At Sun West Custom Homes, we take pride in every challenging project we undertake, but there’s something truly special about being selected to build The New American Home® (TNAH) for the fourth time in our company’s history. It's a unique honor and an incredible responsibility that we approach with the utmost dedication, knowing we’re building a showcase of the future in our industry.
Spec Home Vs. Exhibition Home
Building a regular spec home and an exhibition home like TNAH 2025 are two entirely different experiences. A spec home is typically designed with a broad audience in mind, balancing design, cost, and functionality. It’s about creating a home that appeals to potential buyers in the market, with a focus on practicality, and market trends.
On the other hand, building TNAH 2025 is about pushing boundaries and setting new standards. This isn’t just someone’s residence; it’s a platform to showcase cutting-edge products, innovative construction methods, and the latest in energy efficiency. Every detail is scrutinized, from the materials used to the integration of smart home technologies. The goal is to inspire and educate, demonstrating to builders, architects, and homeowners what’s possible when creativity meets technology, with hopes that these building professionals will continue building upon these trends.
Collaboration with Suppliers and Product Selection
One of the most exciting aspects of building TNAH 2025 is the level of collaboration with suppliers. Unlike a typical spec home, where product selection is driven by cost and availability, TNAH involves working closely with industry-leading suppliers who are eager to showcase their latest innovations. In turn, these suppliers are partners in the creative process, helping to shape the home’s design and functionality.
Product selection becomes a collaborative effort, with suppliers providing the latest in energy-efficient materials, cutting-edge products, and sustainable technologies. The involvement of these suppliers is crucial because TNAH isn’t just about building a home—it’s about setting new benchmarks for the industry. This collaboration allows us to incorporate state-of-the-art products that might not yet be widely available in the market, giving the home an edge in innovation and sustainability.
Building on an Accelerated Timeline
Building a custom home of this size and complexity typically takes 16 to 20 months. The planning, permitting, and construction processes are extensive, allowing us to carefully execute every detail. However, with TNAH, the timeline is dramatically shortened to about 10 months. This accelerated schedule presents a significant challenge, requiring detailed planning, efficient execution, and a team that operates like a well-oiled machine.
The key to meeting this timeline is our experience and ability to anticipate and resolve issues before they become roadblocks. We also rely heavily on our relationships with suppliers, distributors, and subcontractors, who understand the importance of deadlines and are committed to delivering their best work within the compressed schedule. It’s a high-pressure environment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see the home come together so quickly and beautifully.
Why We Love Doing This
While the demands of building TNAH are significant, the payoff is equally substantial. The exposure that comes from participating in the International Builders’ Show (IBS) is unparalleled. For us, it’s an opportunity to showcase our craftsmanship and innovation to a global audience. The home will be toured by thousands of industry professionals, featured in numerous publications, and broadcasted across multiple media platforms.
For the suppliers, the benefits are also immense. By donating products or offering them at reduced costs as well as becoming a sponsor, they gain valuable exposure to potential clients and partners. The products we incorporate into TNAH will be seen by top industry professionals, many of whom influence trends and purchasing decisions in the broader market. It’s a win-win situation, where both the builder and suppliers benefit from the spotlight that TNAH provides for the housing industry.
The New American Home 2025 project has provided Sun West Custom Homes with a unique opportunity to showcase our expertise in designing and building a one-of-a-kind home on a grand stage for a national audience. While the differences between building a show home and a luxury custom home are evident, our commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship remains unwavering. We are proud to demonstrate our ability to harmonize these distinctions, creating a stunning show home that captures the essence of American living while upholding the highest standards of luxury and innovation. We look forward to sharing our creation at the IBS convention and continuing to craft exceptional custom homes for our clients.
