OutThink - The Outhouse Blog

The Outsource Hub for Home Builders

Jim Sorgatz

Is 2025 the Year to Break Out of the “Home Builder Box?”


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There are many brilliant people here at Outhouse, and one of them is our content creator and social media manager, Tabitha Warren. An enthusiastic advocate for the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, Tabitha made the bold decision to leave her full-time job as a tax accountant in her mid-thirties. But instead of retiring, she pivoted to a new career in digital marketing, joining our team at Outhouse while also helping other companies build websites. It wasn’t an easy transition, but through determination, hard work, and a relentless drive to learn new skills, she made it happen. Today, she’s a Canva expert, crafting stunning graphics and managing social media for most of our marketing efforts. What’s even more inspiring is her constant quest for the “next big thing.” Her curiosity and drive to adopt cutting-edge technologies push me, the old guy, to keep learning and reaching for more.





Tabitha Warren in front of husband Anthony





Tabitha Warren,  enjoying some free time with husband Anthony





In a way, Tabitha’s journey mirrors the challenges the home building industry faces. As she mentioned in her January 10th post, “Navigating Labor and Supply Chain Issues,” the industry enters another year trying to stay ahead. It’s not a lack of demand—there are plenty of families looking for new homes—but labor and supply chain bottlenecks, coupled with sticky inflation, that are driving home prices higher (thank you, pandemic). And let’s not forget the high interest rates that persist even after a couple of Fed rate cuts (thanks, lenders).







Builders and contractors who adapted quickly survived. 







The housing crash of 2008-2010 showed us that builders and contractors who adapted quickly survived. For many, that meant streamlining operations, letting go of staff (not-so-affectionately called “right-sizing”), and embracing new, cost-saving techniques. Some even chose to be acquired by other companies. Many long-time construction workers faced similar crossroads, and those who were willing to adapt to new careers—sometimes temporarily—are the ones who have thrived today.

The reality is, like the stock market, the home building industry is volatile. It’s a constant roller coaster ride with high highs and low lows, and rare are the moments when things are smooth sailing. The key to surviving and thriving? Being agile. Builders who can pivot quickly, streamline processes, adopt new methods and technologies, or even revert to time-tested strategies when necessary will be the ones who come out on top.





Image of a house blueprint transitioning to 3D exterior rendering










This is exactly why we built the Outhouse CAD department with this roller coaster in mind. Many homebuilders already rely on us for renderings and interactive tools, so it only makes sense to put our 30+ years of CAD expertise to work and help with drafting services. Here’s how outsourcing your drafting to us can benefit you:

• Uniformity for the Field Crew: Our approach ensures that your plans maintain a consistent look and feel across the board, no matter who the designer is.
• Compatibility is Key: Our 2D plans integrate seamlessly with other Outhouse services or external consultants—no hassle, just smooth collaboration. 
• You Own the CAD Files: Whether you build one home or a hundred from a single set of plans, the CAD files are yours to keep. 
• Accelerated Delivery of Marketing Assets: We can produce your interactive floor plans, site maps, virtual tours, visualizers, renderings, and brochures simultaneously, allowing you to hit the market faster and more cost-effectively.







Embrace the future (or more precisely, the present) with 3D photorealistic renderings, 360-degree virtual tours, and interactive floor plans. 







If your website still sports black-and-white stick drawings and static floor plans and site maps, it’s well past time to think outside the box. Embrace the future (or more precisely, the present) with 3D photorealistic renderings, 360-degree virtual tours, and interactive floor plans. Interactive tools are far more engaging than static images—they allow homebuyers to digitally add structural options, rearrange furniture, and even take virtual walks through rooms with integrated VR hotspots. These experiences help families emotionally connect to your homes, turning casual browsers into serious buyers. Plus, interactive features are proven to increase the time visitors spend on your site, which often leads to more sales. In today’s tech-savvy market, these tools aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re essential. Younger homebuyers, especially, love the gamified, interactive experiences.


















Outhouse.net excels at providing all the digital and print marketing assets that today’s homebuyers expect when shopping for new homes, including 3D renderings, virtual tours, visualizers, interactive floor plans, and interactive site maps for your website. And we don’t stop there—we also offer interactive kiosks, print materials, large format signage, and display options for sales offices.

