Integration

Outhouse’s Digital Suite – We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!

Jim Sorgatz · 11/03/2025 ·

Why It Might Be Time for a Refresher Demo, Not a New Vendor

Every so often, we hear from a builder client who asks, “Why doesn’t my widget ‘x’ do this or that?” Maybe you spotted something new on another builder’s website or in a demo from a competitor. We get it, technology moves fast, and digital marketing tools evolve even faster.

But before you assume your current system is outdated, there’s a good chance those new features are already available through Outhouse.

Built for Builders: Designed to Evolve

As one of the original creators of interactive tools for home builders, Outhouse has
spent more than three decades helping builders showcase their homes online. Our
Interactive Floor Plans (IFPs) and Interactive Site Maps (ISMs) are trusted by builders across the U.S. because they’re built to grow with technology, not be replaced by it.

_{Customized plan emailed and/or texted to homebuyer when they personalize and save a plan.}

We update our tools regularly to help you stay competitive in digital marketing:

Dynamic Pricing: Pricing adjusts instantly as buyers select structural options.
Elevation Previews: Show front-elevation changes directly on IFPs.
To-Scale Furniture: The most comprehensive furniture library in the industry.
Clickable Site Maps: Buyers can view available lots and jump directly to corresponding floor plans.
API Integrations: Seamless connections with CRMs, ERPs, and other third- party platforms.

These are just a few ways Outhouse technology sets the standard for builder
interactivity.

Continuous Improvement You Might Not Notice

Much like the homes you build, behind-the-scenes upgrades and changes take place to Outhouse’s interactive tools. Meanwhile, staff changes at your company, website redesigns, and evolving integrations can, over time, lead to features being missed or underused.

That’s why we recommend scheduling a refresher demo with your Outhouse Account Manager at least once every couple of years. You may be surprised at how much has changed, from new functionality and smoother integrations to updated user interfaces designed to convert more leads.

Why Start Over When You Don’t Have To?

Switching vendors can be expensive and disruptive. Data migration, reintegration, and retraining your team take time and resources that could be spent marketing new homes and communities.

A simple demo could reveal that your current Outhouse tools already include the same (or better) features than you’ve seen elsewhere without the high cost of starting from scratch.

With our U.S.-based team of CAD specialists, developers, and account managers, you’ll always have direct support from experts who understand how production builders operate.

Site map with pop out of available plans. Homebuyers click on elevations to access interactive floor plans.
Site Map Platinum.jpg — _{Site map with pop out of available plans. Homebuyers click on elevations to access interactive floor plans.}

Let’s Take a Fresh Look Together

If it’s been a while since your last demo, now’s the perfect time. We’ll walk you through the latest IFP, ISM, and VR enhancements, integrations, and customization options so your buyers enjoy the most engaging online experience possible.

Schedule your refresher demo today.

Schedule Here

Because sometimes, the tools you already have are more powerful than you realize.

Great Home Builder Social Media Accounts and Posts

Tabitha Warren · 06/16/2025 ·

In reply to a recent blog, a reader wrote into us and asked us for a few examples of great home builder social media. First, we were flattered to be asked this question, and we are happy to give our opinion. If you’d like expert advice, you might want to check out this post by Carol Morgan and this podcast featuring Carol Morgan. I think many of us are always trying to keep current. We read the blogs of several amazing Home Builder Marketers, such as Denim Marketing, Bokka Group, and Meredith Communications, to stay current ourselves. What we’ve learned at Outhouse is that there are quite a few things that make home builder social media great and inspiring at different levels.

The bottom line is a strong social media presence is a crucial tool for brand building, lead generation, and fostering connections with potential homeowners. After years of scouting social media, there are some home builders and related personalities who are truly knocking it out of the park with their engaging and high-performing accounts.

Whether you’re a home builder looking for inspiration or a prospective homeowner wanting to see what’s out there, these examples showcase the power of a well-crafted social media strategy in the home building industry.

