Retooling: The BSB Design Unique Solution
Retooling: The BSB Design Unique Solution
Part 2 of 3
Retooling: The BSB Design Unique Solution
RETOOLING APPLIES CURRENT TRENDS: • Separate dedicated dressing area
BUILDERS AREN’T NECESSARILY DOING ANYTHING WRONG, BUT
the market. But the fact is, 80% of sales will come from a plan that
THEY COULD DEFINITELY BE DOING THINGS BETTER. Value creation
hits a market’s “sweet spot.” Instead of only offering one plan at this level,
involves a concerted effort to self-evaluate and follow through with changes
retool to offer two or make the one plan more flexible. You’ll maintain a
that will increase sales and profit margins. “The BSB Design Unique
generalized market appeal while creating more consistent prices.
Solution” streamlines the process for maximum impact.
sacrificing the niche market. Fletcher believes one plan that can be
inventory on the basis of cost, sales and absorption rates. Begin to learn
adjusted to create three lifestyle changes is actually better than three
which plans succeed and which plans should be dropped. Remember,
separate plans. But beware: Only offering one inflexible plan that tries to
even if a plan sold once before doesn’t mean it’s a great plan. To remain
satisfy all buyers often ends up satisfying none. Spending design money
successful, anything less than great has to go.
wisely to build flexibility into plans will lead to the greatest return on
From Redline to Product Line
already, but retooling
Once plans have been enhanced, the most crucial step is to actually
will help them achieve
execute the changes in your documents. This takes time and a dedicated
their full potential.
team. Success here depends on one distinct clarification: THIS IS NOT
A minor investment in
PLAN MAINTENANCE.
in huge payouts and quicker turnaround on developments. For example, BSB Design Senior Partner Dan Swift says many prospective homebuyers make decisions about plans within the first 20 seconds. The entry experience based on elements within eyeshot of the front door is crucial. But without “flamboyant” features of times past, builders must examine ways to rework existing plans to achieve that unforgettable first impression.
• Lowered linen closet allows more daylight • Angled wall is eliminated
Master Bath Concept
investment.
Many products are great
architecture can result
• Stacked shower and tub open and expand the room
Plan flexibility allows builders to reach a wide range of buyers without
The first step in retooling is self-evaluation. Bring in experts to dissect your
The Value of Design
• Spa-like seating near soak tub
DESIGN EXPERTISE can lead to changes that have direct impact on a home’s marketability.
Updating documents to reflect current codes does not add value. Revising plans means changing the architecture, not simply meeting code requirements. If you want value creation to be successful, save plan maintenance for another time.
Filling the Gaps Eliminating and revising plans creates gaps, and new programming must be
RETOOLING CREATES LIFESTYLE OPTIONS:
developed. But instead of starting from scratch, the value creation process results in specific parameters that new plans should fill. The design
• Social kitchen with large island for entertaining
charette allows builders to easily update product lines because they enter
Rework does not mean cut costs—if a plan is already profitable, cutting
the charette with a clear understanding of plan needs and how to
costs is a dangerous move. Instead, Swift recommends increasing
accomplish them.
• Expanded outdoor living with grille
Even though many builders have achieved success with current product
• More windows in family area (moved from kitchen)
profitability by reallocating some of those dollars to plan elements that increase value, such as the entry experience. Design expertise can have direct impact on a home’s marketability, especially in key areas like the kitchen and the master suite.
offerings, the untapped potential will amaze them. A review for value creation makes that potential a reality, ensuring continued success regardless of market challenges.
• Tech center at the heart of the home
Market stratification used to be the end-all design approach. Designer Paul
In our next issue, we’ll expand the retooling process from home design to
• Multi-purpose laundry/hobby room
Fletcher from BSB Design’s Tampa office remembers when builders created
total community design. We’ll discuss ways to alter community plans and
plans of incremental square footage increases to attempt to hit every tier of
create more value for less money.
