I often get asked why we would put so much energy and effort into our new house and build something so different from the norm. People frequently ask me if we are concerned about the resale value. And many of course some worry about what people might think if they were to do such a thing.
We designed and are building our new house because it is our personal dream. This is the kind of house we WANT to live in. It suits our needs and desires. All good reasons in our mind. Each time I stand back to look at the result of our efforts it makes me smile a big old smile. I suspect it will for as long as it stands. We weren't concerned about what other people may think. This is our house not theirs.
Our small acreage is perfect for the unique building, somewhat distanced from our neighbors, not in the middle of a subdivision where it would stick out like a sore thumb. We aren't building this house to resell. We are in fact building it with wide hallways, big doors, fully wheelchair accessible - just in case we need these features in our old age, hopefully many years in coming. When it comes time to sell, we'll move on, knowing we've had a chance to live out our wildest dream - with no regrets.
The house is of course designed to serve as a calling card for our business - a giant 'sign' out by the road. It uses every technique we have mastered through the more than forty years we have been in business and a few new tricks we have invented - just for this project. It is designed to gather attention and showcase our work. It does all that in a very grand fashion.
I know for a fact that many are talking about our house project, both locally and much further afield. Every single day scores of people take the time and effort to stop their cars as they drive by and take pictures. Hopefully they show the pictures to their family and friends or post them to facebook or elsewhere on the internet - and in the process provide us free advertising for our business. The house (far from complete) has already brought us new business.
The house will undoubtably garner a lot of media attention in coming years. That has started already. Today our local city paper (Chilliwack Times) printed a full page article that featured our house in construction. The article talks about the house of course, but also speaks of our business and our many imaginative projects in equal space - all free advertising that would be very expensive to purchase. Positive editorial ink is many times more valuable than advertising!
Each day we see many smiling faces and lots of friendly waves. Many stop to tell us they love the new house and it's bold and unique styling. In a few months we'll get to move in and enjoy the inside space and keep making it ever more special to us. Family and friends will join us as we use it to it's full capability.
WHen we move in we will indeed truly be living the dream!
To read the Chilliwack Times article go to BEYOND IMAGINATION
-grampa dan
