OutThink

Optimizing the Design-Market-Sell Continuum – Tips for Home Builders – Part 1

March 28, 2025
By Jim Sorgatz

As the 2024 NAHB International Builders Show gears up to roll out the red carpet this week, it’s the perfect backdrop for a little fireside chat on elevating your home building game. With the industry’s brightest minds converging in one spot, buzzing with the latest trends and innovations, we at Outhouse are seizing the moment to sprinkle some of our own seasoned advice into the mix. Let’s dive into the art of perfecting the design-market-sell trifecta, shall we?

With so much information, this post is being broken into two parts. In Part 1 we cover CAD, Rendering, and Print Marketing – the essentials every builder must have. These are what we would call the more physical items, the ones used for design review, neighborhood presentations, in your design centers, and for the construction of your homes. In Part 2 we will discuss website tools. Although renderings fall into both categories, our second post focuses on digital tools that are more interactive.

Part 1: The Essentials – CAD, Rendering, and Print Marketing

In the realm of home building, there are a few non-negotiables: CAD, rendering, and print marketing. These are the bread and butter, the tools that transform a blueprint dream into a sticks-and-bricks reality.

VP of Operations Darin Keezer with CAD tips — Darin Keezer, VP of Operations

CAD (COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN)

Imagine having a magic wand that ensures your construction documents are flawless, a foundation as solid as the homes you build. That’s what good construction documents do for you. Here at Outhouse, under the guidance of our VP of Operations, Darin Keezer and his cadre of seasoned pros with over 30 years of experience working exclusively with production home builders, we offer CAD services that are a cut above. Here’s why:

Uniformity for the Field Crew: Our approach ensures that regardless of the designer, the plans maintain a consistent look and feel, making life easier (and error-free) for those on the ground.
You’re the Boss: The files? They’re yours. Whenever you want them, wherever you need them sent, consider it done.
No Nickel-and-Diming: We’re all about transparency. No per-lot-use or other hidden fees, just straightforward billing for the time spent on your plans.
Compatibility is Key: Our 2D plans play well with others, making them a breeze to integrate with additional Outhouse services or other consultants.

While the CAD magic happens, why not simultaneously kickstart your marketing with some stunning renderings, virtual tours, visualizers, interactive floor plans, interactive site plans, and print collateral? It’s all about multitasking.

RENDERINGS – A WEBSITE STAPLE

A well-crafted rendering can speak volumes, turning the intangible into something almost touchable. In today’s market, where digital home tours are gaining ground, the allure of a beautifully rendered image remains undiminished. While virtual tours and visualizers are becoming more mainstream, renderings are still the essential source of product visualization. Colored renderings should be a staple for every home builder website. Black/white stick drawings are a huge turnoff. For as little as $195, Outhouse can create a very nice 2D rendering. For a bit more, most builders opt for 3D photorealistic renderings, as they provide a far superior picture of a home. With realistic landscaping and the ability to include special lighting like dusk shots, the renderings are often more appealing than a photo of a newly constructed home, which is frequently on a dirt lot with a couple of “twigs” for trees. Today’s home buyers expect the essential marketing tools, and renderings fall into this category. Here’s how we make your projects pop:

From Meh to Marvelous: Ditch the bland for the grand with colored renderings that capture the imagination of your buyers.
The Devil’s in the Details: Outhouse partner, Stuart Platt, swears by the golden rule: the more accurate your CAD, the more stunning the rendering. It’s that simple.

Outhouse Partner Bill Gelbaugh with print media tips — Outhouse partner Bill Gelbaugh

PRINT MARKETING – YOUR PROJECT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In an era where digital is king, print marketing retains its crown for creating tangible connections. With an onsite print department dedicated to print media for production home builders, here at Outhouse, LLC, we understand the importance of every stage of production home building printing and the vital steps to making your project a success. This includes on-time delivery to your sales centers. Bill Gelbaugh, our print guru, knows the ins and outs of making your projects shine on paper. Here’s his blueprint for success:

Plan with Precision: Like laying a foundation, choosing the right quantity, size, and type of print material sets the stage for everything that follows.
Choose Wisely: Not all printers are created equal. Opt for one that knows the ins and outs of the home building industry.
Attention to Detail: A single typo can throw a wrench in the works. Proofread like your project depends on it (because it does).
Clear as Day: When it comes to special requests or concerns, communication is key. The right printer will make your vision a reality.