Looking for more ways to expand your horizons? The International Builders Show in Las Vegas, happening February 25-27, is a fantastic place to explore the latest in construction technology and trends. If you’re attending, make sure to stop by and say hello to Outhouse principals and our OSC partner Blue Gypsy Inc. in Sales Central, West Hall W311. We’ll be sponsoring coffee and snacks throughout each day, and we’d love to meet you. All are welcome—even if you have a floor pass only!







Design Inspiration: The High Line, NYC


 
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Bring Your Home Designs to Fruition at Outhouse





Sculpture by NYC artist Danny Cole.





Have you ever stumbled upon a place so unexpected and exhilarating that it floods your mind with creative ideas and inspiration? That’s exactly what I experienced on a recent trip to New York City while exploring the High Line, an elevated linear park built on a former rail line. This isn’t just any public park; the High Line is a unique blend of art, architecture, and urban design. Stretching 1.45 miles through Manhattan’s West Side it offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and showcases some of its most innovative buildings.





Iconic Architectural Landmarks





From the elevated perch, high above the crowds, the view of iconic buildings, like the Empire State Building, is astonishing. Here are a few of the wonderful buildings you see along the way:





    

  • The Eleventh (BIG): Designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group, this striking complex features two twisting towers at 76 Eleventh Avenue. Known for its bold geometry and expansive glass walls, The Eleventh offers panoramic views and a modern twist on traditional skyscraper aesthetics​.
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The Eleventh – designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group.





    

  • 520 West 28th Street (Zaha Hadid Architects): A hallmark of contemporary design, this building is noted for its curving metallic façade and futuristic appeal. It is one of the last projects by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid, making it a significant landmark on the High Line​.
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Condo designed by Zaha Hadid.





    

  • Chelsea Market: Originally a factory for the National Biscuit Company, this historic building now serves as a vibrant market with various food vendors and shops. The High Line runs through the building, showcasing its blend of old and new architectural elements​.
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The High Line making it’s way through Chelsea Market.





    

  • 10 Hudson Yards (Coach Building): This skyscraper marks the northern terminus of the High Line and is a central part of the Hudson Yards development, a massive urban revitalization project often compared to Rockefeller Center in scale and impact​.
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10 Hudson Yards building in the distance.





Unique Experiences and Sights





Walking along the High Line offers more than just architectural wonders. The park itself is a showcase of landscape design, featuring over 500 species of plants. Areas like the Gansevoort Woodland and the Washington Grasslands offer serene green spaces amidst the urban hustle​





Gansevoort Woodland





The High Line also functions as an outdoor art gallery. With installations like Paola Pivi’s “You know who I am” and Nina Beier’s “Women & Children,” the park provides a continuous rotation of thought-provoking art that enhances the visitor experience​.





Mural by renowned Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra.





Although some people don’t love these, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I found “The Vessel,” and a whimsical sculpture by artist Danny Cole to be quite entertaining as well.





The Vessel – centerpiece of Hudson Yards. This interactive sculpture was imagined by British designer Thomas Heatherwick.





What’s The Connection Here to Home Building?





Wherever you find inspiration for new homes, whether it be the High Line in Manhattan, an out-of-this-world experience elsewhere, or a simple walk in the neighborhood park, Outhouse, the outsource hub for home builders, can help bring your wildest ideas to fruition. Give us a sketch on a napkin, and our architectural team will produce a full set of construction documents.





While plans are in progress, our rendering team will meticulously craft your 3D exterior and interior elevations, virtual tours, and visualizers. Our interactive team works their magic to build digital tools like interactive floor plans and interactive site maps that will engage your homebuyers. We can also coordinate digital assets with your web designer including industry experts Blue Tangerine, Bokka Group, Group Two, Meredith Communications, and Adlanta Creative,





All of this can be accomplished simultaneously in a compressed timeline bringing your homes to market faster, and increasing your ROI. 





The juxtaposition of old and new is striking. The iconic Empire State Building in the background.





Conclusion





The High Line is a testament to New York City’s ability to innovate and adapt, transforming an old rail line into a vibrant public space that seamlessly blends nature, art, and architecture. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or just looking for a unique urban experience, the High Line offers a fascinating journey through some of the city’s most captivating sights.





If you visit the High Line, or anywhere else that inspires some fresh design ideas, draw a quick sketch, and send it over to Outhouse.  We will take it from there to bring your idea to life!


