Repeat customers are our best promotion
A doctor we built for had us build a second house and a medical office after that.
One family had us build 4 houses as their family grew, and we recently finished a commercial build out for their new company, Babyology.
Another family had us build, starting with the family patriarch, and we have built for one of his son’s and daughter’s.
A doctor in Anchorage had us build his first house, and we did 5 remodels/additions to his house. H later referred us to build a house for his brother in law.
Another client in Anchorage is still in their house we built in 1980, and we have done 4 remodeling projects at that house. We recently did a major remodel to their kitchen to accommodate the grandchildren, and we have completed 4 commercial remodels for their business. We are now working for two of their children, currently remodeling 2 projects for them.
We remodeled and built a new corporate addition to a dental office, and continued to build/remodel 5 additional offices for them, also building a new house for one of the dentist partners.
We built a home in Douglas Hills only to come back 20+ years later to do an addition and remodel.
We can only tute our own horn so much, but when our customers tute theirs it speaks volumes.
In the market for a custom home, remodel or addition? Just starting dream, that OK too. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Share on FacebookCustom Craftsman Ranch Home
Well it’s been a big part of our life for the last 6 to 8 months. We’re proud of it and wanted to show it off a bit. We’ve also used these two videos (Part 1 and Part 2) to educate potential customers about our process and our true custom experience. We take you from “Concept to Completion” and really make a friend in the process.
The homeowners of this beautiful custom craftsman ranch home have offered to share a testimonial in the near future. So be on the lookout for that as well.
If you’re interested in turning your dream on a cocktail napkin or set of generic plans into a custom home in 6-8 months, within budget, then contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Share on Facebook6 Reasons to Choose P.L. Lyons as your Custom Home Builder
Recently a client who was interviewing us to build their new home asked, “Why should I use you to build for us”?
I quickly answered:
- We have been in the building business since 1974, and have weathered many storms in our industry.
- We are progressive in our thinking and designing, but we also know what stands the test of time. Many new companies in our industry do the “now thing”, following trends and features that we have seen go by the wayside, leaving the “dated house” syndrome. Limiting your investment because of not knowing past experiences.
- We have been doing many of the features required for “Energy Star Rating” for several years. We recently had a house Energy Star rated, doing nothing different than we typically do, and our rater said “You had one of the best tests we have ever seen in this size house”.
- We have a staff that has been with us for several years. Including many of our subcontractor teams that have been with us since the mid 1970’s.
- We have a list of customers that will vouch for us and our product.
- We have had several repeat customers.
I suggested they contact a couple customers. We just finished a house for one and a commercial build out for the other. I wanted them to see how our customers felt about working with us, especially in this current economy. Allowing current customers to transparently express their views on their experience is far more powerful than us promoting ourselves.
We would love to build or remodel your next project, and if offered the opportunity, we hope you’ll feel like our most recent customer who said , “We like your experience and track record. Let’s proceed with the plans”.
Share on FacebookWant to remove the wall between your living room and family room?
Does your wife want you to remove that wall between the living room and the family room to make all that space useable? How do you go about finding out if it is structurally and or economically feasible?
You start by calling a professional licensed building contractor. They will know, after visiting your house, whether or not the removal of that wall is structurally feasible. Most builders do this initial consultation for free.
If they advise you that it is structurally feasible, ask if they have ever done this type of work, and what all is involved. If you are satisfied that they could do the project, have a plan prepared to show how the changes would be made. A detailed estimate and a scope of work would be submitted, and you would contract to do the work.
These types of structural changes always require building permits. Depending on your state and locality, only insured and licensed contractors can obtain building permits.
Check to see that your builder is in good standing and that he/she can obtain permits.
Share on FacebookCustom Building From Concept to Completion
We put together this video loop for the recent Trend Home Garden and Remodeling Show. We hope it captures how building a custom home with Perry Lyons of P.L. Lyons Inc is a true concept to completion journey. Enjoy!
We would love for you to bring in your cocktail napkin sketch, sit in our chairs and watch your dream home come together before your eyes. It doesn’t cost a thing for us to give you a ball park estimate. Of course we never leave it that. We do a full and thorough takeoff and estimate before we begin your custom home building or remodeling project. Contact us today at 502-244-0114, email us at perry [at] pllyons [dot] com or contact us online at any time to set an free initial consultation.