Flexible Plans Stretch Market Impact
Family Area Concept
4601 Westown Parkway, Suite 208 West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Des Moines, IA Permit - No. 589
Part 2 of 3
Retooling: The BSB Design Unique Solution
RETOOLING APPLIES CURRENT TRENDS: • Separate dedicated dressing area
BUILDERS AREN’T NECESSARILY DOING ANYTHING WRONG, BUT
the market. But the fact is, 80% of sales will come from a plan that
THEY COULD DEFINITELY BE DOING THINGS BETTER. Value creation
hits a market’s “sweet spot.” Instead of only offering one plan at this level,
involves a concerted effort to self-evaluate and follow through with changes
retool to offer two or make the one plan more flexible. You’ll maintain a
that will increase sales and profit margins. “The BSB Design Unique
generalized market appeal while creating more consistent prices.
Solution” streamlines the process for maximum impact.
sacrificing the niche market. Fletcher believes one plan that can be
inventory on the basis of cost, sales and absorption rates. Begin to learn
adjusted to create three lifestyle changes is actually better than three
which plans succeed and which plans should be dropped. Remember,
separate plans. But beware: Only offering one inflexible plan that tries to
even if a plan sold once before doesn’t mean it’s a great plan. To remain
satisfy all buyers often ends up satisfying none. Spending design money
successful, anything less than great has to go.
wisely to build flexibility into plans will lead to the greatest return on
From Redline to Product Line
already, but retooling
Once plans have been enhanced, the most crucial step is to actually
will help them achieve
execute the changes in your documents. This takes time and a dedicated
their full potential.
team. Success here depends on one distinct clarification: THIS IS NOT
A minor investment in
PLAN MAINTENANCE.
in huge payouts and quicker turnaround on developments. For example, BSB Design Senior Partner Dan Swift says many prospective homebuyers make decisions about plans within the first 20 seconds. The entry experience based on elements within eyeshot of the front door is crucial. But without “flamboyant” features of times past, builders must examine ways to rework existing plans to achieve that unforgettable first impression.
• Lowered linen closet allows more daylight • Angled wall is eliminated
Master Bath Concept
investment.
Many products are great
architecture can result
• Stacked shower and tub open and expand the room
Plan flexibility allows builders to reach a wide range of buyers without
The first step in retooling is self-evaluation. Bring in experts to dissect your
The Value of Design
• Spa-like seating near soak tub
DESIGN EXPERTISE can lead to changes that have direct impact on a home’s marketability.
Updating documents to reflect current codes does not add value. Revising plans means changing the architecture, not simply meeting code requirements. If you want value creation to be successful, save plan maintenance for another time.
Filling the Gaps Eliminating and revising plans creates gaps, and new programming must be
RETOOLING CREATES LIFESTYLE OPTIONS:
developed. But instead of starting from scratch, the value creation process results in specific parameters that new plans should fill. The design
• Social kitchen with large island for entertaining
charette allows builders to easily update product lines because they enter
Rework does not mean cut costs—if a plan is already profitable, cutting
the charette with a clear understanding of plan needs and how to
costs is a dangerous move. Instead, Swift recommends increasing
accomplish them.
• Expanded outdoor living with grille
Even though many builders have achieved success with current product
• More windows in family area (moved from kitchen)
profitability by reallocating some of those dollars to plan elements that increase value, such as the entry experience. Design expertise can have direct impact on a home’s marketability, especially in key areas like the kitchen and the master suite.
offerings, the untapped potential will amaze them. A review for value creation makes that potential a reality, ensuring continued success regardless of market challenges.
• Tech center at the heart of the home
Market stratification used to be the end-all design approach. Designer Paul
In our next issue, we’ll expand the retooling process from home design to
• Multi-purpose laundry/hobby room
Fletcher from BSB Design’s Tampa office remembers when builders created
total community design. We’ll discuss ways to alter community plans and
plans of incremental square footage increases to attempt to hit every tier of
create more value for less money.
Flexible Plans Stretch Market Impact
Family Area Concept
4601 Westown Parkway, Suite 208 West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Des Moines, IA Permit - No. 589
