Our
homes are more than just shelters, they are our families’ foundations.
So, when you’re ready to build or remodel, the first step is to team up
with a trustworthy and attentive design team. Whether it’s time to make
room for the next generation or to build from the ground up, the
following pages will give you an opportunity to get to know some of
your local architects, builders and developers.
JUMP TO:
STANFORD CARR DEVELOPMENT
Stanford Carr Development
1100 Alakea St., 27th Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 537-5220
Web: www.stanfordcarr.com
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BACKGROUND
One of Hawaii’s leading real estate developers, building the spectrum
of entry-level to luxury homes on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Since
1990, Stanford Carr Development has won 58 local and Western national
industry awards.
PRESIDENT/FOUNDER
Stanford Carr’s first entrepreneurial endeavor came at age 12, growing
bell peppers and cabbages on 4 acres on Maui—these days he grows
multimillion dollar real estate developments. Carr has been on job
sites since small-kid times; he got his contractor’s license at age 20
and went on to found his own company in 1988. Since then he has built
more than 3,000 homes.
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Stanford Carr, president/CEO
Photo by Scott T. Kubo |
PHILOSOPHY
“I am very passionate about what we do: the architecture, the
communities, the neighborhoods that we build. I know that the
communities and neighborhoods will mature and get better as time goes
on. Driving through communities that we built 10 to 14 years ago makes
me feel very proud.”
BEST PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The creativity and keeping up with the constant challenges and
innovations in materials and products. “We’re always striving for the
perfect home at all price points. We’ve never been one to cookie cutter
product after product.”
IN THE WORKS
Stanford Carr Development is working on the only fully entitled
master-planned community in the Big Island’s Kailua-Kona area. The
369-acre Koloko Heights development will offer 1,500 single-family and
multi-family homes, at various prices and includes additional land for
commercial development and parks and recreation. Another new project
underway is Kehalani on Maui, a master-planned community of 2,400
homes, from affordable multi-family homes to spacious, single-family
homes with panoramic views of both the north and south shores of the
island.
NEW ENDEAVOR Creating a nonprofit to build more affordable rentals.
THE FUTURE
Technology will keep changing the way we live. “You’re going to find
appliances coming out that tie into your computer to optimize energy
efficiency and how you use them.” All Stanford Carr homes are
ready-wired to handle this emerging technology.
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GRAHAM BUILDERS INC.
BACKGROUND
The date: 1989. The scene: Two grown men—one a master carpenter, the
other a successful realtor and businessman—standing on an empty lot
with blueprints rolled out over the hood of a 10-year-old pickup truck,
a pile of lumber off to the side, each desperately trying to persuade
the other that they really did tear down the right house.
Fast
forward 15 years: The two guys are still here (and that fateful job was
built according to plan on the correct lot) and they now run a
multimillion dollar design/build company that is one of Hawaii’s
leading custom-home builders. Led by company founder and president
Danny Graham, Graham Builders now has 30 employees, from receptionist
through designers through carpenters. Over the years, the design/build
team has completed hundreds of projects, from kitchen and bath
renovations to large custom residences.
EXPERTISE
New custom homes for Hawaii’s families. Graham Builders has become an
expert in multigenerational homes, where families combine their
resources to build or renovate their homes to provide for multiple
generations living together. “We understand better than any other
design/build contractor the various elements needed to make a
multigenerational home work.”
GOT EDUCATION?
Every month, Graham Builders provides a free seminar to educate
homeowners on the process of building or renovating their homes. The
more knowledge homeowners have, the less likely their projects will
turn into a confusing and frustrating process.
The
seminar is an orientation to the entire experience, starting with where
to begin, the condition of the land, and how to choose a contractor,
get financing and design and build their homes.
PHILOSOPHY
Good design and quality construction should be within everyone’s reach.
“We make each project special by working closely with homeowners so
that the designs reflect their unique needs and lifestyles; and, our
renovations never look like add-ons.”
BEST PART OF THE BUILDING PROCESS Taking a homeowner’s vision of his dream home and making it a reality.
BEST PROJECT
We had a family come to us whose home was very old and literally
collapsing around them. We designed a beautiful, Japanese-style new
home—the owners now live in a roomy, well-planned home and are enjoying
the benefits of quality construction.
BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID
“Actually, it wasn’t a client, it was the neighbor of a client, who
complimented us on our workers, who are building the home behind them,
our crew’s respectfulness of the neighborhood, the cleanliness of the
work site and the overall image that they present as quality builders
who are part of their community.”
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VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Evan
Fujimoto has been with Graham Builders for 13 years, working as an
estimator, project manager and architectural designer. His specialties
are kitchens, overall residential architecture and project management.