Share on FacebookSelecting a draftsman or architect
When selecting a draftsperson or architect to design my building project, who should I choose?
My experience over the years has varied. We have been involved with architectural firms. individual architects, draftsmen, and drafting firms. All have a place in the market, and many times the project itself dictates the firm or person that should be used.
If you are thinking of working with a building contractor, many times it is wise to get their counsel first.
If you have already decided to work with; lets say a draftsman, look at some plans he has finished in the past. Ask for references. Ask if he does work for builders. Ask those builders how they feel about that particular draftsman.
DO NOT BASE you final decision solely on price. Some draftsmen do not produce a good detailed sets of plans, and it becomes apparent when trying to obtain building permits. It also allows for interpretations in the field, that should be detailed for field crews. Much like a successful business needs a business plan, your building project needs a good set of building plans.
A good quick check is:
Are the beams sized and the dimensions detailed, or does the plan have the notation: “verify in field”, or “builder to verify”,or even notes like “lumber salesman to verify”. Obviously this draftsman does not know what he is doing, or does not want the responsibility of detailing the plans. Do you really want him designing your project?
Contact us to take your home from concept to completion today.
Share on FacebookPlanning and designing a room addition
Do I need a set of house plans to add the room on the rear of our house?
Planning is an integral part of any process, regardless of what it is. House additions and alterations are no different. Before investing in a set of building plans, you need to first see if you can do what you want. There may be restrictions that will not allow you to add the the addition the way you have it set in your mind.
Some restrictions may be utility easements, subdivision regulations, zoning issues, neighborhood association regulations, and many other types of stipulations. The planning phase starts way before building plans (blueprints) are started. You should always know where your house sits on your property which may require a land survey. This will identify any easements or items that may alter the way you design your addition or remodeling project. You can then get your builder to prepare a plot plan that will allow them to advise regulatory agencies of what your general plans are.
At this point you are finally ready to design the building plans. Your builder should direct you to a qualified draftsman/designer or architect to start the building plans. We highly recommend Pete Nusz Home Design for our projects.
The last step in the process is to turn those finished building plans into official “blueprints” so permits can be pulled and actual construction can take place.
Share on FacebookHome Trend Garden and Remodeling Show Recap
If you stopped by to see our booth at the Home Garden and Remodeling Show then thanks. We participated in the annual event for the first time in several years and we’re glad we did.
Although we’re doing many creative things with our inbound marketing, we still realize you can’t pass on the chance to get your name out in an event of this scale.
We’d like to thank the Homebuilders Association for organizing the event and Trend Appliances for their main sponsorship.
Three reasons we gleaned for getting an annual booth in this event:
1) You get your name out there and you can get a few leads. One lead that turns into a paying customer probably pays for most of the cost. Then the rest of the exposure is just gravy.
2) You get to say hi to all the old faces you’ve done business with over the years. They keep getting older but they also get a little wiser too.
3) You get the pulse on the industry. You can walk around and see who is still in the game, who’s new, and what innovative products catch your eye.
We gave away some Lowe’s gift cards to individuals who signed up for our monthly newsletter. They will be contacted directly via the email address they used to register. We have some more cards for a future contest or promotion.
Share on FacebookTrend Appliances Home Garden and Remodeling Show
If you haven’t made plans yet for this weekend, then schedule a trip to the Trend Appliances Home Garden and Remodeling Show. If you’re considering an addition, a remodel, a hardscape project, or just any little thing to make your home better; then come on out Friday, Saturday or Sunday. You can get all the information on the main promotional site linked above. The show is coordinated by the HBAL and sponsored by Trend Appliances. If these types of improvements aren’t in this years budget, dreamers and planners are welcome too. Come on out and get some ideas for that future project. Then go home and make it a goal.
If all those weren’t reasons enough, then yes coming just to see P.L. Lyons, Inc. is fine as well 
We’ll have a booth focusing on our custom building and remodeling services. We’ll be giving away some freebies each day and we’ll also have some interactive treats for you.
If you have questions then comment below, hit us up on Twitter or contact us online through our form. Of course we still answer email and the telephone too- whatever your communication preference.
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