BY RHONDA POWELL
FOR THE GAZETTE

Members of the Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association have managed to work around the frustrating weather conditions this past winter and spring to complete homes along the Parade route in time for the main event.

“It’s a testament to the project management of our construction companies that they’ve been able to come in on time and on budget,” says Gary Frakes of Gary Frakes Construction in Iowa City and current president of the HBA. “We’ve also had a lot of help from our affiliate members and suppliers to get the houses done on time.”

The 2008 Parade of Homes tour includes 37 homes in Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, Riverside, Swisher and Tiffin.

The newest location featured in the 2008 Parade is the Aspen Ridge area in North Liberty.

“All the other houses in the Parade of Homes this year are in existing subdivisions,” explains Chad Keune, owner of Advantage Custom Builders and chairman of the 2008 Parade of Homes.

According to Keune, folks attending the 2008 Parade of Homes looking for ideas to incorporate into their own building or remodeling projects shouldn’t be shy about asking questions.

“Go in and find the builder and ask a question,” he says. “That’s what we’re there for.”

Keune also suggests taking lots of notes and sketches with specific details about the aspects of a home you like. Just remember that you are not allowed to photograph the parade homes’ interiors.

The 2007 Parade of Homes attracted approximately 5,000 people. Organizers are expecting a similar number of visitors this year. Frakes reminds the public that the Parade of Homes is not just a weekend event. “With Tuesday and Thursday evening hours, it’s possible to tour the homes during the week, too,” he says.