It’s Never Too Late to Pivot: Embracing New Technologies in Home Building


 
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In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to adapt and embrace change is more crucial than ever. While some industries may seem to move at lightning speed, others, like home building, can sometimes be slower to adopt new technologies. However, history and recent innovations teach us that it’s never too late to pivot and find success. Drawing inspiration from people who find success late in life, and groundbreaking companies like Tesla, this post aims to encourage home builders to embrace new technologies, including AI, to stay competitive and thrive.





Late Bloomers: Success Can Come at Any Time





Facing a milestone birthday this month, and always looking for ways to improve and innovate, I found this article in The Atlantic titled “You Might Be a Late Bloomer” fascinating.  In it we learn about remarkable individuals who found success later in life. This includes figures like Paul Cézanne, who, despite facing rejection early in his career, became one of the most influential painters of the 19th century. Another late blooming icon is Colonel Sanders, who founded KFC in his 60s after a series of career failures.





These stories remind us that success isn’t confined to the early years and that it’s possible to achieve greatness at any stage of life. This is a powerful message for many home builders who may feel hesitant to embrace new technologies, thinking it might be too late to change established methods. The reality is that there is always room for growth and innovation.





AI generated oil painting in the impressionist style of Paul Cezanne.





Tesla: Interrupting the Interrupters





Tesla serves as a prime example of a company that disrupted the auto industry with electric vehicles and is now being disrupted itself. Tesla’s innovative approach redefined what was possible in a sector long dominated by traditional combustion engines. Their road to electrification of vehicles and potential autonomous driving has been rocky to say the least.  But they have made tremendous progress over the past few years, operating like a fine-tuned engine. Then BAM!  Along comes Chat GPT and other large language models. Tesla is now pivoting towards artificial intelligence, demonstrating their commitment to staying ahead of the curve.  If successful, AI will bring autonomous vehicles to the road much sooner than expected, plus lead Tesla to success in their quest to build robots capable of performing the most complex tasks. It’s incredible to realize that since they began producing cars at scale, Tesla’s meteoric rise to the top of the auto industry and subsequent pivot to AI has taken place in a span of ten short years.





Tesla Optimus Bot – Interrupting the Interrupter





This ability to continually evolve and integrate new technologies is what keeps companies like Tesla at the forefront of their industries. Home builders can draw inspiration from Tesla’s journey, recognizing that adopting new technologies, even later, can lead to significant advancements and success.





Embracing New Technologies in Home Building





For home builders, integrating new technologies can seem daunting, especially if they have been following traditional methods for years. However, the benefits of embracing innovations like AI and other digital tools far outweigh the challenges. Here are a couple of home building-specific examples of new technologies that can revolutionize the industry:





  1. Interactive Floor Plans and Virtual Tours: These tools allow potential buyers to explore homes in detail without physically being there. Interactive floor plans enable users to visualize different layouts and customize their future homes. Virtual tours provide an immersive experience, showcasing the property’s features and finishes. These technologies can significantly enhance the buyer’s experience, making the decision-making process smoother and faster.
  2. AI-Powered Project Management: AI can streamline various aspects of the construction process. For instance, AI-powered project management tools can predict potential delays, optimize scheduling, and manage resources more efficiently. This not only improves productivity but also reduces costs and enhances the overall quality of the project.
  3. AI Enhancements for Homebuilder Websites: Industry partners like chatbot provider AtlasRTX, and home sales optimization expert Openhouse.ai provide AI tools for builder websites to increase user engagement and generate more sales. The Openhouse.ai platform also works with Outhouse interactive floor plans to guide homebuyers to the perfect home.





Layered interactive condo/townhouse map.  Click to explore the buildings.





Case Studies: Builders Embracing Change





Consider the example of a small, hypothetical home building company, XYZ Builders, which decided to integrate AI-powered project management tools into their operations. Initially hesitant, they soon discovered that these tools significantly improved their workflow. They were able to complete projects faster and with fewer errors, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and a 20% boost in sales.





Another example is ABC Construction, which adopted virtual tours and interactive floor plans. Despite initial resistance from their VP of finance, the company quickly saw the benefits. Their online engagement skyrocketed, and they attracted a broader audience, including out-of-state buyers who could now explore properties remotely.





For home builders, adopting new technologies can open up new opportunities and lead to greater success.





