Moving to a new home always comes with its share of challenges. Given current market conditions, however, even finding a new home to move to has become downright onerous.

"It's no secret the market out there is in an interesting season right now," says Brian Iwano, founder and project manager of Cherry Hill-based Blue Tree Builders. "There's very little availability, which in turn can't meet overall demand. Adding to that difficulty is how demand has changed. What many buyers are now looking for largely just doesn't exist in the market right now."

All things considered, the advantages of new construction should be readily apparent.

"You get to make it what you want," he says. "Even the best existing homes out there right now will require some work in order to make it your own. Building new affords you the opportunity to check all the boxes. Really, though, whether you're buying a builder's spec home or are going down the road of a custom build, there's nothing like the smell of a new house."

As a full-service design-build firm, Blue Tree Builders collaborates with homeowners in South Jersey to design and construct homes perfectly suited to their family and lifestyle. Whenever the company takes on a new project, Iwano and his team first gain an in-depth understanding of the client's specific goals, and then guides the client through each step of the process. Iwano describes the process as "fluid and organized," led by a capable team of specialists who strive to leave no detail overlooked and no question unanswered.

"It's our job to learn about you and your project," he says. "While it's very helpful for you to be prepared with a wish list and some design direction, it's our job to bring it all together for you. Don't feel like you need to have it all figured out, but being prepared and being able to make decisions will help the process go all the more smoothly."

Whereas each project has its unique attributes, Iwano suggests most clients who choose new construction want the same thing—namely, floor plans that combine openness and flexibility.

"People today are looking for open but defined spaces that can flex and change as families grow and change," he adds. "People are also looking for additional living spaces such as reading rooms, offices, and sunrooms, all of which can be used as additional bedrooms or living spaces as family's needs change over the years. The 'starter home' concept has become a thing of the past for many people. Buyers are opting for bigger and more permanent homes that will allow their families space to grow and gather."

Iwano cites a recently completed ground-up rebuild for a client whose home was destroyed by a fire. Although Iwano and his team were constrained by the local housing association for the overall size and exterior finishes, they succeeded in reconfiguring the interior layout for greater openness and functionality.

Since its founding in 2006, Blue Tree Builders has grown considerably in both size and capability. The company is big enough to access top-tier suppliers, resources and materials, but small enough to remain nimble, accessible and attentive. For example, Blue Tree Builders offers one point of contact and handles the entire process from "concept to completion."

"We value relationships and prefer to work with people who share that mindset," Iwano adds. "Our ideal clients value our expertise and trust us to have their best interests at the forefront. It's important for us to know the overall build budget up front because that allows us to make informed, intelligent, and efficient accommodations that serve the client, project and property's ultimate value. Building your forever home is a huge undertaking, and we don't take that lightly at all."

Iwano welcomes prospective clients to visit the Blue Tree Builders website to learn more about the process and the team, as well as to see examples of its work.

"Building gives us great joy," he says. "It makes us tick. The opportunity we have to design and deliver gathering spaces is what it's all about for us. Building new is an experience your family will remember forever, and a legacy that will probably pass through generations."

Blue Tree Builders
ExperienceBlueTree.com
contactus@experiencebluetree.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 23, Issue 9 (July 2023).
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