The Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho (BCASWI) recently wrapped up it’s 2021 Spring Boise Parade of Homes™. Parade of Homes™ is a showcase of home designs in new construction by some of the associations’ builders. Providing annual spring and fall tours of homes has been a tradition since 1956!
It was wonderful to allow open houses at each of the locations in the traditional open house manner with safety protocols in place at each home, as well as the ability to continue access via 3D virtual tours. The event was successful for the participating builders and those who support them, albeit differently than in past parades. Instead of limiting the event to 40 homes, only a bit more than half that number was available, and very few were offered for sale. The definition of success for many builders was being able to complete the homes in time for the parade. As Rod Givens of Alturas Homes and BCASWI President said, “It’s an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our brand, and it forces us to think outside the box by designing a new home for every show. We appreciate participating in an event that is so enjoyable for the community.”
Due to labor and material (lumber, plastic, and concrete) shortages, builders have had to educate their clients regarding the escalating costs and prices. As mentioned in my March article for this publication, land ready for residential development is simply not available due to a lack of infrastructure. City and county officials are looking at every option to fund this expansion. I’m glad to be part of an association that is working to help them understand how important the homebuilding industry is to our local, state, and national economy.
The BCASWI is a local association and our 400 members are also members of the Idaho Building Contractors Association (IBCA) as are six other local associations throughout the state. All of those 1,100 members are among the 150,000 members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Collectively we provide advocacy, expertise, and education throughout our nationwide network to promote the responsible development of our communities in the pursuit of keeping homeownership as affordable as possible.
With the success of the 2021 Spring Boise Parade of Homes™, and as we prepare for the fall event in October, we fondly remember that a “home show” was the genesis of our organization 65 years ago. Showing homebuyers the latest building technology while ensuring homeownership for Americans has always been, and will continue to be, our focus.