Personalizing a New Home is All Part of the Fun
Dave Marks
Planning for a new home is an exciting chapter in life, and Butterfield knows managing that process well has a huge impact on how new residents feel about making a move to the Village. The freedom incoming residents have throughout the renovation process to make personalized decisions — and occasionally even plan for upgrades — helps ensure new homes are comfortable and convenient. This attention to detail also helps enrich each resident’s pride in their new surroundings and enhances the special sense of place inherent to Butterfield.
Move-In Coordinator Dave Marks is dedicated to his eleven-year role as liaison, navigating newcomers through each unique remodel. Over 400 people live at Butterfield, and there are always multiple renovation projects underway. Dave stays busy detailing residents’ wishes to the construction team and communicating building timelines, budgets and progress back to new residents. As important as it is to keep the technical aspects of projects moving and all informed, he serves as a critical link to help new residents feel welcome and connected to campus long before furniture arrives on moving day.
“Dave meets repeatedly with residents and even family members, guiding every step of the way,” Director of Marketing Kelly Syer said. “There are many decisions to be made, and it’s extremely helpful to have a friendly, encouraging point of contact for our newcomers. Our options cater to each individual, setting Butterfield apart from other retirement communities in our region.”
Newly available apartments, cottages and Village homes are assessed to create a standard renovation budget. Each project scope depends on prior renovations, and considers what may need to be done to ensure every residence meets the Butterfield “standard.” Stainless appliances, quartz and granite countertops, recessed can lighting and floor-to-ceiling tiled showers are examples of standard renovation items new residents see. Because residences are uniquely reviewed, renovations can be as minimal as paint and flooring—or more all-encompassing, with new cabinets, showers, lighting or appliances.
Once newcomers sign their contract and pay the deposit for their home, Dave begins cultivating a relationship and gains understanding of the residence style they seek. Demolition typically commences; once clients make material selections, renovations begin according to an agreed-upon budget. Some projects may even allow for possible upgrades at additional cost above the initial budget, including items like high-end appliances, extra cabinetry, special flooring, multiple paint colors, or even space reconfiguration.
Cecily Brawner
“A trend we are seeing is interest in a larger living room space in two-bedroom standard apartments, so we’ve devised ways to open them up to bring in more sunlight. With a few, we have adjusted the wall between the primary bedroom and office or second bedroom to create a reading or computer nook,” Marks said. “We can enhance further with built-in cabinets, if asked. These upgrades incur additional upfront costs for residents, but do increase personalization of the space.”
Interior Designer Cecily Brawner has helped residents for years during the renovation process, offering guidance on everything from wall color to furniture. “Cecily is available as plans are made – or helps clients determine what furniture will or won’t work” Syer said. “She can even assist with placement of furnishings and art to get everything perfect.”