That is our humble advice to ensure your print media materials turn out just as you envisioned and on budget. Remember, at Outhouse, LLC, we have more than 25 years of experience in specialized homebuilder printing.

MEET US AT IBS!

And there you have it, folks. A sneak peek into the alchemy of blending design, marketing, and sales into a seamless continuum. But wait, there’s more! Swing by IBS this week for a cup of joe on us at Sales Central in the West Hall, Room 311. Outhouse and our friends at Blue Gypsy Inc. can’t wait to meet you.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the digital deep end with website tools that make your projects not just seen, but experienced. Until then, happy building!

What a Move to Small Town America Taught Me About the Marketing Potential of Small Volume Builders

October 1, 2024
By Jim Sorgatz

a caboose in snow hosing the Railway Cafe — *Railway Cafe. One of the first places you see when you enter downtown Blaine.*

When my spouse and I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Phoenix, Arizona and head to the Pacific Northwest, we were pretty clueless about where exactly we wanted to settle down. It was a couple of our long-time friends who suggested we check out Bellingham, WA, a city of around 100,000 people that I knew absolutely nothing about. This city, tucked away in the northwestern corner of Washington State, is primarily known for its vibrant brewery scene and its closeness to Vancouver, BC. I found the idea intriguing, especially since our friends had also moved here from a big city and were loving every moment of it. My main concern was whether I’d miss the conveniences I’d gotten used to during my 45 years in a bustling metropolis.

Soon enough, I realized that Bellingham has a surprising cosmopolitan flair for a city of its size. This is partly due to its proximity to Canada and the presence of Western Washington University, both of which add a certain liveliness to the place. Bellingham has quite a lot going for it, including a multiplex movie theater, Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, a decent dining scene, and an impressive farmers market. This makes it feel much bigger than many cities of similar size. The only thing missing from Phoenix is Sprouts! The stunning ocean views and the abundance of nature sealed the deal. Or so I thought!

two small dogs, one tan and one white in front of a Canadian obelisk sign — *My pups walking across the US/Canadian border in Peace Arch State Park.*

As fate would have it, we ultimately fell head over heels for Blaine, a cozy town of just 6,000 people located a mere 18 miles further north, right on the Canadian border; and that is where we settled. Was it a culture shock? Absolutely, but when you’re used to driving in Phoenix, a 20-minute commute to the “big city” is a walk in the park. We chose this area because of its breathtaking surroundings and a home in a neighborhood that stole our hearts. Blaine is nestled around Drayton Harbor and is adjacent to Birch Bay, both of which are absolutely unique. Every time I make the drive between the two, I can’t help but appreciate how fortunate we are to live in this picturesque seaside community.

a loaf of chive dill pickle sourdough bread — *Anna’s Sourdough Bread which comes in some interesting flavors!*

Despite not having all the amenities of a big city, Blaine has its own charm that makes it an amazing place to live. We’ve got L & L Bakery with some of the most scrumptious cakes and macaroons you’ll ever taste, Anna’s Bread that comes in the most unusual flavors (Dill Pickle or Taco Tuesday anyone?), and The Vault Wine Bar with a wine list that rivals most big-city fine-dining establishments. There’s even a trendy speakeasy that recently opened in the lower level of the 1890 Taphouse. The Semiahmoo Resort is located on a picturesque spit reaching out into the bay. And then there’s the Railway Cafe, housed inside a caboose, which is one of the cutest and most meticulously designed spots I’ve ever seen. Adding to Blaine’s uniqueness is Peace Arch State Park, the only park in the country where you can stroll freely between two countries, Canada and the USA. And remember, we’re just a short 20-minute drive away from all those big-city conveniences in Bellingham, and 30 minutes to Vancouver B.C.

a walkway of paves in front of boats in a harbor — *Blaine Harbor.*

Now, you might be wondering, what does all of this have to do with home building? Well, the lesson here is that you can be a small builder and still pack a punch. For starters, smaller builders often have more control over the quality of their homes. The biggest challenge I see for both small and some larger builders is in the online sales and marketing department. It mainly boils down to a lack of staff and the misconception that having a comprehensive digital marketing strategy is prohibitively expensive. This is where it really pays to seek help from the experts.