Home Building Companies with a Powerful Platform Presence

Larger home building companies are also leveraging social media to showcase their homes, communities, and connect with potential buyers. Here are a few examples of companies that consistently demonstrate a strong platform presence:

Abrazo Homes (@abrazohomes): Known for their dynamic social media presence across various platforms like Facebook, Abrazo Homes consistently shares engaging content that resonates with their audience. Their commitment to storytelling is clearly a key to their success. In fact, you can hear directly from their “Chief Story Teller,” Shane Austin, in this insightful episode of the Home Builder Digital Marketing Podcast.**
Toll Brothers (@tollbrothers): Known for their luxurious homes, Toll Brothers excels on Instagram with stunning, high-quality visuals of their properties and sophisticated design elements. Their Pinterest presence is also noteworthy, offering a wealth of aspirational home inspiration. You can find their well-organized Facebook page here.
Lennar (@lennar): As one of the nation’s largest home builders, Lennar maintains a significant following across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. They effectively use these channels to showcase their diverse range of home models, highlight community features, and share updates with their audience.
David Weekley Homes (@davidweekleyhomes): Historically recognized for their strong Instagram presence, David Weekley Homes consistently shares beautiful, high-quality photographs of their thoughtfully designed homes. Their visual content often emphasizes architectural details and inviting living spaces.
Meritage Homes (@meritagehomes): Meritage Homes stands out for its engaging and varied content on Facebook. They effectively blend community updates, customer stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their building processes, creating a well-rounded online presence.
KB Home (@kbhome): KB Home frequently utilizes Facebook to share important updates, company news, and valuable customer success stories. They also provide helpful home buying tips and resources, positioning themselves as a knowledgeable partner in the homeownership journey.

Individual Builders and Influencers Setting the Standard

Image of Matt Risinger's, RR Buildings', and Perkings Builder Brother's YouTube accounts

Sometimes, the most compelling stories come directly from the individuals shaping the industry. These builders and influencers have cultivated strong followings by sharing their expertise, passion, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of construction and renovation:

Matt Risinger (@risingerbuild): If you’re interested in the science behind high-performance building, look no further than Matt Risinger. His Instagram account and incredibly popular YouTube channel, “The Build Show,” are treasure troves of information on building science principles, meticulous craftsmanship, and the latest construction technologies. Expect in-depth explanations, on-site demonstrations, and a focus on quality and durability.
Kyle Stympenhorst / RR Buildings (@rrb_buildings): Specializing in post-frame construction, Kyle’s presence across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook offers a deep dive into this specific building method. His content is often practical, providing valuable tips and insights for those interested in or involved in post-frame projects.
Perkins Builder Brothers (@perkinsbuilderbrothers): Get a genuine behind-the-scenes look at home building and renovation projects with the Perkins Builder Brothers. Their engaging “Builder Brothers” series on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook provides a relatable and often entertaining perspective on the challenges and triumphs of construction.

What Makes Their Social Media Shine?

These high-performing accounts share several key characteristics that contribute to their success:

Stunning Visuals: They understand the importance of high-quality photography and videography to showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of their homes.
Consistent Engagement: Regular posting keeps their audience interested and coming back for more.
Diverse Content: They go beyond just showcasing homes, offering project updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, client testimonials, and informative tips.
Active Interaction: They actively respond to comments, answer questions, and foster a sense of community among their followers.
Platform Optimization: They tailor their content to suit the strengths of each platform. These builders use visuals on Instagram and Pinterest, community on Facebook, and in-depth videos on YouTube.
Strategic Use of Hashtags: They utilize relevant keywords to increase the discoverability of their content.
Compelling Storytelling: They connect with potential buyers on an emotional level by sharing the journey of building a home and highlighting the benefits of homeownership.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

The world of social media is constantly changing and evolving. To find the most current top performers, it’s always a good idea to explore these platforms yourself and see which accounts are generating the most engagement on their recent posts. Keep an eye on those with high levels of likes, comments, and shares. These metrics are often indicators of a strong and active audience.

