Kurt Gibson, manager of the Home Gallery, says the hub is designed to maximize customer satisfaction.

“It’s more reasonable for our customers to spend seven to eight hours total in one location rather than driving all over town to make selections through several appointments,” he says.

The Home Gallery can make the stressful process much more efficient with lighting, plumbing, appliances, window coverings, flooring and paint options all under one roof. Elite Homes is the first of the builders to transfer their clients to the Home Gallery. Todays Homes will begin the transition shortly, while Greenboro Estate Homes may or may not filter all clients through the gallery.

“While the Home Gallery has about 80 to 90 per cent of what customers are looking for with Elite or Todays, Greenboro’s customers are expecting more individual selection and high-end product that we just can’t capture,” says Gibson.

Regardless, Gibson recommends the Home Gallery be showcased for every home sold as it provides a good opportunity for customers to see what is available.

“We have the capacity for 1,200 to 1,400 homes based on our size,” he says. “As many people we can get through here, the better it is for everybody, builder and customer.” Customers are greeted with a marble-covered front desk backing a glass wall that previews an assortment of colours and textures available for your home. A winding spindle-railing staircase leads to the offices upstairs to the left, and an arrangement of sofas and chairs is housed on the right side.

Through the doors lies a “candy store” of design materials. The 5,600-square-foot design centre has eight work stations with six functioning for designers and customers to gather at, three kitchens, a café centre for clients to enjoy snacks and beverages while flipping through the latest home-design magazines, a mock bathroom and walls of different upgrades possible.

The Home Gallery doesn’t have to be a snooze for men either. There is a home theatre room and a section on garage organizers.

“The number one trend in upgrades is garage organization,” Gibson says. “Most people can attest their garages aren’t how they would like them to be. So we would like to capture that.”

Customers can add any extra expenses to their mortgages, whereas in the past they would have to pay up front directly with suppliers.

Among advantages of the Home Gallery is its layout. Wall signs are easy to read and follow for customers and they have set up a “shopping experience” by allowing customers to take their selection back to the work station to see everything fit together.

“The layout adds flexibility for us as well,” Gibson says. “In the past, design centres were too permanent, and to change outdated upgrades would destroy the whole place.” This setup, on the other hand, allows for interchangeability.

If that isn’t enough, the Home Gallery staff provides great customer service and knowledgeable advice. According to Charissa Gallant, who purchased an Elite home, her designer took extra time in researching and accommodating requests.

 “The designer was really good to deal with,” Gallant says. “She made us feel very comfortable, and we appreciate everything she’s done.” So whether homebuying customers are looking for choice or outstanding customer service, the UBG Home Gallery seeks to be just the place to get it all. NL