Did you know that for as little as $2,700, plus subscription fees, you can have a top-notch digital marketing firm like Blue Tangerine design and manage a professional, high-performing website for you? It’s a website that seamlessly integrates Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools and comes with ongoing support. Since your website is frequently the first point of contact for potential buyers, investing in one that’s done right and generates leads is crucial. As Greg Bray, President of Blue Tangerine, puts it, “A website visitor’s first goal is to eliminate you! A cluttered website with too much information and a lack of focus can easily turn them away.” Never underestimate the power of your website when it comes to selling new homes.

bar with a rack of bottles wall in front of a wall of windows — *Packers Bar at the Semiahmoo Resort.*

While you’re upgrading your website, don’t forget to incorporate digital marketing tools like interactive floor plans, site maps, 3D photorealistic renderings, virtual tours, and visualizers. These are engagement tools that bigger builders already have on their websites. The good news is that these assets don’t have to break the bank. Interactive floor plans from Outhouse, LLC, the most robust in the industry, start at just $285 per plan. Virtual tours of pre-built homes kick off at $2,800. Compare that to the cost of constructing a physical model, and virtual tours and visualizers become a no-brainer.

In today’s digital age, with homebuyers doing most of their research online, another tool that larger builders use is AI chatbots, such as those provided by AtasRTX, or human-powered live chat services from providers like CommVersion. You don’t necessarily need to hire additional sales personnel to answer homebuyer questions around the clock. As more and more buyers turn to the internet to purchase homes, having an exceptional Online Sales Counselor (OSC) is crucial. To ensure success, you might want to consider training from a consultant like Blue Gypsy, Inc., or outsourcing the role of OSC entirely to a provider like Shared Drive.

old stone bridge over a stream — *Whatcom Falls Bridge in Bellingham.*

The bottom line is this: being a smaller builder with a limited budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for an inferior online marketing program. If you prioritize digital marketing and invest a bit upfront, you’ll likely recoup the costs with the sale of just one or two homes. With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, it’s essential to bring your website and online marketing tools into the digital age if you want to thrive in the world of new home sales.

horse pulling carriage down street in a small town — Carriage rides at Blain’s downtown holiday celebration.

From Clicks to Community: Mastering Visitor Engagement Using Your Home Site Blog

October 1, 2024
By Tabitha Warren

^{Classic Home Builder Website, theoretical banner for dream homes}

Alright, buckle up because we’re diving into the wild world of website success! Hey, you’ve decked out your website with new site maps and floor plans. That’s step one. You’re off to a great start!

You’re imagining the floodgates of customers, right? Well, hold on to your blueprint! It’s a bit more intricate than that.

First off, these shiny interactive floor plans (IFPs) and interactive site maps (ISPs) are stellar, no doubt. They’re like the red-carpet welcoming buyers, but they won’t drive the traffic there.

Enter SEO, the wizardry behind getting eyeballs on your site. Sure, it’s a complex dance with algorithms, but here’s a nifty trick—blogging. Yes, yes, you might be rolling your eyes at the thought of writing, but bear with us!

Think about it. You’ve got these incredible interactive tools showcasing house layouts, upgrades, and the whole spiel. But why stop there? Your site maps aren’t just about the house, they’re your gateway to the neighborhood. Nearby eateries, local schools, hangouts—all the soul of community life.

That’s where blogs become your ace in the sleeve! Write about the hidden gems around your communities. Neighborhood secrets, the best tacos in town, or where to grab the perfect latte on a Sunday morning. Take screen shots of your ISPs to show homebuyers what is in the area, helping them feel like they are already living there and how to plan a perfect day out. It’s not just about homes; it’s about crafting a lifestyle!¹

So, next time you grumble about blogging, remember you’re not just selling houses; you’re curating experiences. Give it a whirl. Who knows, your blog might just be the key to unlocking a new world of buyers!²

Now, about the magic of blogs—they aren’t just there for show. Businesses that blog rake in more traffic. It’s a magnet for potential buyers scouring the web for their dream home. Plus, it gives your website some serious SEO brownie points.²

The thing is your website isn’t merely a digital property catalogue. It’s an immersive experience—a sneak peek into a potential life. Every blog post isn’t just a blurb; it’s an invitation, a snippet of the world they could be stepping into.³

See, the key isn’t just in flashing your interactive tools; it’s in telling a compelling story. So, the next time you sigh about blogging, think about the universe you’re creating for your buyers—one engaging post at a time.⁴

Get tapping those keys; your buyers might just be scrolling, waiting to discover their new home sweet home!

