Episode Transcript
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(00:01):
Welcome to the home Remodeling Show withEdge Construction on News Talk thirteen ten WYPA.
Have a question, email it toedge Construction Radio at gmail dot com.
Now here's your host, Sean Friedelon News Talk thirteen ten WYBA.
This is the Homer Modeling Show,brought you by Edge Construction. Right here
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on thirteen ten WIBA. You canlearn more about Edge Construction. Just like
the big voice guy said, EdgeConstruction Company dot com. That's all one
word, Edge Construction Company dot com. There it's allf what number six so
eight six three six three three fourthree that number six three six Edge And
joined this week in studio by Miketwo Egg of Edge Construction. Mike,
I have you been Rache. That'sgood to see you. Kind of said
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that a little a little strange,a little a little off kilt. We're
gonna be talking about I think thatnuts and bolts questions to answer ask your
remodeler. But before we kind ofget to this week's overall conversation about that,
that that Q and a kind ofthat interview for with a remodeler.
I know you guys work. Oneof the cool things about working here in
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southern Wisconsin. Is spend a lotof time on the isthmus and the city,
but you also spend a fair amountof time out in the country.
And and is that something and maybethis may actually just directly apply to our
conversation this week. Is that somethingto ask your remodeler about. Is like
when it comes to so I've gota got maybe a house in the in
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the town of blankety blank Burke forexample, outside of Madison somewhere it's a
you know, a bigger home orI work on the smith Like is it
a good question? Ask like isthis the type of building you're comfortable with
doing or you're familiar with doing?Is that Is that kind of a kind
of an important question. I thinkit is, because you know that the
hardest thing for somebody in my position, or you know, we're we're always
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looking for work, right, We'retrying to feed the factory. So we've
got a lot of good people andwe want to keep them busy, so
we don't it's not in our naturesometimes to say no, we don't do
that. But I think another wayto do it might be, like just
to a first question might be tofigure out what their specialty, what are
they really good at you know,what do you really like to do?
We did not start off tearing theroofs off of houses and putting second stores
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on them, because we just didn't. We didn't have the manpower, we
didn't have the design capability. Wedidn't have we just didn't have the horsepower
to do it. But now wedo that stuff, but we kind of
we started off and specialized on theinside. We always had. I think
the first model I did probably wasan addition or two, way back,
way back. But that doesn't meanI was great at it. Didn't mean
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I had a lot of experience atit. I did it because I probably
couldn't say no, I needed thework real bad. And so if somebody
said, well, what is yourspecialty, I would have said, well,
probably the smaller projects, because that'sjust how we were built. So
we get a lot of calls forthe bigger stuff now, even though I
would say that is not our especiallyespecially is the inside stuff. Is the
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kitchen's bass, basements, things likethat. But because of that word I
mentioned before, the horsepower word,we're increasingly doing some of those tougher jobs,
some of those bigger jobs. Now, this is not I've had Homer
say, well, you know,if you've got this big stuff gone,
how do you have time to doour stuff? Well, it's a weird
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phenomenon like a remodeler that like wherewe are right now now, it works
really well to have a big jobgoing and then various sizes underneath it,
because those big jobs there's going tobe sometimes you know, if I've got
my framers in there, they mightbe framing for two or three weeks building
up this big project. Then we'reinto mechanicals and yeah that things get busy
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for my electrician dale, but largelyour remoling crew doesn't have to be there
at that time. Right once westart getting into an insulation, drywall and
all the finishes, then then thenwe get our people more involved. I
mean we're always involved, but Idon't know if I'm making sense there,
It makes perfect sense. And whatI what I find interesting about that is
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you mentioned kind of that that youknow when you're working on those bigger projects
and scheduling is I know, withall projects, but bigger projects as well.
You are very and I know we'veurged people if they're thinking about next
year or years to come to wantto do a bigger project to get and
start that conversation early, because it'snot limitless. It's not like you guys
are at edge construction are doing sixhome editions at a time. You're very
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much like, this is how webalance this out. There's a there's a
very deep process about like Okay,well we'll be working on this larger project
and these are the these are thethe interior models based like, it's a
very measured and very planned out uhprocess for scheduling, which is which is
a which is a big thing.And so when we were talking about you
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know, kind of different projects aroundthe area, Obviously the smaller houses on
Isthmus on the Isthmus for example,even if it's going up or adding an
addition, it's going to be alittle bit different than a Stoton remodel out
in the farm somewhere. The abilityand kind of the type of work that
you're going to do on those typeof projects is probably different. But let
me ask too, is kind ofgetting into that scheduling question. And obviously
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the scheduling on your side, schedulingwith homeowners, that's a that's an important
question as well for them to beasking the remodel is one, how do
you schedule these things? And onewhat does your schedule look like? And
what's kind of the plan going forwardfor that type of thing, isn't it?