“What
I enjoy most about working for Graham Builders is that I get to help
families fulfill their dream of building a home designed just for them.
I also work with professionals who love what they do. Their energy and
enthusiasm make my workday fun and exciting.
“I
take pride in making sure our homes are well built, especially the
foundations and main structural elements. I know that our homes will
stand the test of time, because we take great care to put in strong
foundations.
“It takes a great team of people, with a passion for what they do, to accomplish what we do.”
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SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER
Keith Kilburn is a graduate of Hawaii Community College’s architectural engineering and drafting program.
He has 12 years of work experience and has been with Graham Builders for four years.
“I
am proud of everything that I do here at GBI, specifically being able
to help so many people create their dream homes. My strength is
incorporating structural and civil design work early into a house
design.”
Homeowners should strive for three things when designing their homes:
Â¥ Be innovative. A home does not have to be like every other house on the block.
Â¥ Be practical. Too often we overbuild and over-complicate the designs.
Â¥ Have fun. This should be an enjoyable experience.
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SENIOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Doug
Long has 15 years’ experience in the field of construction management.
His previous work as a licensed contractor gives him a hands-on
advantage. He enjoys working as a team member in the complex business
of residential construction. Nothing makes Long happier than seeing a
happy client at the end of a job that came in on time and on budget.
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WARRANTY MANAGER & MARKETING MANAGER
Dave
McKenna has six years’ experience in commercial construction, designing
and building entertainment and retail stores for Fernandez
Entertainment in Hawaii, on the Mainland and in British Columbia. As
head of the warranty program, it’s his job to ensure that the finished
home or addition meets the lifestyle needs and expectations of the
homeowners. This is achieved by understanding the problem, researching
the cause and then finding the solutions that satisfy both the
homeowner and the company.
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MARK DEVELOPMENT INC.
Mark Development Inc.
3165 Waialae Ave., #200
Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 735-9099
Web: www.mdi-hawaii.com
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BACKGROUND
A family business, Mark Development Inc., and its affiliated companies,
have developed more than 1,600 single-family and multi-family homes in
the last 30 years. MDI also manages rental properties.
FOUNDATION
Coming from a plantation background on Kauai, company founder and
family patriarch Mark Watase saw people’s struggles to buy their own
homes. He founded MDI in 1977 with the sole goal of building affordable
housing.
THE TEAM
ItÃ*s a family affair. Dad, Mark Watase, is the CEO. Mom, Gerry, is Ã’the
real boss.Ó Son, Craig, is president. His sister-in-law, Nola, manages
the clerical and bookkeeping. And son, Paul, is vice president and
architect. MDI also employs two property managers.
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Paul Watase, vice president & architect
Photo by Scott T. Kubo |
THE DESIGN GUY
Paul Watase, vice president, architect and JOAT (Jack of all Trades).
Watase dreams the dreams then works with Curtis Miyamura of Architects
Pacific Inc., to bring them into reality.
PHILOSOPHY
Build homes where families and communities can thrive. Ã’The best
foundation for a vibrant community is ... to let the family roots grow
and not move from place to place, but have generations grow with the
aina, create a place called home to generations and to develop
relationships with oneÃ*s neighbors.Ó
A HOME IS...
Like a jewel box. “The ‘stuff’ you put inside, not only your physical
belongings, but your really valuable stuff—like memories and family—are
the jewels in the jewel box,” Watase says.
BEST PART OF BEING A DEVELOPER When you hand over the keys of a new home to a first-time buyer.
LANDMARKS
In 1996, the company became the first private developer to develop on
Hawaiian Home Lands. The Princess Kahanu Estates also won several
industry awards. But the best is yet to come.
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| Ke Ola O Pokai Bay, Ulua Craftsman Design |
THE FUTURE
Current project, Ke Ola O Pokai Bay, is far superior to anything
developed to date. The $60 million Waianae subdivision includes 125
three- and four-bedroom homes with prices beginning in the low
$400,000s. “Ke Ola O Pokai Bay is in tune with my philosophy as we are
offering beautifully designed homes on large lots with room for a
family to grow on, build on and develop roots.” The development focuses
on quality, affordability and maintainability. The houses are on larger
lots than usually seen in subdivisions today; energy-efficiency is key;
and, the quality and beauty has been thought out down to the
showerheads.
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PACIFIC STYLE CONSTRUCTION
Pacific Style Construction
1657 Hoolulu Road
Wahiawa, HI 96786
Phone: 621-3434
Web: www.pacificstyle.info
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BACKGROUND
Family-owned and -operated licensed general contractor, specializing in
design/build services for new custom homes, major renovations and
remodels.