By studying these successful examples, home builders can gain valuable insights into creating their own compelling social media strategies and connecting with their target audience in meaningful ways.

**Shane Austin has since moved on from a brilliant career at Abrazo Homes, but his thoughts and wisdom still ring very true.

Got questions about home builder digital assets? Call us today for a chat!

Build It & Post It

Tabitha Warren · 05/19/2025 ·

Traditional listing vs tiktok homebuilder search

TikTok is Now Essential Marketing for Homebuilders

If you think TikTok is just for teenagers, think again. It’s rapidly evolving into a powerful search and discovery engine, and yes, that includes finding new homes. Consider this foundational statistic highlighted by Atlas RTX: “84% of home buyers use the internet as their primary research tool…” In today’s digital landscape, TikTok represents a significant and growing slice of that online activity, particularly for demographics crucial to the future of homebuilding. For builders aiming to connect with modern buyers, establishing a presence on TikTok isn’t just a novelty; it’s becoming a strategic marketing imperative.

Showcasing Properties in a New, Dynamic Light

Static photos and full-length virtual tours have their place, but TikTok’s short-form video format demands a different approach – one that can be incredibly effective for showcasing homes. Builders are using engaging, fast-paced videos to:

Offer Quick Walkthroughs: Highlighting key areas and features in under 60 seconds.
Spotlight Unique Selling Points: Zeroing in on a stunning kitchen island, a spa-like bathroom, or energy-efficient windows.
Use Trending Sounds & Styles: Making property tours feel current, relatable, and shareable.
Tell Visual Stories: Capturing the feeling of living in the space, not just the dimensions.

This dynamic format grabs attention quickly and allows builders to convey personality and key features in a way traditional marketing often struggles to match.

Reaching the Next Generation (and Current Buyers Too)

While TikTok initially gained fame with Gen Z, its user base has significantly broadened. Millennials, now the largest cohort of home buyers, are active on the platform, as are increasing numbers of Gen X. Builders can use TikTok to:

Build Brand Awareness Early: Connect with potential buyers long before they are actively searching.
Target Specific Demographics: Utilize TikTok’s algorithm and ad tools to reach relevant audiences in specific locations or with particular interests (e.g., first-time buyers, eco-conscious consumers).
Humanize the Brand: Show the faces behind the company, share construction progress, and create a more relatable image.

Leveraging Trends and Influencers

Smart builders on TikTok don’t just post, they participate. This means:

Highlighting Trendy Features: If home offices are trending, showcase your best office spaces. If outdoor living is hot, feature your patios and decks.
Engaging with Comments: Answer questions and interact with potential leads directly on the platform.
Considering Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with local home decor or lifestyle influencers can expose a builder’s projects to a large, engaged, and relevant audience, generating buzz and credibility.

Construction workers doing their jobs. One man on a ladder, woman putting her gear on — Behind the Scene images courtesy of Canva Pro

Building Community and Trust Beyond the Sale

TikTok offers builders a unique channel to build relationships, not just generate leads. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the construction process, introducing the build team, offering quick home maintenance tips, or answering frequently asked questions in a casual video format can foster trust and community around the brand. This authenticity resonates with modern consumers.

Log In or Lose Out

The way people discover, and research homes is evolving rapidly. TikTok is no longer a fringe platform but a major player in the online attention economy. Homebuilders who embrace it, mastering its unique style and leveraging its reach, are positioning themselves to connect effectively with today’s buyers. Those who ignore it risk becoming invisible on a channel where their future customers are increasingly spending their time. In the current market, being active and strategic on TikTok isn’t just marketing; it’s essential business development.

Need help with digital assets for your website to use in your home builder marketing?

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Like Iconic Brands and Well-Designed Homes, Skilled Craft Never Goes Out of Style

Jim Sorgatz · 05/04/2025 ·

Bill Gelbaugh brings the same precision and visual appeal to camp cooking that he delivers at Outhouse.

