“A lot of people come in, and it’s like, ‘You know, I could live here,’” Jeremy Statler says, standing in the kitchen of Statler Construction’s newest model home, a pink pig-shaped cookie jar an arm’s reach away.  He’s recounting what it was like when the house was on the Parade of Homes this spring.  Other houses may have dazzled Parade-goers, but this one felt most like a home. 

Drop by the open house any Friday or Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and you’ll feel the warmth and spaciousness that earned it the Parade of Homes’ 2022 Builders Excellence Award.  Every detail was carefully considered, from the reclaimed barnwood beams that frame the transition from dining room to four season room on the main level, to the plush carpeting on the lower level. 

“This is what I call a model.  So, what that means is, I put it up just for the intent of having something that people can come and look at, get ideas from,” Statler explains of the model home.  From here, prospective home builders might choose a floor plan and work out the details for the house they would like to have built. 

Statler says most of his clients are looking to move into their second or third home when they come to work with him.  They may be at any stage of their lives, but Statler always guides them to look ahead.  He urges them to consider how the house will age over time, and how they will age over time.

Accessibility always matters, Statler argues.  The model home, for example, does not have any steps leading inside from the front door or the garage.  Wider 3-foot doors, and a shower without doors at all, make entry easier for everyone, from the injured triathlete to the octogenarian.  Natural and electric lighting is bountiful, so one can see well at every age.

“People want to live in their house as long as possible.  So, let’s design it to do it that way,” Statler says.  “You really want to think about these kinds of things and plan for the future.”

Energy efficiency is also maximized in the model home, from the spray foam insulation and hybrid water heater to the air recirculation system.

Home builders today face challenges, such as rising materials costs and delays.  However, with Statler’s experience and expertise to guide them, their dreams can still become a beautiful, long-term reality.

Statler Construction organizes and coordinates all aspects of new home construction.  The model home is located at 215 Westwood Circle, Kalona, and is also viewable by appointment.  (319) 656-5131.