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 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 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 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.
Share on FacebookWhen remodeling: Part 2
Here’s another little known fact the “contractor friend” won’t mention. The original builder of your home is absolved of many and maybe all responsibilities/warranties when someone else works in that house. Below is a list of examples that may trigger this situation:
- Carpentry, such as altering of framing or even moving a doorway
- Electrical alterations
- HVAC alterations
- Plumbing alterations
Any carpentry change can have an effect on the structural integrity of the house. Any electrical change will have an effect on the electrical panel and code. Any plumbing change can affect the status for code applications.
In the event these types of changes are made the builder and his sub contractors could no longer be responsible for what they did. Their work has been altered without proper permits after they left. To make matters worse your “contractor friend” has no coverage. Original responsibilities and insurance obligations are no longer in effect.
After my explanations, I got the job, and my clients are very happy as the work is progressing.
They commented “he” was a little cheaper than us, but after questioning him about my information, both they and their “contractor friend” decided he should not do the work.
No matter how small the job seems to you, it has consequences. When considering all the consequences, YOU should always chose to work with a licensed professional. It doesn’t have to be us although we’d love to help.
Share on FacebookWhen remodeling, why do I need a licensed contractor?
Recently I was asked to bid on a basement remodel that required some framing, electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation, drywall, trim carpentry and painting, along with a few other odds and ends.
As we always do, I completed a drawing, followed by an itemized cost estimate based on that drawing. I quoted the job and was asked several questions by the homeowners in regards to the estimate. They asked if they could use my scope of work and plans to have a “contractor friend” quote the job also. I agreed to let them use the plans and scope of work, with the understanding that they would pay for the plans if their friend got the job.
After they met with their “contractor friend” they asked why they needed me, a licensed contractor, to do their work. The “contractor friend” said “he was qualified and did this type of work without a permit all the time”. He has been doing this type of work on the side while he was laid off.
I explained the following: (more…)
Share on FacebookInternational Builder Show Post 1
After visiting the 2010 International Builders Show in Las Vegas this past month, we came back with new insights leading to new ideas for upcoming months. It was a great show, and featured many new products and designs for new home buyers and remodeling customers. Some of the most interesting to Buck and I were the new energy saving products including: water saving devices and systems, electrical saving devices and systems and sewage disposal systems. High energy efficient products and building practices were also a big part of the show.
The use of energy efficient building systems and practices, along with integration of solar and wind energy is becoming much more affordable in many areas of the country. This will only continue to improve in the long run. The use of green products will have a definite effect on the cost of building now making it more expensive. This too will become more affordable though as more manufacturers, designers, developers, builders, and consumers enter this arena. Supply and demand have a way of working themselves out. Remember what flat screen TV’s used to cost
2009 this too shall pass
We’re looking forward to a better year in 2010 than 2009.
Last year was a tough year for most of the building industry. The wavering economy and financial markets put a stop to the new home buyer market. The buyers were not only concerned that their net worth had diminished with the fall of the stock market in 07 and 08, but they were also concerned about their employment situations. Concerns and debates over nationalized health care and the unwillingness of banks to lend were two other headlines that led to uneasiness.
These are still concerns for everyone in 2010. However, tough times have always made the leaders in our industry stronger. Many of us weathered the “recession/depression “ of the late 70’s and early 80’s, when interest rates for builders and developers exceeded 20% and home mortgage rates were at 14%. We survived the slow down in the 90’s, then came out strong through the early 2000’s when builder and developer rates dropped to 5 and 6% and 30 year fixed rates dropped to 4.75 and 5%..
All that said, we just experienced the worst downturn in the building industry most of us have ever known. Those who are still surviving will come out of this downturn much “leaner”, “meaner” and “greener”. We will be savvy to current trends and the newest building practices. We will be better managers. We will again appreciate every project no matter how small. It’s part of the economic cycle. This cycle has just been a bit deeper and longer than most. However, this too shall pass.
So what does this mean to you the consumer. It means this is one of the best times in history to build, buy or remodel. Product and material prices are low and labor rates in the construction field have dropped. They won’t stay low forever. Thirty year fixed rates are still very low, and they will rise as well. So if you are contemplating making a move, now is the time to “press go”.
Our firm is looking at the future and embracing change. We’re looking into new products, practices and aligning with future mandates.
We are looking forward to good year! After all, we have our health, our faith, and our God who promises to take care of us as long as we BELIEVE. And we do BELIEVE!
Contact us today about your custom project. We’re still here.
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