In today’s world of ever-increasing automation, the role of the craftsman may no longer occupy the center stage it once did—say, during the Renaissance—but the need for skilled craft has never gone away. Whether it’s clothing, jewelry, furniture, or homebuilding, there is still something deeply human—and deeply valuable—about a well-built item. A custom home, for example, with thoughtful design elements and finishes shaped to a buyer’s personality, has a presence and soul you can’t replicate with mass production.

My dad was one of those rare craftsmen. He started a one-man remodeling business at the age of 40. While technically his own company, he served just three clients—two prominent Phoenix attorneys and Rex Maughn, the founder of Forever Living Products. Rex owned properties like Mormon Lake Lodge in Flagstaff and Southfork Ranch in Dallas—yes, that Southfork Ranch. These clients didn’t shop around. They didn’t ask for quotes. They trusted my dad implicitly and paid him hourly, not because it was cheaper, but because they knew he’d deliver something unique, beautiful, and lasting. I’ll never forget the time he was asked to saw down the legs of a $10,000 antique table just to make it fit below a window with a view. That level of trust only comes from knowing the person doing the work is a true master of their craft.

Technology and Craftsmanship – A Winning Pair

Here at Outhouse, we still believe in that kind of craftsmanship. Much of our work is technology-driven, but it takes more than software to create the kind of visual clarity, consistency, and brand integrity our clients expect. It takes a trained eye, experience, and people who genuinely care about what they’re making.

Bill preparing a meal in the Northern Arizona forest.

A Print Department Founded by Craftsmen

Over thirty years ago, the Outhouse print department was founded by three such people: Bill Gelbaugh, Dorian Boese, and Doug Ills. What they built together wasn’t just a production team—it was a workshop, grounded in artistry, precision, and pride in the finished product. Bill brings a meticulous sensibility to everything he touches, from client branding to color theory to campsite organization. He takes camp cooking next level, creating sumptuous, vibrantly colored vegan meals prepared with bespoke cookware . Doug, a lifelong graphic artist, is also an avid photo restorer who brings old memories back to life with an almost reverent attention to detail. And Dory—well, Dory is a man who appreciates nuance. As a devoted bourbon aficionado, he shares weekly tastings with friends, each pour accompanied by storytelling and quiet discernment. These aren’t just hobbies: they’re reflections of character. Together, the three of them infused Outhouse’s print department with the integrity and intentionality that still defines our work today.

A man with style – Pressroom Manager Dorian Boese at the Barrett-Jackson Auction.

We Elevate Builder Brands

That same care is evident in how we treat your brand’s visual details. Bill, for instance, often catches inconsistencies in logos or brand colors that others miss. He’s been known to zoom in pixel by pixel to ensure a logo prints cleanly on a brochure or displays clearly on a touchscreen. It’s the kind of attention that doesn’t just protect a brand—it elevates it.

Doug Ills restoring a vintage photo

Brand Consistency Is Paramount

And that brings us to a critical point. Brand consistency matters. You may recall a time, a couple of decades ago, when fast-food chains raced to trademark color combinations. Red may dominate the landscape, but it’s the specific hues, pairings, and logo integrations that make each instantly recognizable. Homebuilders are no different. Your brand guidelines: the way your colors appear online, in print, and in your sales environment are essential to how buyers experience your brand. That’s why you need partners who not only understand that but obsess over it.

At Outhouse, our team of visual professionals ensures that your interactive floor plans, site plans, and renderings reflect your brand precisely as designed. Colors are accurate across platforms: website, brochures, signage, and more. Each run of printed material is consistent. Every rendering and virtual tour carry your identity forward with integrity and impact.

A delicious meal prepared in a meticulously curated setting created by Bill.

Proudly Made In the USA

We take pride in that all our digital marketing tools: interactive maps, renderings, virtual tours, kiosks, visualizers, as well as our print collateral and sales center signage are produced by our team right here in the USA. Our home office in Phoenix, AZ houses the print facility that started it all.