Yeah? And the answer is ascomplicated, yes, we we Uh,
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there's a couple of different ways tolook at like I don't. One
of the worst things that can happenfor for us is to be to have
too much at one time of anything, right, and so we had done.
We've always been scheduled driven. Wealways you know, you spend a
lot of time trying to figure outschedules if you're in this business. So
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that is a great question for amodeler. It's like, okay, how
do you how do you schedule?What's what's your process? Because I can
tell you we my process was tougherbefore we ran into a company called co
Construct. So that's a that's acompany that no homeowner probably will ever have
to know their name. But forus, uh, they they give us
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the ability to process information and sortof layer all of our schedules together.
So I go, well, okay, we we can't do drywall on two
kitchens starting on the same day,So you know, you have the ability
to look out and work things inso that you're you're the different jobs don't
end up on top of each other, or the same jobs don't end up
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on top of each other. Asfar as like how, we get this
question a lot at first meeting,So how far out are you? What
they want to know is like howsoon we could start a project like this?
So you talked about the big projects, Well, we have two big
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projects locked in for next year already, if that's anything. So we're in
June of this year, and sowe're already starting to work on those schedules.
I know that we could we cando one, possibly two more bigger
projects for next year. So youreally, you know, if you're looking
at additions, and I'm sure I'mnot new unique in this, if you're
looking at additions, or you're lookingat you know, I talked about taking
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the roof off and growing up orsomething major. You really need to start
quite a ways in advance. Youknow, we haven't even gotten into the
planning side. We'll probably get intothat too, but home owners. Home
owners like to know what's going on, and I understand that. So when
we're when we are are starting aremodel, we're trying to let you know
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for sure once a week, who'sgoing to be in your house? Kind
of oddly, you know, nextweek we're going to have the plumber's electricians
there. Okay, now it's notgenerally. Hey, it's four o'clock today.
Tomorrow morning at seven o'clock, thisguy's going to show up. His
name is Joe. All right,we don't have it doesn't quite work work
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that way, but we're trying togive you as much information as we can.
Yeah, what's what's we talk abouttoo, kind of interviewing and kind
of getting prepared for for your remodelingprojects. Another thing that that's important to
mention is not all As a matterof fact, I would say no,
two remodelers are the same. Isthere are there are certain strengths, there
are certain things that that some dobetter. You mentioned earlier just about your
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growth and progression at edge construction overthe years and kind of how it's started
out and kind of where where youare now. Understanding that that's a that's
an important relationship. Not just notjust am I familiar with these people,
but also are they able to dothis type of work? Is this something
they're comfortable doing? And more importantly, are we comfortable with each other.
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That that that relationship that's about todevelop. You mentioned doing an addition or
or going, you know, doinga major remodel. You're going to be
involved together for quite a while.It better be it better you better feel
comfortable with the person that you're workingwith and have a good understanding of what
they're able to do and vice versa. Right, I think that you know
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the people that are that are okay, they're craftsmen, right, the people
that were sending out, they havespent years building their craft. They work
at it. They we train them, We put the best tools in their
hands. We try to best techniques, best products. But they're also pleasers,
like they want they want to likeyou, they want to get along,
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they want good back and forth.I think that ends up getting you
the best project. I think thatUh, okay, where where are you
most comfortable? Right? Uh?Does do you have design capability? Do
you how much of how much ofthe work being done is going to be
done by your people? Uh?Now, I that's a load of question
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for me. I love that questionbecause we do a lot of that stuff
in house, a lot of alot of remodeling contractors right now, they'll
price out and sign that job,but then they've kind of got to come
find people like us to do thework, so they may not. We're
lucky. We've got framing crews thatI can pull off new construction and help
us with those big projects. Wedo all a tile and most of our
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flooring installs and the electricity and allthe carpentry. And I'm sorry, no,
it's great's and that's important for folksto know, is that it is
asking those questions. Obviously, asyou mentioned, I love that question,
the question, yes, because that'sa big but understanding who who's all going
to be doing the work is vital. You mentioned to the folks you hire
at Edge Construction obviously skilled these arethese are highly skilled people. But also
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use that term people pleasers. Thereis nothing worse than than and I know
this is having a fantastic like youget these pictures, and I know I
know your guys are extremely proud ofthe work that they do. Nothing worse
than if it were the scenario whereyou're looking at that picture going gosh,
I love that project, but man, I hated doing it. One of
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the things I know your guys loveis not only that they that they love
looking at those projects. But theyalso and I know, you get a
lot of folks that that repeat customersthat come back because not only was it
that memories come back of what agreat project it was, but how great
that relationship was as well. Yeah, and and you know, from our
position, okay, you've got tofind that skill set. Yeah, but
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you also have to find people thatyou know, it's a very personal thing
to be in your house, Soyou're not going to want just everybody walking
in there. At least you know, you want to know something about them.
