LAYTON -- Most women coming into the design center at Flint Custom Homes in Layton say it's about time -- finally, someone is looking out for their best interests when it comes to building homes, according to Michelle Blain, main designer for Flint.
The women are referring to the women-centric approach the local custom builder has taken in recent years.
The concept turns the designing of the house back into the laps of the people who make the house a home.
"Most designers, architects, and builders are virtually all men, yet the main drivers behind making the house a home are women," said Steve Flint, owner of Flint Custom Homes.
After years of market research, surveys and focus groups, Women-Centric Matters in Nebraska developed the concept to give women what they really want. Currently, Flint Custom Homes is the only Northern Utah builder licensed with the organization.
"It is mostly putting a name to something that every man, whether married to a woman or living with one, is already living," says Blain, who often sees men sheepishly nod their heads when asked if the women make most of the decisions about the house.
Research indicates that women want more storage areas, space where they can relax and areas for entertaining, in addition to rooms that can be changed as needs evolve.
Flint takes the concept further to make sure women are not lumped into one group. "... We get to know the client up front and get to know their needs," said Flint.
Some might think custom building is expensive, but Blain knows custom building is more about designing exactly what the customer wants in a house of any size, whether it's a starter home or one costing a million dollars.
"Building a home is one of the biggest investments we'll ever make, so we try to take the stress out of it," said Blain. "We can offer them experience and make sure they don't feel alone."
Flint has more than 30 years in the business, beginning as a youngster helping his father, who was also a builder. He says:
"The thing I like best about building homes is that you can actually see something being created and I am part of bringing that creation to be."
This is one in a periodic series profiling businesses featured on the website Utahfindit.com. For more information about the website, contact Laura South at 801-625-4346 or lsouth@standard.net.
Comments