Remember, it’s not just about selling houses; it’s about selling a lifestyle. Cheers to blogging beyond the blueprints!

Tabitha Warren was an Income Tax Accountant for 15+ years. In the first months of the pandemic, she took a chance and re-careered to freelance in Marketing. She currently, and very happily, works with video and photo editing, social media marketing, and now blog writing.

(Source: Moz – SEO Basics)
(Source: HubSpot – The Benefits of Business Blogging)
(Source: Forbes – Blogging for Business)
(Source: WordStream – 55 Blogging Statistics and Facts)

Outhouse – The Outsource Hub for Home Builders

October 1, 2024
By Jim Sorgatz

People often wonder about our quirky name. Well, we’ve got a secret to share. We take great pride in and are passionate about what we do, but we also know how to have a bit of fun. At Outhouse, we’ve embraced the tech industry’s laid-back culture, complete with remote work perks that give our team extra family time, thanks to a commute-free life.

But Here’s the Twist in Our Tale!

Outhouse, LLC is on a mission to redefine how the world of home building operates. We’re not just another company; we’re a dynamic fusion of three visionaries: Architectural Solutions, Inc., Nexus Multimedia, and Centeon Corporation. In the year 2000, we joined forces, driven by a common vision – to revolutionize the way home builders design, visualize, construct, and sell homes through a cutting-edge, integrated, all-encompassing platform.

Our compass? A set of core values that guide our every move – trust, culture, vision, value, and stewardship. Our brand promise is simple: consistently deliver the right product, provide exceptional customer service, and set the gold standard for production excellence.

Now, with integration and values in mind, our partners decided to embrace the Outhouse moniker, signifying that we’re your go-to “out” source for all things home building. Our tagline? “If you don’t do it in-house, bring it to Outhouse.” Many builders miss the “complete outsource” part, but the savvy ones know the real magic starts with Computer Aided Design (CAD) – the cornerstone of a streamlined, error-free process.

Lay a Solid Foundation with Outhouse CAD

With over a quarter-century of experience and plans drafted for countless homes across the nation, Outhouse knows home building like no other. Beyond expertly drawn plans, our construction documents provide the bedrock for crafting precise sales materials and dynamic marketing assets. What’s more? We seamlessly synchronize any changes you make across all our construction, digital, and physical onsite platforms. Our exclusive process minimizes hiccups and maximizes your profits.

Craft Digital Marketing and Onsite Sales Tools Hand in Hand with CAD

Here’s where the full-service brilliance comes into play. Builders who draft plans in-house typically don’t dive into digital marketing tools like interactive floor plans, renderings, virtual tours, visualizers, or animations until construction docs are done. But not when you partner with Outhouse for CAD. We kickstart your marketing assets well before CAD completion, giving you a head start on the competition. We design and produce your marketing essentials for your sales center in tandem.

Minimize Mistakes, Maximize Gains

Who doesn’t love saving money? Your dedicated Outhouse Account Manager takes the reins for all your projects – from CAD to digital tools to printed materials. This means that whenever there’s a change (imagine moving a wall), they execute it across all platforms. Meanwhile, builders using multiple providers must juggle each one for changes. By embracing Outhouse’s comprehensive suite of integrated services, you can leave the details to us, saving time, money, and adding extra padding to your bottom line.

If You Don’t Do It In-House, Bring It to Outhouse!

In a nutshell, Outhouse isn’t just a whimsical name. It’s a testament to our vision of being your one-stop-shop for construction docs and cutting-edge sales and marketing tools for home builders.

