photo by: John Young

This file photo from April 30, 2011, shows a home at 428 Doolittle Drive that was featured during the 2011 Spring Parade of Homes.

The Lawrence Home Builders Association Parade of Homes is set to start this weekend with a wide variety of houses on public display.

Bobbie Flory, executive director of the Home Builders Association, said 21 homes would be featured, ranging in price from $159,000 to $639,000, but all share one feature of modern home construction.

“We’re seeing a continuation of energy efficiency in all our homes,” she said. “I know that seems like an old message, but it’s a big deal in new homes.”

There’s an upfront cost associated with some of the energy-saving features, but new homeowners will recoup the cost through lower monthly energy bills, Flory said.

Most of the homes and two townhouses in the free tour will be in the growing northwest section of Lawrence, but there will also be an infill house in North Lawrence and a selection in the southeast section of the city to view, Flory said.

“I think Lawrence home builders are doing a nice job of providing a diversity of options,” she said.

Home viewers will find green arrow signs alerting them to the tour and can jump on at any point, Flory said. It’s a very informal event and not sales-oriented like a real estate open house, although builders and real estate agents will be on hand to answer questions, she said. More information on the tour can be found online at lawrenceparade.com.

Some homes will be finished and furnished, some completed but unfurnished and a few still under construction, Flory said. Those in the latter category are close to being completed, but are at a stage that allows buyers to makes some final finish decisions, she said.

In addition to the homes, the Westwood Hills subdivision will also be featured on the tour.

“It’s near Free State High School in the Westwood neighborhood area,” Flory said. “The developer will have a welcoming tent and lots to view. He wants people to see the beautiful potential for building a home in the subdivision.”

The Parade of Homes will be from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Oct. 1 and Oct. 2.