16 simple ideas for remodeling projects

Often times when we think of a custom remodeling project we get stars in our eyes. We think of the complete kitchen or bath remodel, the finished basement or the addition. Those are great projects and we like doing them, but sometimes if you don’t have the budget starting simple is the way to go. … Read more

Custom Basement Finish in Fox Run Subdivision

This weeks video was shot in Fox Run Subdivision in Eastern Jefferson County. Custom lots are available for new building but this particular project was for an existing home we built in the past few years. The features included: a custom built-in entertainment center and wet bar, recess lighting, surround sound, a lower level bedroom, … Read more

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 … Read more

Want 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 … Read more

Custom 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 … Read more

Selecting 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 … Read more

Planning 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 … Read more

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

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 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:

Read more

Updating your bathroom before selling

We’ve all heard that kitchens and baths are what sell homes. It’s true. These rooms are usually the hardest and most expensive rooms to renovate, so a lot of the time, buyers are looking for homes with updated kitchens and bathrooms. As a custom home builder and remodeler, I wanted to talk exclusively about bathrooms … Read more

Take a step toward your dream

Schedule a Design Call