Home 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.
Share on FacebookHow to stay “alive’ in this wavering economy.
I was recently asked by a “younger” builder who has been in the home building business for about 6 years, “How do I stay alive in this economic downturn?”
My answer, “It’s hard”. Those of us that have been here for a while, know that we will face ups and downs in the market. We knew that in tough times like the late 1970’s to early 1980’s, we had to diversify to survive those economic changes. Those times had different challenges, as lending was available, but at peak rates. We paid 18-21% for construction loans, and 30 year mortgage rates were at 14-16%. We ventured into other types of businesses. We got involved in light commercial work, remodeling, and even into other types of retail sales. We did what we had to do to survive.
As for my friend, he has never seen this part of the business, and this downturn is especially difficult. Although 30 year mortgage rates are at an all time low and construction rates remain low, it is extremely difficult to secure constructions loans for speculative building. Even with the all time low 30 year rates buyers are wary, waiting for the economy to strengthen before they buy.
How does the smaller volume builder continue in the next few months, or through the next couple of years? With the new tax credits coming to an end, will our market shrink even more? Did the tax credits help us anyway? As I see it, yes to both. We may not have sold a house to the first time home buyer, but we did sell the customer who sold their house to the first time buyer. Their sale occurred as result of the $8,000.00 new home buyer credit. So yes the credits spurred sales.
With the tax credits drying up, how do we now attract buyers in this lean market? It seems the larger volume builders have a greater advantage, as they can cut their margins, allowing them to out sell the smaller volume builder. They offer “buy down” rates offering 30 year mortgages at below market. They attract the buyer and secure more sales. How do we compete with that?
The smaller volume builder can do the same. Many banking institutions are willing to help with programs like the ones I’ve mentioned, if the end result is them closing an open construction loan and possibly allowing you to start a new project. This helps with cash flow, and relieves your equity in the house. Margins become a bit smaller, but in the long run, it’s a win win win. The builder sells, the buyer gets the “deal of a lifetime”, and the bank continues loaning; therefore continuing to profit.
I told my friend to “work hard and keep the faith”. As I’ve said before, “these times too shall pass”.
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 FacebookCustom Building the PL Lyons Way
In this housing market it’s important to differentiate yourself. Competition is pretty fierce for the few contract custom homes that are out there. We know how we view ourselves but we’ve realized that our potential customers don’t always see us the same way.
We’re not perfect. We make mistakes. We aren’t the cheapest nor do we want to be. We’re a smaller operation. We don’t follow a lot of fads. We aren’t for everybody basically.
What we do is build consistent quality homes that stand the test of time. We have been in the building business for 34 years. You can see our homes in subdivisions and on larger tracts/farms all around the metro area. We do not cut corners- any. We build each home like we or our family would live in it. We think about the costs and benefits of the latest techniques and materials without just adopting them blindly. We adapt and change with you during the building process. We help you take your home from concept to completion. We give you an advanced estimate before we begin your construction. We walk you through the financing. We build off of a set of detailed specifications and a HBAL contract. We’re there for you after the close for callbacks and questions you may have. That’s what custom means to us.
Enough about us. What does custom built mean to you?
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