Cavalcade Tour kicks off again in West suburbs

Those looking for a new home can find inspiration, see innovative designs and talk with builders about their communities at the 2018 Cavalcade Tour of Homes.

The tour, now underway through Sept. 16, features 18 custom homes by luxury homebuilders. You'll see homes that feature the latest trends in smart-home technology, in-home spas (wet rooms), eco-friendly homes, multigenerational living (homes with in- law suites) and kitchens with extra-long islands. You might even experience the opportunity to stand in your dream home.

The Cavalcade Tour of Homes, presented by the Northern Illinois Homebuilders Association and sponsored by Hines Supply, is Illinois' largest and most elaborate multisite tour featuring homes throughout Chicago's West suburbs.

The Cavalcade again is partnering with Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and Naperville Responds to Our Veterans, two organizations that provide housing, home repairs, job training, mental health services and more for veterans in need, said Court Airhart, chairman of the Cavalcade Tour, former president of the NIHBA and president of Airhart Construction.

"We're an industry involved in housing, and we're pleased that 40 percent of our ticket proceeds will go to these organizations," he said.

This year, showpiece homes include a modern Craftsman style, Country French ranch, modern Farmhouse with green features, waterfront home in a marina community, three-story in-town home and many other innovative styles.

"A scattered-site show features more homes and a wider range of designs than a single-site show would, and it's really cool to see such a variety," Airhart said.

Featured homes are "dressed for success" with current colors, showpiece chef's kitchens, grand great rooms, massive fireplaces, magnificent master suites with custom showers, current technologies and many energy-saving features. You'll see what's new in flooring, countertops, cabinetry, millwork and fixtures.

The big trend is customization, Airhart said.

"There's a wide variety of designs out there, and that's the cool thing about this show. They're all custom builders, and a custom show trend is what each builder has seen in the marketplace. That's why I like this show.

"You're looking at homes at $1.7 million and $500,000. How does each home in this broad price range meet the needs of the buyer and create solutions for that buyer. There's so much out there and so much happening in residential design with a lot of choices today. One of the homes features a wall bed because why do people need a three-bedroom house if they only use two. They could have a room they use all the time that flexes into a guest room with a pullout wall bed."

Here's a peek at some of the homes visitors will see at this year's Cavalcade of Homes Tour.

King's Court Builders presents its Stoneleigh design, which received rave reviews during the 2017 show. With a stunning exterior, this home features captivating style and design throughout. The home is designed with plenty of space and functionality for multigenerational living, which is often desired today. The home includes an incredible finished basement. You'll love entertaining inside and out with this amazing home.

Autumn Homes showcases its signature Hemingway Manor model in the heart of downtown Naperville. A Craftsman exterior, stunning front door and large porch welcome you into this home where an open two-story foyer, extensive wainscoting and a grand staircase wows visitors. The kitchen is the heart of this home where rough-planed beams complement the hand-scraped hickory flooring. Other key features include a massive island, professional range and elegant curved hood cabinet. The family room features a 10-foot coffered ceiling, stone fireplace and a lot of windows to brighten the space.

CL Design-Build presents a custom modern farmhouse designed for entertaining with a nearly 800-square-foot deck overlooking a spectacular sunset view of the golf course and water features. This unique home's open plan offers views from nearly every room on the main floor. The showpiece kitchen features an island that seats seven, beverage center and professional appliances.

A luxurious first-floor master suite with vaulted ceiling shares the golf course view. A unique feature of this home is the 735-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment over the garage with a separate entrance.

Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort shows a waterfront home overlooking a state-of-the-art marina in the heart of the Starved Rock region. This is resort-style living at its best with open space for entertaining amid spectacular surroundings and amenities. The resort offers an on-site restaurant, walking paths, outdoor swimming pools, year-round events and direct access to the I&M Bike trail. And it's only 15 minutes from four state parks, including Starved Rock.

In Warrenville, the Chestnut Hill by Airhart Construction features a craftsman exterior and large front porch that invites you into the home. Inside, a wide open floor plan provides plenty of space for entertaining as well as cozy, personal spaces that people like. The home offers a convenient first-floor master suite. And the upper level houses a spacious loft, two bedrooms and a full bath.

With one ticket, visitors will have access to all six days of the tour, and they can tour as many homes as they like, at their own pace, to see firsthand all the possibilities out there for today's homeowner.

Exploring the tour with friends is made easy through a downloadable app called Parade Craze that offers tickets, home descriptions and a map to get you from house to house.

If you go

<span class="fact box text bold">What:</span> 2018 Cavalcade Tour of Homes

<span class="fact box text bold">When:</span> Sept. 7 through Sept. 16

<span class="fact box text bold">Time:</span> 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

<span class="fact box text bold">Where:</span> DuPage, Kane, Will, LaSalle, Lake and Kendall counties

<span class="fact box text bold">Cost:</span> $15 at the door or $12 online to tour all homes

<span class="fact box text bold">Tickets:</span> Purchase at event or at www.CavalcadeTourofHomes.com