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SHEVILLE, NC – In 2025, Asheville’s housing market is focused on rebuilding after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Local builders have taken the lead, turning determination into tangible progress. News 13 highlighted crews helping families return home and the region’s resilience reshaping the market.
The story will be showcased at Western North Carolina’s Parade of Homes, a free event featuring 25 homes for in‑person tours and additional online options. It runs over two weekends, Oct. 11‑12 and Oct. 18‑19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rick Buchanan, owner of Buchanan Construction, praised the year’s achievements: “The progress we’ve made in a single year is nothing short of remarkable.” He noted his company helped a client whose home was flooded, restoring it at no cost. The 8,500‑sq‑ft house, normally a three‑year project, was completed in just 16 months.
Megan Carroll, Executive Director of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains, added that many builders are going the extra mile for neighbors. Nearly 20,000 homes across four western North Carolina counties suffered damage, prompting many owners to sell and creating a more balanced market for buyers.
Buchanan said some builders experienced a slowdown, and some people hesitated to return to Asheville because of the destruction. “The Parade of Homes is a chance to show the region’s resilience,” he explained. He highlighted the variety of this year’s homes, including his own six‑bedroom mountain‑modern house, which emphasizes natural light, unique staircase lighting, and an expansive living area.
The showcase also features 1,800‑sq‑ft townhomes and Renewed Spaces, with a virtual tour of a tree‑damaged home from Helene. Several properties have been remodeled with new additions.
Carroll described how homeowners are transforming existing houses into spaces they love, whether by expanding or completely redesigning. She acknowledged uncertainties such as tariffs but noted that builders are accustomed to navigating such challenges.
The event underscores Asheville’s ongoing commitment to making the mountains a desirable place to live. For more details on the 2025 Parade of Homes, visit the official website.
