Craftsmanship takes center stage in county

Residents and out-of-town visitors alike will soon witness a showcase of craftsmanship.

The 2008 Parade of Homes, presented by the Home Builders Association of Faulkner County, takes place this weekend, offering a free county-wide open house presented by area realtors.

In addition to viewing professionally built homes in Huntington Estates, Nutters Crossing, Hayden's place, and other neighborhoods in Conway, Vilonia and Greenbrier, attendees can also sample different trends in home decorating and design.

"It's basically a showcase of builders associated with the HBA," said Tom Poe, an HBA board member. "It's a showcase of their homes. All of them will be open at same time, so someone could come into town, and make the rounds and see the new homes, and the new construction."

Poe said that the vast amount of homes open to the public is a service to home buyers in Conway and also from towns such as Searcy, Cabot and Little Rock.

"If they're considering buying a new home, they'll have a chance to look at craftsmanship of builders in different areas all on same day, versus just going out and looking at one building. They can also inspect different builders qualities," Poe said.

Glen Rega, associate broker at Pam McDowell Properties, said the effort of area builders is what makes the showcase stand out.

"A lot of it is a commitment to excellence," Rega said. "There are quite a few builders that don't take anything less than excellence. Perfection is something they always try to attain.

"There are some areas across the U.S. that don't have the quality craftsman builders we have. There's a big difference in style of homes built in Conway than other communities. I think that this is a great opportunity to showcase our builders product."

Nikki Hawks Jones, executive officer of HBA, said the craftsmanship of homes draws envy at conferences she attends. Jones also attributes the quality of the work to the growth of the area.

"From what I've seen in our area, they're jealous because we continue to grow," Jones said. "We continue to sell houses. Conway, Greenbrier, and Vilonia are expanding, so the builders have more opportunity here. The schools are great and the area is safe: we continue to prosper. Other areas don't have those opportunities."

Jones said there are many different types of homes, from starter homes that begin at $100,000 to luxury homes "with all the bells and whistles." Jones said that one home on display, built by Kevin Watson of Watson Homes, sits in Reserve at Centennial Valley. The home, which is listed at $629,000, sits on a golf course, has state-of-the-art appliances, and a theater room, complete with a large screen and movie theater-style seating.

There will be $250 gift certificates from Ridout Lumber Company and National Home Centers offered as door prizes, with each home visited increasing winning chances. The companies sell lighting, building materials, flooring and appliances to customers.

Even for those not in the market for a home are encouraged to come, according to Jones.

"It's a way to get out, and see what builders build what houses," said Jones. "A lot of builders are on site. If you are two, three years away from buying a home, you really want to get out and research your builders."

(Staff writer Dustin Faber can be reached by e-mail at dustin.faber@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1260. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)