Reflecting on 2019 & Looking Ahead at 2020

In the homebuilding industry, hitting milestones is an everyday experience. But this past November, we experienced one that’s hardly routine: the 20-year anniversary of closing the first home that StyleCraft built.

It’s tradition this time of year to simultaneously look back at what we accomplished the past 12 months while focusing on the goals for the coming year. And I’ll get to that — but I don’t want the big picture of all we’ve built together over the past two decades to get lost, whether you’re one of our 2,300+ homeowners, one of our valued partners, or a homebuyer giving us a look for the first time. Just imagine the thousands of backyard cookouts, the hundreds of first steps, and countless neighbors who became friends in our thriving communities over 20 years. It’s an incredibly humbling thought!

That brings us to this year, a 2019 marked by new model home openings, greatly enhanced efforts on the customer experience front, and perhaps the best validation yet of our growth story. It was also another year that we made giving back a cornerstone of our company as the builder of the Richmond St. Jude Dream Home. And now, as we look ahead at a big, bright 2020 — it’s hard not to get excited about where we’ll be this time next year.

Here are some details on where we’ve been and where we’re headed:

A GOOD GROWTH STORY

2019 was marked by the expansion of our Model Homes, including the Grayson at Saunders Station Townes, The Kenmore at Hartford Hill Townes, and The Holly at Chickahominy Falls. StyleCraft’s growth also proved to measure up. We were recognized by Builder Magazine as the 8th Fastest Growing Private Builder in the Country, and listed among the Top 200 Builders. And while national attention is nice, we’re still a local builder. In fact, 2019 marked our largest year in the Richmond market as we closed over 300 homes and continue to secure our spot as one of the Top 5 builders.

ALL ABOUT THE CUSTOMER

This year we made substantial additional investments in our customer experience, making it even more seamless and intuitive. One of those enhancements included implementing Quality Assurance checks on each home at three key stages in the building process — ensuring uncompromising quality from framing through home delivery. We also gave buyers a head start on home design, integrating the Design Studio Manager online tool that allows them to explore all their options virtually before the big Design Studio appointment. Finally, we opened a unique window into the homebuying experience by shadowing and sharing the adventures of a real-life StyleCraft homebuyer. Taken in tandem with our efforts to collect and act on homeowner feedback, we’ve never felt closer to our homebuyers.

GIVING BACK

Year two of leading and building Richmond’s St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway was by all accounts a resounding success. With the help of our valued partners, sponsors, and the entire community — we raised more than $1 million to support the critical work St. Jude does for children battling life-threatening diseases and their families. And it didn’t come without a “feel good” story from the Watkins family, who learned the life-changing news that they had won the ‘Dream Home’ during the on-air drawing. Stay tuned; we’re already planning for 2020.

WHAT’S NEXT?

It’s no exaggeration to suggest that 2020 may be our biggest year yet — and we’re embracing the growth. We’re greatly expanding the footprint of our communities throughout Greater Richmond to include the following:

• Village at Miller’s Lane: A new townhome community in Henrico County combining an ideal floor plan with a prime location.
• The Overlook at Hancock Village: Shopping. Dining. Amenities. Value. All right in your neighborhood. That is the attraction of the Overlook at Hancock Village, a new community within Hancock Village featuring brand new floor plans that will elevate your lifestyle.
• Mosaic at West Creek: Located in the heart of Goochland, this active-adult community will feature first-floor living floor plans and desirable amenities.
• Woolridge Landing: Designed for those 55 and better, this community will feature open, low-maintenance floor plans, ample amenities, and more.

We know, it’s a lot. But when you consider that we’re building on two decades of momentum, it’s an achievable plan. And we can’t wait until this time next year when we have the opportunity to share all that we accomplished together.

Finally, if 2020 is the year for you to purchase a new home — we invite you to call our dedicated sales team at 804.523.HOME or take a look at our communities throughout Greater Richmond to start your home buying journey.

Live Up,

Richard Kuhn
StyleCraft Homes President

*This blog post has been modified as of 6/1/21 to reflect a change in warranty or Freestyle services.