Interesting

mikec

Something interesting I read in this article.
http://www.courant.com/business/real...0,248668.story


"He expects changes in his company's products, which tend to appeal to what's known in the industry as a "second move-up" buyer who historically has sought a roomy house. Wieland's single-family homes average 3,400 square feet.

"One of the things that's coming up is called 'smaller,'" he said. "And closer-in" to metro areas.

There's a changed attitude now, he said.

"American builders have been over-building, and Americans have been over-buying," Wieland said. "The buyer had said, 'It seems like I should buy [as big a house as] I possibly can because that's how I am going to make the most money.'


I worked for a framer/builder for a long time. We primarily built homes that averaged 3k square feet. The boss had been building since the end of ww2. He would talk about the tract homes he used to build in the 50's and 60's. 200 plus houses -one print. These neighborhoods of course are stilll around, but no one builds like this anymore.
In the late 70's my parents built a new home in a sub division. 1,750 square foot colonial. The whole neighborhood is comprised of houses like this or raised ranches. No one builds like this much anymore either, at least not around here(central Connecticut). True there are many smaller homes going up in the 50 plus subdivisions, but let me ask you guys this.
Do you think we will see a return of the smaller home subdivisions?
Do you think when things do come back that we will back to building in places like "McMansion Estates" or will the focus be primarily on good old fashioned american neighborhoods?

HWCostruction

I've been hearing for close to a year now that the roomy McMansions are going to the way side. That trend is coming to an end and we are leaning toward the smaller now.

KentWhitten

He's one of those guys you want to pay attention to what he did. Not literally what he did, but his thought process. Winners search for the way. Losers sit back and complain about the economy.

Good find.

__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

rustyjames

Well, if people are really sincere about "going green" (rather than just wearing it) then we should be seeing smaller, better built and more efficient houses as the new trend. When you factor in the amount of materials and associated costs, coupled with energy costs to heat/cool the big boxes--and to maintain and pay taxes on them--it only makes sense.

katoman

Worked for a successful builder here in Southern Ontario. His approach is to follow the baby boomers. Built 4 subdivisions, pre-sold, offered a basic house plus extras. Made tons of money on the extras. 1500 to 3200 sq. ft. Seniors selling large homes in Toronto and "moving down" within comuter distance to Toronto. We sold out each subdivision within 6 months.

mikec

Katoman, the builders here have been doing that for a few years now. The 50 or 55 plus community. I know one builder who has done 4 subdivisions of them, but right now he can't sell anymore. If he puts one up every 4 months I'd be surprised. A year ago it was a production line, everyone kept moving down it.
Famerman, I agree. This guy's sales technique may be a bit screwy, but he saw a problem, and went out to learn about its cause and find a solution.