautious step two years ago of pre-selling lots before greenlighting a new subdivision, and found interest exceeded expectations.

The size of a potential subdivision in 2017 was doubled to more than 40 homes, and work began this year to level and service an adjacent 17-lot cul-de-sac.

Mayor Ted Clugston said at Wednesday’s grand opening that 10 new homes on the tour add up to about $5 million in investment.

“To see the investment and the new technology (in the homes) is great,” he said. “There’s a lot of risk to builders with these homes. That means optimism and jobs in Medicine Hat.”

The kickoff took place at 224 Sierra Rd., a 3,100-square-foot, two-storey home that features a walkout basement and two levels of patios overlooking a linear park in Saamis Heights.

“You can see the entire city,” said Gerhardt Brost, whose company built, and has already sold, the house.

“It’s a good example of what can be built on this lot.”

Organizers say that overall, visitors will see new modern finishes, appliances, floorplans and colour schemes when touring the homes.

Three parade homes are located in new phases of the Hamptons, with two in Desert Blume, and one each in Terrace, Ranchlands, Southlands, Canyon Creek, Vista Heights and Saamis Heights.

Homes are available for viewing from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, then from 1-5 p.m. on weekends, until Sept. 30.

The contracting firms involved are Belcore Homes, Brost Developments, Jasper Homes, Jayco Builders, Kenco Construction, Lacey Homes, Mulder Builders, NewRock Developments, Remcon Builders and Wahl Construction.

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