Blog
How 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 … Read more
Blog
When remodeling: Part 2
How did this story unfold? 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 … Read more
Blog
When 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 … Read more
Blog
Compilation of Live Tweets from International Builders Show
Rough start out of the gate Where to start We’re here Louisville’s very own G.E. Seminar on Financing More New Products New Kohler Products Green Appliances Solar Panels Shameless self plug Some fun amongst all the hard work 🙂 Back to the ville. The last connection. The trip home. Last tweet.
Blog
International 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 … Read more
Blog
4 things we’re doing to stay leading edge
The best way to get through tough times is to act. We haven’t been sitting around crying the blues. I recently became a Certified Renovator, as required by the EPA Renovating Repair and Painting law that takes effect in April 2010. We recently took courses dealing with drywall specifications and finishes along with painting finishes … Read more
Blog
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 … Read more
Blog
What comes first? Chicken or the Egg
When building your dream custom home, what comes first: the Chicken or the Egg? In this scenario the Chicken being your lot and the Egg being your home plan. This could be debated either way and our emotions tell us design your plan first. After all that’s far more exciting then picking out a piece … Read more
Blog
December Project Updates
We shot a video of a recent custom contract home we began in early November. Things are moving right along. Apologies for the shakiness in the beginning of the video it was very unlevel ground- at least that’s the excuse we’re using. 🙂 We discuss a few of the standards on all P.L. Lyons custom … Read more
Blog
Custom Cabinet Layouts
Recently, we shot a few videos showing how P.L. Lyons delivers a true custom experience. When laying out the custom kitchen cabinets on this contract home, Perry covers all the bases. Perry discusses how furniture will be laid out and even uses wood cut-outs showing customers where the kitchen table will sit. He thinks through … Read more
Blog
Thanksgiving Message
This message is a little late but nonetheless important. We’ve been blessed at this time of Thanksgiving to start a custom remodel, commercial buildout and a contract custom home. We were blessed before but feel even more grateful after beginning these projects in November. God is good, we give him the glory. The winter in … Read more
Blog
Custom 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 … Read more