OWNER/MANAGER
Andrew Dixon. “For my entire career—28 years—I wanted to have my own
construction company, but I wanted to do it right.” Dixon gathered up
experience: as a journeyman cabinetmaker and carpenter, a crew leader,
a quality control inspector, a manager. He learned the laws and the
warrantees and good customer relations. Then, in December 2003,
anticipating the building boom, Dixon founded his own company.
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Andrew Dixon, owner & manager
Photo by Scott T. Kubo |
THE TEAM
Three office staff, 15 in the field—and growing. Only tradesmen Dixon
has known in the business for five or more years are invited to join
the team. Most of the team members have been in construction more than
15 years.
FOR THE RECORD “I think the thing I’m most proud of is I have a zero-complaint record.”
KNOWN FOR
Straight talk. “I’m transparent. I show my customers my costs for
everything—that’s the only fair way to do it. This makes people very
comfortable, because they can see where the money is going.”
BEST PART OF THE DESIGN/BUILD PROCESS
“I just enjoy standing back and looking at what we’ve produced. There’s
a sense of pride in building these things and keeping the relationship
with your clients.”
LATEST PROJECT
A small Kaaawa beach house for gallery owner Robyn Buntin. It features
a multiple-pitch roof, vaulted ceilings, treelike ohia poles in the
living space and a large wrap-around deck.
STYLE
“I’m an old-style builder. I build with wood. It’s the most versatile
product there is.” PSC’s designs are simple yet classic, the quality of
construction is exceptional, no details are left out and no corners are
cut.
BEST THING A CLIENT EVER SAID
“There was one lady who cried when she saw her bathroom for the first
time. She told us that whenever she comes out of her bedroom she thinks
she’s in someone else’s house, it’s so luxurious.”
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HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION INC.
Homeworks Construction Inc.
1370 Kapiolani Blvd., Second Floor
Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 955-2777
Web: www.homeworkshawaii.com
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BACKGROUND
Founded 12 years ago, when the market was in a slump, Homeworks
Construction’s strategy is to offer turnkey, custom homes at fair
prices. The company also specializes in whole-house remodels.
The
bosses: Jim Byxbee, Marshall Hickox and Sylvio Boucher. Between them,
they have nearly 70 years’ worth of experience in the construction
industry. The trio has considerable experience working with older,
historic homes, which is a plus when working on remodels. They have
also won multiple awards and recognition on the local and national
levels.
THE TEAM
Homeworks started with two employees—the original owners—and one work
truck. Today, it has three owners, 20 office staff, 40 field employees
and 18 trucks and heavy equipment.
PHILOSOPHY “Our goal is to meet our clients’ expectations. This can be achieved through honesty and communication,” Hickox says.
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| Left to right: Jim Byxbee, Sylvio Boucher and Marshall Hickox, owners. Photo by Scott T. Kubo |
KNOWN FOR
A quality project that meets the individuality of the client. A true
custom home builder finds a way to personalize each house without
running up the costs.
BEST PART OF THE BUILDING PROCESS Handing the house keys to a satisfied client.
WHAT’S HOT
Large, door-less showers, large pocketing doors, open kitchens, outdoor
grilling areas with refrigerators and sinks that serve as second
kitchens.
THE FUTURE
More natural products, such as tile and stone, rather than ceramics.
And the continued advancement of composites for all facets of building,
from structural to finish work.
BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID “I just wanted to call you to tell you, I love my house. It ... is ... awesome!”
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CONCEPT 2 COMPLETION
BACKGROUND
Founded six years ago, Concept 2 Completion aims to restore the true
meaning of “custom build.” The company designs and builds high-end
custom homes, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, artistry and
individuality.
THE BOSS
Karl Mench is a trained architect and a licensed contractor. His
inspiration came as a toddler when his dad built the family home. Karl
could be found on the worksite with his hard hat and hammer, hard at
work. At age 2, Karl presented his mom with his drawn “plans” for the
home, pointing out where the “entryway” was. After working for a time
in an architect’s office, the grown-up Mench’s desire to get hands-on
led him to start his own design/build company.
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Karl Mench, architect & contractor
Photo by Tomas Del Amo |
THE TEAM Karl’s wife, Rebecca, holds down the fort in the office and the construction crew numbers around half-a-dozen.
PHILOSOPHY
“We stay away from trends in design and materials and focus on creating
special pieces that are unique to that project and its design
direction.”
KNOWN FOR
The detail. There is nothing “big box” about Concept 2 Completion’s
work. The aim is to give each home a unique feel. The company works
closely with artisans in Bali and Indonesia to produce one-of-a-kind
pieces that are specially designed and crafted for the client.
