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Local Builders Go for the Gold in Construction Competitions

From every stroke of the paint brush to the smallest blade of grass, everything must be perfect for the home builders who want to make sure their name is called when the area’s most prestigious residential construction and design awards are handed out during the 2008 Parade of Homes.

Each year the Pick of the Parade and Distinctive Plan & Design awards are presented to recognize outstanding new-home construction, architecture and design from the area’s leading home builders. The annual competition is held in conjunction with the Parade of Homes, which is produced by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City. This year’s parade features 435 new homes throughout the metropolitan area with homes open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 7-21.

On Sept. 5-6, a team of more than 40 industry professionals from across the nation travel to Kansas City to evaluate the contest entries. For the Pick of the Parade Awards, the judges will critique construction details including concrete flatwork and foundation, framing, finish carpentry, drywall, floor coverings, landscaping and floor plan. The judging criteria places a premium on ensuring uniform and even surfaces on walls and floors, exterior framing free of imperfections and careful painting and caulking in appropriate areas. Points are awarded based on an array of criteria centered on their importance in the home’s overall performance for the homeowner.

The Distinctive Plan & Design Awards focus on interior design and architecture, with judges awarding points based on the home’s creativity, function and curb appeal. The judges closely evaluate furnishing and accessories, color schemes and material selections in choosing the winners.

“The Pick of the Parade and Distinctive Plan & Design awards are prized by local home builders because of the significance they hold,” said Randy Sallee, chair of the HBA Tour Committee. “The fact that the winners are determined by our peers from across the country ensures a fair, competitive contest. It means a great deal to be recognized by experts in the housing industry as the best in Kansas City.”

Entries are divided into categories based on the price of the home.  The categories ranged from the mid $100,000s to more than $2 million with a Grand Award and First Runner-Up trophy presented in each Pick of the Parade category and First Place and Second Place honors presented in the Distinctive Plan & Design Awards. The winners of both competitions will be available online at www.kcparadeofhomes.com on the evening of Sept. 10 and profiled in the Kansas City Star’s Sunday Homes section and other local newspapers the weekend of Sept. 14.

The 2008 Parade of Homes opens Sept. 7 and continues through Sept. 21. Homes are open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free. A total of 435 new homes throughout metropolitan Kansas City are featured on the parade, which ranks as the second-largest housing tour in the nation. For a complete list of entries and for more information about the tour, visit the event online at www.kcparadeofhomes.com.

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