At the 2024 International Builders Show, home building consultant Al Trellis, President of Home Builders Network, gave a presentation to a sold out crowd on the power of artificial intelligence for home builders.  Real life examples of AI making a positive impact for his clients include:





  • Rapid development of a comprehensive training program for superintendents, including scopes of work for various jobs and trades.
  • Development of an HR program.
  • Marketing campaign for inventory homes.
  • Creation of a private placement memorandum.
  • Generation of ideas to stimulate sales of a stalled condominium project.





The uses for AI in home building are limitless. In addition to marketing and operations, we are seeing the start of AI innovations in CAD and the construction process as well.





Conclusion: It’s Never Too Late to Pivot





The stories of late bloomers like Paul Cézanne and Colonel Sanders, along with the innovative journey of Tesla, illustrate that it’s never too late to pivot and embrace change. For home builders, adopting new technologies can open up new opportunities and lead to greater success. Whether it’s integrating AI for project management or using interactive tools to enhance the buyer’s experience, the key is to stay open to innovation and continually seek ways to improve.





So, take the leap. Embrace the new technologies that can transform your business and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market. Remember, it’s never too late to pivot and achieve greatness.


Know Your Homebuyer Audience


 
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Are you surprised by the new home construction trends in your own city?





Two homes, one much bigger than the other.
Guess which house is the newbie?!





Having been in the industry for nearly 30 years, it is not often that I am surprised by trends in new home construction.  The goal is to sell to anyone who financially qualifies. And, in these times of elevated interest rates and home prices the buzz is all about affordability, which typically translates to smaller homes.  So, I am shocked to see the newest homes being built in my “affordable” neighborhood are 50%+ larger and significantly more expensive than my home that was built in the fall of 2022.  The families shopping for homes right now are, apparently, looking for space, and have the means to afford a bigger house.  And I guess that makes sense.  Although there genuine efforts by cities and builders to create affordable housing, with a median price of $430,000 nationally per realtor.com, there really aren’t many homes that are affordable right now for first-time homebuyers.  This hammers home the importance of knowing your core audience, building for them, and marketing to them appropriately. 





There are many builders who do this well and adapt to the changing environment.  One example is Arizona based Meritage Homes whose mission today is, “To design and build homes that are innovative, built with care and superior craftsmanship, which deliver enduring value.” Contrast that with their mission a couple years back, “To build move-in-ready affordable homes for entry-level and first move-up buyers,” and you can see the evolution to better reflect the current new home market.  





How can you be sure you are targeting the right audience? Begin with a review of your overall marketing strategy. Do your website, sales offices, and print marketing appeal to the potential buyers you are attempting to attract? Although first-time and luxury home buyers are both seeking out their dream homes, the marketing for these two distinct groups looks very different. This is where consultation with marketing experts like Denim Marketing, Blue Tangerine, Adlanta Creative, and Bokka Group to name a few, can be highly beneficial.      





Next, review your digital marketing tools, and upgrade them if necessary. If you are still using static floorplans and stick renderings, think again. Interactive floor plans, renderings, virtual tours, animations, and visualizers all play an integral role in engaging homebuyers and selling homes.





Interactive Floor Plans (IFPs) have universal appeal, and every builder website should feature them. Buyers of all demographics love to select structural options and customize their living spaces with the interactive furniture planner. 






Interactive floor plan with furniture.
Outhouse’s new colorized Interactive Floor Plan




Quality renderings are essential for all builders as well. Black and white stick drawings are never a good option, even for the simplest of homes. Standard 3D (Outhouse Bronze and Silver) renderings are perfectly acceptable for homes at lower price points. For move-up and luxury homes, you will want to implement 3D photoreal renderings (Outhouse Gold). Luxury and custom builders may want to opt for Platinum renderings that can be further enhanced and customized.





Should your budget for digital marketing tools be a bit larger, investing in animations and virtual tours pays off in two significant ways. First, they enable homebuyers to digitally explore your homes from anywhere. Second, both are available at a fraction of the cost of constructing a model home. Your target buyer should be the top consideration when choosing which format to offer. Younger buyers prefer user-controlled virtual tours. Buyers over 50 typically gravitate towards video format animations.






