I received an email newsletter from Richmond American Homes that included the following article I want to share. If you are interested in building a new home, the following article has great tips for items to watch as you tour model homes of Indiana home builders as well. If you are looking into new construction and resale homes, these tips are truly helpful as you walk through any home and imagine living there.


Here are 6 specific items to keep your eyes on when walking through the model home

Quality. Model homes showcase the best a builder offers. Look for signs of how much care goes into structural features and energy-efficiencies. Open doors and cabinets. Check out wall structure and notice whether or not the corners are rounded. Ask about insulation, wiring, heating and air conditioning.

Flow & Livability. Look for a floorplan that will work for your lifestyle. Think about how your furniture will fit and how well the living spaces flow from one room into the next. Some floorplans can make everyday tasks easier, and it’s often the smallest details that make a difference. Is there a place to put your shoes? A coat closet? A conveniently located laundry room? All these factors can go a long way toward improving your quality of life in a home. (When you visit an Estridge model home, take home a large size floorplan and a furniture template. You can use the scaled furniture cut-outs to imagine exactly how you would arrange your furniture with the home design.)

Décor. Have you ever noticed that some homes have a “wow” factor, right from the moment you walk inside? Whether it’s a fabulous color scheme or an eye-catching use of fabrics and textures, a well-designed model home can make a striking impression. The good news? You can use that wow factor to your advantage. If you’re selling a home, it’s a perfect chance to pick up professional, creative concepts for staging, all without paying a dime! And if you’re not selling a house, what better place to get ideas on how to decorate your brand new home than in a beautiful model designed by experts? (Looking for tips on getting your home ready to sell? Visit the E-Lifestyle area on Estridge.com for monthly tips.)

Storage. It’s something many people forget to look for until they move in. Check out the size of closets, garage and basement options, and other storage areas. From high school memorabilia to fine china and your ice-cream maker, be sure there’s plenty of space to put all your stuff!

Kitchen. The kitchen is typically the most popular room in the home. Pay special attention to cabinets, pantries, lighting and countertop space. If you enjoy entertaining, is there room for guests to mingle? If you’re a chef, you may be more interested in a food preparation island, a double oven and a spacious pantry. Think about the design features you need today, as well as those you’ll want in the future.

Details, Details. From the overall cleanliness of the model to the scent that greets you when you walk inside (Estridge model homes will smell like freshly baked cookies, make sure to grab one or two after you walk through the home), small details can offer hints at how much pride a builder takes in their work. Sales and maintenance teams who take the time to ensure that a model’s light bulbs are working and the shutters are dusted are people who take pride in their product. This is a good indication they’ll pay attention to small details when it comes to your home too.


- Posted by Mary Catharine Grau, Director of Marketing, Estridge and HOMExperience