BEST PART OF THE DESIGN/BUILD PROCESS
“Everything—we enjoy being part of the whole process. We try to get
away from subbing things out. We get in there and we’re taking care of
every little detail.”
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PETER VINCENT & ASSOCIATES LLC
Peter Vincent & Associates LLC
1021 Smith St., Penthouse
Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 524-8255
Web: www.pva.com
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BACKGROUND
Since launching in 1992, this architectural and design firm has been
blazing hot as one of Hawaii’s fastest growing companies. Peter Vincent
& Associates’ award-winning work covers Hawaii, plus four Mainland
states and Japan.
FOUNDER
Peter Vincent set his sights on architecture at the mature age of 12.
Since then, his work has included the renovation planning of an
11th-century castle in Tuscany, a high-rise, mixed-use complex in Saudi
Arabia and the Ocean Spray Cranberries headquarters in Massachusetts.
Vincent is now recognized as one of Hawaii’s leading architects.
THE TEAM
From a practice of one, PVA now employs 30 people, including principal
Hiroto Suzuki, who joined PVA in 1998. Educated in Kyoto, Japan, Suzuki
brings his Pacific Rim experience to the company. His work includes the
construction of 60 luxury villas in Shanghai, China, and the
award-winning, plantation-style homes of Maui’s Kapalua Estates.
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| Peter Vincent, architect & owner |
EXPERTISE PVA
offers the full range of architectural services, including design for
commercial buildings and homes, tenant build-out, remodeling and
interior architecture.
PHILOSOPHY
The primary goal is design integrity, balanced on a foundation of
strong client service and technical execution. This transcends the type
of project and any particular design style.
KNOWN FOR
It’s a toss up between Vincent’s blazing tennis serve (which puts
Roddick to shame) and his wicked slice drop shot, “which is a
low-percentage, stupid shot most of the time, but when it works it
brings a smile to my face.” Vincent has a very eclectic taste in things
such as art, music and cuisine, and it’s that eclecticism that finds
its way into his work.
BEST PART OF THE DESIGN PROCESS
“I enjoy many aspects of my work, which is why I think architecture is
such a great field; it’s so varied. But my favorite part is working
quietly on a problem, alone, drawing by hand. It’s when thought shuts
down and I relax.”
WHAT’S HOT
Vincent is no trend follower. “I often find I’m off-trend—I think of it
as being a cycle ahead!” But one positive movement in recent years has
been for local architecture to be more sympathetic with the environment
and culture.
BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID “Peter, you are magic; that’s why you have your own successful company.”
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3BUILDERS INC.
BACKGROUND
After building his first home in Makawao, Maui, in 1985, Nick Denzer
spent eight years building country homes on Oahu, Maui and the Big
Island. He got into the development business in the ’90s, when projects
included 645 homes in Kapolei and a Honolulu high-rise. The firm was
incorporated as 3builders inc., in 2001, and can be found in the
historic Waialua Sugar Mill.
THE BOSS
Kalaheo grad Nick Denzer started his career in the banking biz as a
loan officer. During high school and college he had spent time in the
construction industry and he returned to the field in 1985 by starting
his own company.
THE TEAM
From just two workers in 1985, the company has grown to employ five
office personnel and as many as 15 field technicians, laborers and
supervisors.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY Customer satisfaction, professionalism, guaranteed quality.
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Nick Denzer, president
Photo by Scott T. Kubo |
EXPERTISE
New construction and selected renovation and remodel work. 3builders
inc. specializes in medium- to high-end residential projects, primarily
oceanfront. Renovation work is usually reviving historic homes; a
commercial project included the Benedictine monastery center in Waialua.
STAY TUNED In November, 3builders will appear on HGTV’s “Generation Renovation,” with a renovated beach house on Oahu’s North Shore.
BEST PART OF THE BUILDING PROCESS
“I like to explore a structure in process just before dark and imagine
what the building will be like when it is complete, with all of its
detail, and picturing the building finally occupied by humans.”
WHAT’S HOT
Large, open living spaces where families can live, cook, work and
entertain. This can be achieved through a great room attached to a
kitchen or family room, and sliding doors can provide the flexibility
to open and close spaces.
THE FUTURE
“I foresee more home offices and more self-sufficient power sources,
such as the harnessing of solar power, water and wind. Also advances in
ventilation, cooling and heating.”
BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID TO YOU
That we are like “a breath of fresh air” and that we make the process
fun and easy and take away much of the stress and headache. Another
mahalo came in the form of a party and a “Thank you, 3builders” cake,
which was very tasty.