You want to be able to trustthem, You want to they need
to be hopefully the right kind ofperson person You know that that is easy
to be around. I guess I'mnot sure how to quantify it, but
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you know, when I started construction, by the way, it was pretty
crusty group out there, Like peopleweren't worried about your feelings or your your
dog and your cat or you know, like it wasn't like that. And
and the world has changed. Weknow that it's it's okay. I when
I talk to our people, Isay, listen, the homeowner has to
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assume that you know what you're doingright, Like meaning the your craft,
your your high level of skill hasto be a given, like that's not
something that we have to dwell on. You can see the pictures, you
can see you can watch them work, but the experience is deeper than that,
and it's and it and you needto be clean, right. I
know. I've talked to that aboutthat quite a bit. The first thing
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I went and worked this last weekwith a couple of our new trimmers on
new construction, and I walked inand they were really surprised to see the
first thing that I did was cleanim. Like you know, in construction,
you're always on the schedule, you'realways kind of pushing in. And
most most people in companies focus onthe speed and the the schedule more than
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or maybe a little too much.And and these and these people, these
trades people just don't feel like theyeven have time to clean up their place,
and so they're they're working a mess, which is miserable. So I
I I'd rather work in a cleanspace. It's important. The other thing
too that I that I love isyou know, when I mentioned How's and
the link off of Edge Construction Companydot com, and folks will write that
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you've worked with, will write reviewsand things. I love when you see
like like the carpenters and others mentionedby name. If so and so is
it was great to work with,it is that as you mentioned, obviously
the skills are there, and asa homeowner, your expectation is when it
comes to the craftsmanship and the workthat those levels will be will be met.
It's that other kind of inquantifiable unquantifiable. I don't know what the right
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word is there, but the onethat's hard to quantify. You can't quify.
Yes, Yes, that relationship andthat ability to really have a good
communication channel with your with your modeler. That that again it's it's memorable,
and that they're by first name sayingso and so is absolutely fantastic to work
with. Speaking of working with folksand gang at Edge Construction, they'd love
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to get to know, you'd loveto work with you think about doing some
remodeling. Check them out online EdgeConstruction Company dot com. Even easier pick
up phone GIMMI call six O eightsix three six three three four three that
number six three six Edge. Soyour conversation about an overview of remodeling with
Mike two Wig of Edge construction.We will do that next as the Homer
Modeling Show continues right here thirteen tenWIBI. This is the Homer Modeling Show
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brought to you by Edge Construction thewebsite Edge Construction Company dot com. That's
all one word, Edge Construction Companydot Com. Been there yet, Definitely
check that out if you have beenthere recently. Also check back Edge Construction
Company dot com. Always being updated. We might actually get to a couple
of recent projects as well. Upat Edge Construction Company dot com. Speaking
of projects, they of course geta great portfolio right on the website.
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Also links to Facebook, Pinterest,howse houses a biggie because there's a lot
of really cool examples of their workand some stuff on the house page.
Just head on over to Edgeconstruction Companydot com. That's Edgeconstruction Company dot com
talking this week about some of thequestions and the conversations to be having with
your remodeler. And interesting note Isaw, which is understanding the time you're
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committing people would always fully think thatstuff through is it's it's and I think
I know the answer. I willask it anyway, is that something that
you really want to make sure peoplerealize upfront? That there is a timeline
here and it is going to takea bit of time. I know.
One of the great things about workingwith you guys at Edge Construction is there's
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a lot of stuff to kind ofkeep you occupied, but it is it
is a time commitment no matter whatthe project is. Even let's say just
a kitchen being without your kitchen forfor a little bit of time. That's
something you gotta You've got to reallyunderstand going into this, don't you.
Yeah, And it's there is atime commitment. Uh. There, there's
also that time commitment up front.Okay, So there's there's two blocks,
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right. One is that design processwhere we we call it all the way
up to contract. Once contract issigned, now we're now we're ordering materials,
and once they come in we canpick a start date. But typically
are our projects spend as much timeand design as they do to complete and
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sometimes maybe a little more. Itdepends on you. We don't rush you
through that design process. Uh So, if if it's a bigger project,
like a whole house for rentel,there might be two or three or four
selection days where you come in andand uh, you know, you do
the kitchen, you do some overalldesign, those might be two appointments you've
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got, You've got other bathrooms todecide. There's still a lot of things
to finalize, from from siding colorsto windows to the interior trim. I
watch people go through this process andif it's too front loaded, if it's
if it's trying to to accomplish toomuch at one time, it's almost like
you're just in overload. Yeah.Right, there's too many options to look
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at the other the other side ofthis coin here is and so you you
really drive that process. If weif we start getting in design, we
hand you plans to let you thinkabout. I always call it reaction time.
