Blog
Custom 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 … Read more
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6 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 … Read more
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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 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 … Read more
Blog
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 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 … Read more
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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 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; let’s say a draftsman, look at some plans he has finished in the past. Ask … Read more
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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 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. … Read more
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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 … Read more
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Trend 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 … Read more
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Building a custom home- get an estimate not a guestimate.
What do you mean estimate verses “guestimate”? An estimate for a construction project is arrived at much like an estimate for your car repair after an accident. You list the parts and labor and give an estimate. With one huge exception: the construction estimate does not have a standardized cost manual like the automotive repair center does. Additionally, there are many more products to define for the end cost. For this reason, you must be sure that your building contractor is giving you a good detailed estimate, and not just a “guestimate”. A detailed estimate will always have “take off” … Read more
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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 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 … Read more
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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 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 … Read more
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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 … Read more