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H.K. CONSTRUCTION CORP.
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H.K. Construction Corp.
905 Factory St.
Honolulu, HI 96819
Phone: 841-1800
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BACKGROUND
The H.K. in the company’s name stands for Harry Kim, who has 30 years’
experience in Hawaii’s development, design, build and real estate
scene. He formed H.K. Construction two years ago, as a new residential
design/build arm of his business.
OWNER
Harry Kim Jr., was born to the business. He is a third-generation
developer/builder, following his grandmother and then his father, Harry
Kim Sr., who was a longtime local developer and contractor. A
forward-thinker who knows the business inside and out, Kim has the
experience of hundreds of homes under his belt.
THE TEAM
The company employs about 18 people in the office and in the field and
is managed by Mike Mudgett, who has 30 years’ experience in the
construction industry.
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Harry Kim, Manager
Photo by Scott T. Kubo |
MOTTO Speed, quality and efficiency.
MISSION Be a true one-stop-shop for clients. The goal is to make it easy for clients to get the homes they want within their budgets.
BEST PART OF THE PROCESS The design phase; being creative; figuring out the best way to make it happen.
WHAT’S HOT
Homeowners are still seeking homes that give them an indoor-outdoor
lifestyle. They’re also becoming more aware of energy efficiency. H.K.
Construction manages these two potentially conflicting needs through
smart design and appropriate materials.
THE FUTURE
H.K. Construction is branching out into the addition and remodel market
to meet the demand for more multigenerational homes. A second wave of
the future that H.K. Construction is riding is the conversion of houses
into high-end residential care homes for the elderly.
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ACS CONSTRUCTION LLC
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ACS Construction LLC
148 Hanohano Place
Honolulu, HI 96825
Phone: 479-3893
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BACKGROUND Founded in 2004, ACS Construction works around the Islands building medium- to high-end custom homes.
OWNER
Dale Grover worked in construction in California before becoming a
pilot for Aloha Airlines. In Hawaii, he got into the construction
business just over four years ago, and returned fulltime to the
business recently when he retired from the skies.
THE TEAM
Tess Green is the very able hand in the office; the company also has a
crew of 15 and four foremen, who have 30 years of experience among them.
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Dale Grover, manager
Photo by Olivier Koning |
PHILOSOPHY
To build strong, sturdy homes that will last more than 100 years. ACS
homes are built to withstand the rigors of Hawaii’s environment, from
the heat to termites to Category 2 hurricanes.
WHAT’S HOT Building green. In Hawaii it makes sense to build homes that handle the heat in energy-efficient ways.
SPECIALTY ACS
builds with NUDURA, a new-generation building technology that creates
homes that are stronger and more comfortable. The process uses expanded
polystyrene forms that lock together like Lego blocks. Concrete is
poured into the forms, creating solid walls that are 12 inches thick
and have one of the industry’s highest ratings for heat insulation.
Also in the ACS green tool kit: TechShield roof sheathing that keeps
the home cooler, and Takagi tankless water heaters, which eliminate the
need for energy-guzzling hot-water tanks.
WHAT’S HOT
Homeowners are looking for homes that will grow with them and meet the
changing needs of their families. ACS uses a framing technique that
makes it easy to renovate in those empty-nest years, perhaps by
changing the children’s bedrooms upstairs into a workout room or a
luxurious living area.
BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID
When the project was complete, they said thank you for the quality work
and that they got just what they wanted in their home, Grover says.
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PMI BUILDERS
BACKGROUND
Precise Measurements Inc., which was founded in 2001, specializes in
renovations that include residential additions/alterations, kitchen and
bath, and small-scale commercial renovations.
OWNERS
This is a husband-and-wife team. David Wheeler is a finish carpenter by
trade, with 16 years of experience. His first priority is to exceed
your expectations. Misty Wheeler holds a master’s in communication; she
is responsible for customer service and public relations with clients,
architects and designers, vendors and subcontractors.
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David & Misty Wheeler, owners
Photo by Scott T. Kubo |
THE TEAM
The company began with one employee and has grown to a crew of five—the
company’s small size is key in retaining the personal touch.
PHILOSOPHY The first priorities are exceptional craftsmanship and superb, personal customer service.
KNOWN FOR Taking the potential stress and upheaval of remodeling and turning it into a positive experience.
BEST PART OF REMODELING “We like the end result; seeing the dramatic change in the home and how that changes the way people live,” Misty says.
BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID
“Wow! What a beautiful job you did in my kitchen. It is absolutely
gorgeous. I must say your customer service and quality of workmanship
are next to none.”
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