Year-End Takeaways for the Home Building Industry

March 28, 2025
By Tabitha Warren

As we approach the end of another eventful year in the home building industry, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the key lessons and takeaways that can guide us into a promising future. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, there’s much to learn from the experiences of the past 12 months. Here are some crucial year-end takeaways for the home building industry:

Adaptability Is Key: The year 2023 highlighted the importance of adaptability. Home builders who quickly adjusted their strategies in response to changing market conditions were better positioned for success. Flexibility and the ability to pivot in the face of challenges have become valuable assets.
Digital Dominance Continues: The digital transformation in the home building industry is no longer a trend; it’s a necessity. With homebuyers relying on online research and interactive tools like never before, having a robust online presence, including virtual tours and interactive floor plans, is essential. There is some good news here: the costs of these digital technologies are dropping. This is an excellent opportunity for smaller homebuilders seeking a competitive advantage. Builders who want to stay ahead of the curve in 2024 should consider implementing digital assets they may have believed to be out of reach. Pricing has become much more competitive in recent years. Putting some digital tools in place could mean the difference between staying in the game and being unable to remain competitive.
Supply Chain Management: The global supply chain disruptions served as a reminder of the significance of efficient supply chain management. Home builders should build resilient supply chains to prevent delays and maintain construction timelines. Resilience is essential in every part of the supply chain, from labor to subcontractors to materials and technology. ¹
Sustainability Matters: The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient homes is rising. Incorporating green building practices appeals to eco-conscious buyers and helps reduce long-term operating costs. The home building industry is waking up to the importance of green building. Even NAHB and IBS are getting involved by funding a Green Building Scholarship. Please find out more by visiting their website: https://www.nahb.org/advocacy/industry-issues/sustainability-and-green-building/sgb-scholarship-for-ibs
Quality Over Quantity: Prioritizing quality over quantity is becoming the mantra of successful homebuilders. Delivering superior craftsmanship and focusing on customer satisfaction can lead to lasting success in the industry. For an interesting read about improving housing in America, check out what the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University found about the impact of COVID-19 on our current market. They have some interesting statistics on home repair ($420 billion spent in 2020), DIY vs professional, and the demand for quality housing. https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/improving-americas-housing-2021
Teamwork and Talent: The importance of a skilled and motivated workforce cannot be overstated. Investing in employee training and well-being can improve productivity, retention, and overall company success. Continuing education for your Online Sales Counselors and Marketing team is imperative. The digital landscape is ever changing. Marketers need help to stay current. Summits and conferences can pay 100-fold. Online Sales Counselors are only as good as their sales experience and education. Help them by ensuring they have all the tools in their toolbox.
Customer-Centric Approach: Home builders who put the customer at the center of their operations tend to thrive. Excellent customer service and transparent communication go a long way in building trust and loyalty. More and more builders are discussing that a customer-centric approach might involve having transparent online pricing. Just listen to what Reilly LePage of Logel Homes had to say on The Home Builder Digital Marketing Podcast: https://www.buildermarketingpodcast.com/episodes/190-elevating-the-online-home-buying-process-reilly-lepage Builder Online thought this was such an important topic that they featured the podcast this month on their Builder 100.
Risk Management: With uncertainties in the market, effective risk management strategies are crucial. Planning for potential disruptions and having backup plans can mitigate unexpected challenges. Conducting market analysis before starting a project, having a robust financial reserve, and securing contracts with backup suppliers are just a few ways to mitigate risk.
Local Market Insight: Understanding the unique dynamics of local markets is essential. Tailoring strategies to meet each community’s specific needs and preferences can make a significant difference. Home builders can always hire an independent market research team. If that is outside the budget, local home builders associations, real estate associations, and chambers of commerce often publish market reports, housing data, and economic indicators for specific regions. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau, local planning departments, and housing authorities publish data providing demographic information, building permits, and economic data. If all else fails, there are the good old real estate platforms Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin to peruse for statistics, pricing trends, and property listings.
Continual Learning: The home building industry is constantly evolving. Those who commit to ongoing learning and staying updated on industry trends and regulations will remain ahead of the competition. Educational events like the National Association of Home Builders International Builders Show (IBS) and The Home Builder Digital Marketing Summit are key. Summits and Conferences help builders keep up with the ever-evolving industry. Monthly learning like that provided in Builder Town Hall by Meredith Communications is also a great way to keep your ear out.

As we bid farewell to this year, let’s carry these valuable takeaways into the future. The home building industry’s resilience and adaptability have been on full display. With the right strategies in place, the opportunities for growth and success in the coming year are boundless. Cheers to a promising and prosperous future in the world of home building!

https://buildertrend.com/blog/construction-supply-chain/