Builder tailors plans for each location

The executives at William Ryan Homes believe in finding a niche market where they do well and remaining in that niche. But they are constantly refining, improving and becoming more efficient within that area of expertise.

For William Ryan Homes, that niche is architecturally exciting single-family homes in a variety of styles, prices and locations in desirable communities.

The builder also offers innovative features and programs to maximize the value homebuyers receive, whether they are first-time purchasers or those seeking to move up to a larger home. There are flexible floor plans, science-based building systems and reasonable prices, thanks to operational efficiencies the company has developed over the years, said Debbie Beaver, vice president of operations.

"We gain efficiencies by using the same 13 plans in all of our communities but tailoring our amenities to the location," Beaver said. "The same house might have hardwood floors and granite countertops in Barrington, for instance, but vinyl floors and laminate countertops in Elgin. Our core construction is the same everywhere and it is phenomenal."

The homebuilder is now working in Barrington, Elgin, Cary, Naperville, Hampshire and Plainfield. Later this year it plans to open communities in Hawthorn Woods, Addison, Bartlett, Volo and Romeoville.

"Buyers no longer want to drive a great distance. They want to live in the closer suburbs because their lifestyles are more important to them than their homes are now. Living in the middle of nowhere is no longer appealing," Beaver said.

Wonderful locations were part of the reason the Ryan Building Group, the holding company of William Ryan Homes, started North Shore Builders in 2007. This division caters to a different client with a higher end product and specification levels than offered by William Ryan Homes, Beaver said.

"Bill Ryan started North Shore Builders after he saw his friends wanting to move home to the North Shore, but not being able to find anything under $2 million," Beaver said. "Yet there were all kinds of teardown lots for which people couldn't get financing because of the recession. We got the financing, bought the lots when no one else could, and were able to use our plans to build highly upgraded homes in Winnetka and sell them for only $999,990. It was a perfect time."

While most of the homes that North Shore Builders has built have been on scattered sites around the North Shore communities, it currently is developing a 19-home subdivision on the former site of Kendall College in Evanston. In order to preserve Evanston's unique character, North Shore Builders is replicating historic homes found elsewhere in Evanston, using modern techniques and materials. Home styles include French Provincials, Tudors and other historic styles.

"We have worked with Evanston's historic committee to develop these homes that are brand new, but look old," she said. "We only have seven or eight lots left and it has turned out really well."

What do you like best about being a builder?

"I enjoy helping people realize the type of home that they want. It is a huge kick to help people achieve the American dream. I particularly enjoy watching them see the colors and floors and other amenities they picked come together to become a home - and then handing them the keys.

"When people build a home, they are experiencing a lifestyle change and, as a builder, you are a part of that. I also enjoy running the operations side of this business because I am a problem-solver."

What are the biggest changes you have seen in the business over the years?

"Of course, homes have become much more energy-efficient and the energy codes are now starting to mandate things that we have been doing for years. But we are always looking at all sides of building science. Even during the recession we were looking for added value for our buyers. We weren't necessarily dropping prices, but we were getting our suppliers to add more value for the same price and explaining that to our buyers."

Can you offer any glimpses into the future of William Ryan Homes in the Chicago area?

"I really feel we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I feel good about 2015 and expect to see a healthy market. We are budgeting for growth, not through selling more houses per community but through selling a consistent number of homes in more communities.

"Our goal is to be in the top ten builders in every market in which we do business around the country: Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison (Wisconsin), Phoenix and Tampa (Florida)."

For more information about William Ryan Homes or North Shore Builders, visit www.WilliamRyanHomes.com.