Parade of Homes: Best of the Best

Whether you’re in the market for an architect, interior designer, general contractor, or cabinetmaker, you’ll have the chance to see the work of some of the country’s most talented artisans during this year’s Parade of Homes, scheduled for September 23rd through the 26th. Hi, I’m Rebekah Delamare with the Home Builders Association of Southwest Colorado. After taking a pandemic-induced break last year, the Parade of Homes returns, with a total of 10 homes and commercial spaces. More intimate than past parades, this year’s tour will allow you to thoroughly enjoy each site without feeling rushed. And for the first time in its 17 year history, the Parade will feature a range of housing options, from the new Sparrow Apartment Building to million-dollar-plus executive homes.

We have the opportunity here to showcase some of the most incredibly and talented builders, designers, contractors, subcontractors in the nation. I’ve personally lived all over and have been fortunate enough to do design throughout the United States. And here in our local community, we have some of the best of the best. And it is really special to be able to showcase them and put their art out there for everyone one to see.

New this year is our Thursday Nigh Opening Event featuring entertainment, food and beverages at Steve Gates Architects and E-Terra construction, Smart Enterprises, Southwest Appliance and The Gallery. We’ve added the Thursday night events to give patrons more time to enjoy what our sponsors have to offer. It also provides an almost rare opportunity for the builders to take a break and socialize with the suppliers that make the interior of these amazing homes that much more breathtaking. Thursdays opening runs for 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Make Friday night date night with our popular Homes Under the Stars, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday night while you tour homes in a romantic evening ambiance with delectables. All homes are open for tours that night, then, return the next day to see how the light plays at each location. COVID protocols are changing daily so be sure to check with each stop’s host for special instructions or last minute accommodations.

Boy, we have gone above and beyond this year, trying to make sure that we are following the CDC regulations, as well as working in conjunction with San Juan Basin health. For everyone’s safety, and making sure that we are dotting all the I’s, currently, we are set up to have Chem-Dry partner with us, and they’re going to come in and sanitize the homes, both before the traffic comes in and as well as before the home owners come back to occupy their spaces. With Parade of Homes being canceled last year, as well as many other events, we really wanted to make sure we’re completely prepared for any new regulations and any new variants to come out, so we have masks on hand ready, we have directional floor stickers, any necessary means to help just get Parade of Homes running in safe manner and we can all enjoy this incredible event.

This year sponsors also have outdone themselves with Parade price packages ranging in value from 800 to $5,000 for your next building project. To enter, get your ticket stamped at all of the stops or enter to win at our website. No purchase is necessary. While the Parade offers our membership an opportunity to showcase their talents, it also helps to support the association and it’s efforts to address a national labor crisis locally. The construction industry has been particularly hard hit by the skilled labor shortage that we’ve been seeing, leading to fewer housing starts and higher housing costs. Part of the proceeds from the Parade of Homes this year support Trades and Training, a program that trains high school students in the construction trades, and allows them to earn certifications that assures future employers that they have the skills to get the job done. Our Trades and Training program is offered at the Durango and Bayfield High Schools, as well as Ignacio and other area districts are expected to participate in the near future. In the meantime we encourage you to tour our stops and see what incredible talent our area has to offer. Tours are open from noon to 9:00 p.m. on Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Again, visit our website for Parade schedules and ticket information at hbasc.com. Thanks for watching this edition of “Building South West Colorado.” I’m Rebekah Delamare.

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