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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!


The Power of Consistency: What Won’t Change in the Next Decade?


 
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In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and constant change, it’s easy to get caught up in predicting the future. Jeff Bezos once said, “I very frequently get the question: ‘What’s going to change in the next 10 years?’… I almost never get the question: ‘What’s not going to change in the next 10 years?’ And I submit to you that that second question is the more important of the two.” This insight highlights the critical importance of focusing on the constants that underpin lasting success.





One need look no further than to Katerra, the now defunct technology-driven off-site construction company founded in 2015.  Katerra seemingly held so much promise for streamlining the construction process.  Its demise ultimately came down to not-so-great management, but another contributor was lack of enthusiasm by the home building industry to make a major shift in construction methods.  Who knows, with AI coming into play we may see change in the next 10 years, but that won’t happen unless home builders and homebuyers begin to look at housing in a new light.  A house is one of the few things that is still entirely handmade here in America, and therefore a career choice and point of pride for many.





Image by Katerra Group courtesy of LinkedIn





The Foundation of Enduring Success





Success isn’t just about anticipating the next big trend or technological breakthrough; it’s equally about understanding and leveraging the fundamental principles that remain stable over time. These enduring elements form the bedrock of resilient and adaptable strategies.





Institutional Knowledge: The Unchanging Asset





One such constant is the value of institutional knowledge. This encompasses the collective expertise, experiences, and insights accumulated within an organization over time. Institutional knowledge is a critical asset that, when effectively harnessed, can guide decision-making, foster innovation, and provide a competitive edge.





Like any other industry, decision makers in home building often change roles, move to another company, or retire at some point.  New people coming onboard often have “new” ideas.  Sometimes the ideas are truly innovative, but often they have already been explored.  Whether it be in new home marketing, construction, or sales, this is where institutional knowledge is beneficial.  Long term employees and adequate documentation prevent companies from spinning their wheels, keeping them on the road to progress.





Unlike fleeting trends, institutional knowledge represents the enduring wisdom that an organization has built. It includes documented processes, historical data, and the nuanced understanding of market dynamics that only comes with experience. Preserving and utilizing this knowledge ensures continuity and stability, even as external conditions change.





Resilience: The Human Element





Another unchanging element is the human capacity for resilience. As Bezos emphasized, the ability to endure and adapt is crucial. This resilience is not just about weathering storms but thriving amid them. It involves cultivating a mindset that embraces challenges, learns from failures, and remains flexible in the face of uncertainty.





Will anyone ever forget 2020?  Builders moved their offices home, stopped construction for a short while, retooled their product, then charged ahead constructing new homes as the housing market boomed!  The ability of home builders to quickly pivot in 2020, and subsequent years as housing needs rapidly change, is a shining example of resilience.    





Building a resilient organization means fostering a culture where employees are encouraged to innovate, take risks, and learn continuously. This adaptability allows an organization to pivot and respond effectively to new opportunities and threats, ensuring long-term success.





The Intersection of Technology and Human Insight





While technology continues to evolve, the intersection of advanced tools with human insight remains a constant driver of innovation. Technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning can process vast amounts of data and generate actionable insights. However, the interpretation and application of these insights still rely heavily on human expertise and intuition.






Check out this article from Denim Marketing about “Buy Now” buttons in home building!




With the rapid advance of technologies, builders have been exploring the potential of selling homes online with the click of a button.  Unlike most other products, there are many hurdles to clear when it comes to buying/selling a home.  Securing funding, credit checks, title searches, home inspections, appraisals, additional credit checks, construction and loan delays, pages of documents to sign, and last-minute snafus all come into play making human expertise essential – at least for the foreseeable future.   





Organizations that successfully integrate technological advancements with institutional knowledge and human resilience create a powerful synergy. This combination enables them to navigate complexities, anticipate changes, and maintain a strategic advantage.





Practical Strategies for Leveraging Constants





1. Document and Share Knowledge:





   – Create robust systems for documenting processes, best practices, and lessons learned.





   – Encourage knowledge sharing across departments to foster a collaborative environment.





2. Invest in Employee Development:





   – Provide continuous learning opportunities to help employees adapt to new technologies and methodologies.





   – Cultivate a growth mindset that values resilience and innovation.





3. Balance Technology with Human Insight:





   – Leverage AI and data analytics to enhance decision-making processes.





   – Ensure that human expertise guides the interpretation and application of technological insights.





4. Foster a Culture of Adaptability:





   – Encourage experimentation and risk-taking within a supportive framework.





   – Recognize and reward resilience and innovative thinking.





The Future of Stability





As we look to the next decade, the challenge lies not just in predicting change but in identifying and leveraging the elements that will remain constant. By focusing on institutional knowledge, human resilience, and the balance between technology and human insight, organizations can build a foundation for enduring success.





While the specifics of the future may be uncertain, the principles that drive success remain steadfast. By understanding and harnessing these constants, organizations can navigate the complexities of change and emerge stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for whatever the future holds.





Written by Jim Sorgatz and Tabitha Warren


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!







Year-End Takeaways for the Home Building Industry


 
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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:





  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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!







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.







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