Visualizer showing a before and after kitchen
Visualizer’s allow home buyers to customize interiors and exteriors 




Another online tool appealing to home buyers at all price points is the Visualizer. With both interior and exterior versions available, buyers can mix and match colors and finishes to achieve the desired look and feel. The visualization process is so much easier than making selections for an entire house based on one-inch paint chips and tiny floor, counter, and cabinet samples. It also removes some of the pressure and stress from the design center visit.





Here are a couple more ideas to help you connect with your appropriate audience:





Elevate your brand with distinguished print marketing. Consider the hotel industry when investing in print—the swankier the property, the more excellent the print collateral. The manager of the high-end hotel presents you with a “folio” at checkout, not simply hands or emails you a bill. Although print appeals greatly to buyers in the luxury home market, even younger homebuyers like to walk away from the sales center with a brochure featuring their preferred floor plan and elevations at a minimum. In today’s digital world, people still appreciate a tangible marketing piece when making one of their biggest life purchases. Why not present them with something sophisticated or fun, and memorable?         





Printed brochure showing families participating in various activities
A great print piece makes a lasting impression!





Today, the most progressive builders are transforming their websites with artificial intelligence (AI) to better understand and target their audience. Like that provided by openhouse.ai, AI offers home buyers a personalized shopping experience and predicts where your unique market is going with more accuracy.





So take some time during this evolving housing market to understand your homebuyer and determine if your current marketing strategy is meeting their needs. If not, consider working with online marketing experts to determine which digital and on-site tools will move the needle most with your target audience to increase your new home sales.   


Growing New Home Sales By Casting the Widest Net Possible


 
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Shortly after moving to Blaine Washington, a small city sitting right on the United States and Canadian border, my spouse suggested we head to the Night Market located in Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver.  I happily went along knowing nothing about this event other than it ran from 7:00 PM to Midnight, and and there would be food vendors.  I was hoping the food might be better than the the typical state fair, and I wondered if the market would look a bit like a renaissance fair with turkey legs and all.  When we arrived I saw this!





Night market packed with people between two rows of food booths.
The Richmond Night Market





There are more than 600 food booths here, and 90%+ of them are Asian.  A quick search on Google and I learned Richmond is home to 230,000 people, three quarters of whom are Asian Canadian. The food was amazing, and I’m ready to fight the crowds again this summer.  Having never been to Asia, I finally had a taste of the infamous night markets that friends tell me offer some of the tastiest delights.  





In the stretch of the Pacific Northwest between Vancouver and Seattle, there are significant populations of immigrants from around the globe.  China, Japan, Korea, India, Mexico, Europe, Ukraine, Russia, and many more.  In my neighborhood in Blaine which sits right on the border, we have residents from both Canada and the U.S. as many families lives take place in both.  This is often due to marriage, jobs, or immigration status.  Peace Arch state park which is an open space between the two countries was one of the only places along the border where families could meet during the pandemic.  I love taking the pups there, and jokingly warn them not to say “Eh” when we are on the Canadian side.   





What does all this have to do with home building?  North America is a melting pot of immigrants and cultures.  Unless you are Native American, most of our families traveled from other countries to get here.  And as more immigrants arrive, put down roots, and start their own families, home builders may need to look a little differently at the design, sales, and marketing of new homes.  Just as men and women, families, singles, and various generations seek out different amenities in new homes and neighborhoods, people from various cultures often have unique wants and needs as well.  North America also has home builders founded by immigrants including Outhouse clients Couto Homes in Texas where the Couto family hails from Portugal, Trico Homes in Alberta founded by Wayne Chu who came to Canada from Hong Kong, and K. Hovnanian Homes whose founder is from Iraq.  There are also builders owned by foreign entities like Woodside Homes (Sekisui House), and Stanley Martin Homes (Daiwa House USA). 





What it all boils down to is, like the diversity within our industry, the pool of homebuyers is vast.  Casting the widest net possible to reach buyers is essential for sales.  And that means thinking outside the proverbial box, and diversifying our sales and marketing strategies.





To continue this conversation, On Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM PST, Outhouse invites you to join us for a webinar featuring Magda Esola from Brookline Homes, Ingrid Prince from Shared Drive, and Safiyyah Siddiqui from DHS Realty.  Coming from varied backgrounds they will share their thoughts and experiences on selling homes with diverse buying groups.  If you miss the webinar, you will find the program posted on our YouTube Channel following.  REGISTER TODAY!