Versatile basement draws families, empty nesters.(Model Home Tour: San Francisco)(model homes...

John Richards Homes' emphasis on quality has led to more than 50 sales at its 228-unit planned community The Ravines in Ann Arbor, MI. Buyers visiting the community are shown two models, the 1,755-sq-ft Danbury and the 1,935-sq-ft Eton. The former's kitchen overlooks the walk-out basement resulting in a family-room atmosphere. Most of the buyers have been young professionals, employees of the University of Michigan and empty nesters.

Building affordable and custom houses has taught Detroit-area builder John Shekerjian a lesson: everyone wants quality.

Shekerjian, pres