Virtual Reality changing home-buying process – KWCH

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) Virtual reality is changing the way you "walk through" homes.

"This is super cool," said Paul Gray, a Wichita home builder. "This is the type of thing we dreamed about when we were little kids, but this is actually taking place in our modern society."

A new development from Grit Virtual Construction is creating homes in virtual reality. Perspective home buyers can "walk through" a design that doesn't even exist yet.

"We've developed a virtual version of his floor plan or his house model that has yet to be built," said Chris Callen, CEO of Grit.

The idea was initially only for commercial use.

"We were asked the question 'what about residential?' said Callen. "At first we were hesitant, but then we thought about model homes."

The company debuted in February. The premier of virtual reality for Paul Gray's model homes takes place during the Parade of Homes.

"They can walk through and get a chance to see what is this really going to look like, but it goes beyond seeing what it looks like. It gives you a chance to see what it feels like," said Gray.

Virtual reality give the buyer the ability to customize their home. It's a game-changer for contractors allowing them to show homes they've designed that haven't actually been built yet.

"For a builder to make a model home, they cost hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions of dollars," said Gray. "It's the chance to show people something before you've created it in reality."

Right now the development allows customers to walk throughout the homes and interact with doors and drawers. Callen and Gray have bigger ideas for the future.

"Eventually we will get to a place where you can pick that tile and put it on the counter top," said Gray. "You can see what the backsplash looks like."

Callen says they want to be able to place the designed home on different plots of land throughout a neighborhood and virtually see the curb appeal.

"The real interesting thing, with the gaming and VR headsets, it allows almost anyone to be able to interact with that virtual world," he said.

You can check out the new virtual reality homes during the Parade of Homes.

From noon to 6:00 p.m.

April 22 and 23 April 29 and 30 May 6 and 7

2343 Lakeside Dr. Andover, KS 67002

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Virtual Reality changing home-buying process - KWCH