In the market for a new home or looking for inspiration for upgrades? Check out this year’s Parade of Homes presented by the Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association. The parade takes place the weekends of Oct. 9-11 and 16-17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Twelve homes are featured from the following builders: Barbera Homes, BCI Construction, Bella Home Builders, 45 Greenfield LLC, Masullo Brothers, McCormick Carpentry, Saratoga Builders, The Michaels Group, Waldron Builders and Witt Construction. As an additional way to raise revenue for the American Cancer Society, this year’s charitable recipient, the parade will feature two nights of fantastic cooking by area chefs in the homes. The northern tour for chefs is Oct. 8, 5-9 p.m., while the southern tour is Oct. 15, 5-9 p.m. Tickets for the parade are $15 and are valid for all five days.. Tickets for the chef nights are $35. To purchase tickets or get more information, go to www.crbra.com.

Bella Home Builders
8 Sophia Maria Drive, Malta

The idea behind this spacious outdoor space was to create a retreat. “It’s like a rain forest where you can get away,” says David DePaola. “You can get away and it’s soothing.” He deliberately designed the pool a few steps down from the main house to reflect moving to a different level emotionally. The custom-made pool includes waterfall features, designed and built by David Orsini of Orsini Landscaping, to add to the tranquility; all of them are audible from the master bedroom suite. The custom-made fencing matches the custom ballustrade featured in the inset.

The Michaels Group, Woodscape
3 Amber Lane, Moreau

The intent of this backyard retreat, according to Cindy Quade of the Michaels Group, was to “maximize outdoor living space.” The composite, i.e. carefree, deck leads down to a large patio and firepit area. “The firepit is a more intimate setting,” she says. “We wanted to get as much use out of the backyard as possible.” Welcome to a three-season backyard!

45 Greenfield Ave.
Saratoga Springs

If you want the convenience of condo living but don’t want to give up the outdoors, you might consider a space like this one: a historic building-turned-condominium in Saratoga. Builder Mike Roohan says the space is Wi-Fi friendly, giving the owner “the ability to enjoy the outside” and still be connected. The building was built in 1879 and originally operated as a communal living space for older people. Today, the nine condos in the North Broadway area meet 21st century standards and style.