M M. There's a lot oftimes people will will take those planes
back plans back home and sit withthem for a week or even longer because
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they're just getting used to this idea. Now, we have people that have
projects that are slam dunks, likethey know exactly what they want to do.
They don't what the products they want, they know they'll look thereafter.
Those go a little faster with thattoo. And that's uh, That's something
that's interesting is is we talked about, you know, making use of hows
and other things is, even ifyou don't know exactly what it is.
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One of the one of the areasthat I that I've learned from you is
having really good designers. They canunderstand things that oftentimes homeowners may not know.
Like I think you used the phrasein the past about I don't know
what I like, but I likethis, what I like about this.
If you have those examples, thedesigners can can really help you kind of
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refine what that look is that you'relooking for, even if as a homeowner
you're you're not that person that automaticallyjust knows what they want. Yeah,
it's amazing the talent they have.I wish I kind of had a little
bit of it. Yeah it's notmy thing. If you show me the
picture, I can build it.But right, that's that's we do think
in terms of that, Okay,we like it. What homeowners do a
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little homework, Right, get onget on house, get on Pinterest,
get on wherever you need to go, like websites like ours. My personal
favor, by the way is house. Like I I have to almost avoid
it because I'm just going to bestuck going down rabbit holes on house.
But I do like I do,like I see it, and I do
come on things too where I youknow, I'm looking at a picture of
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a kitchen or a fireplace or somethingand I like it. But I'm not
I can't really quantify. I can'treally figure out why a good designer is
going to go Okay, I seewhere you're going. I they can identify
things you like and some valuable informationoff of those things. So it's it's
it's handy, but that from thatfirst meeting, we're probably saying, hey,
can you do a little research andmaybe send over tag some things online,
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build a little library, send usover some of the stuff you like.
That stuff helps with the with theas you mentioned, you know,
when it comes to where time isspent, time in design is important,
as you know, developing kind ofwhat that is. This is one of
those projects, and you know,any one of these projects, big,
small, medium, huge, whateverit is, it's something that that when
it's finished, you want to makesure you love and it's often that planning
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stage, that upfront conversation that reallymakes everything and everybody happy at the end
of the project. So we talkabout doing projects, think about doing some
remodeling, big, small, medium, or extra extra large, Mike and
the team at Edge Construction love totalk with you. I gotta pickup phone
gammacall six O eight six three sixthree three four three that number six three
six Edge the website Edge Construction Companydot com. That's Edge Construction Company dot
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com. We'ren talk a little bitabout referrals and that type of area,
what's good about them and what youmay need to know that's not always the
greatest. We'll get some details fromMike on that. We will do that
next. The Homer Modeling Show withEdge Construction continues right here on thirteen ten
WIBA. This is the Homer ModelingShow brought you by Edge Construction. The
(20:36):
website Edge Construction Company dot com.That's all one word Edgeconstruction Company dot com.
They're teleph number six O eight sixthree six three three four three that
number six three six Edge talking thisweek about some of the questions to be
asking and thinking about when it comesto remodeling. And Mike, I know
something you've pointed out in the past. If I were to ask somebody for
references, what kind of reference Likeyou're applying for a job and they ask
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for three references. Remember the olddays filling on job outcations and stuff.
You don't you don't put your lifelongenemy on that list. You put people
that are going to be like,oh they're great, They're great. Same
thing when you're asking for references ingeneral of a business and a remodeler as
well, aren't you. It isso if you if you look online and
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you you read articles that are aresaying, hey, okay, if you're
going to start a project, thisis how you pick a contractor. One
of the things they're going to sayis, well, make all these contractors
give you three references. Well,okay, all of us can do that.
I think we have just the projectsthat we have in Hollows. We
have one hundred and seventy projects roughout on there. Like of course there
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are people that are willing to talkto you, but I like to dig
a little deeper and say, okay, what you really want to know is
how these people do business, whatit's really like to deal with them.
You don't want the two second blurbhere. You want to know like about
the process, You want to knowabout the reputation, and you want to
know if they pay their bills.That's a real danger for you, for
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for sometimes in this business. Somy response I got I got that question
this week. I said, well, I can do that. I am
pretty protective by the way of ourcustomers, Like I don't. We look
at a lot of work and wedo a fair amount of it. I
don't want to. I don't wanthomeowners that that love us getting phone calls
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every week saying, hey, what'sit like to work with that construction?
So it is a is a ticklishthing, especially for somebody that's now.
Now, if I was new tothis business, right, if I had
just made a transition to being onmy own doing this kind of work,
I would be dying for references,right because I don't have a track record.
I don't have I don't have allthose positive reviews. If if a
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contractor has been around for thirty yearslike we have, if if they're really
messing up in today's world, it'snot hard to find, you know,
there'd be evidence of that online.Right. What about too is going for
talking to family and friends, notnecessarily about a particular contractor, but who
have had remodeling, just to kindof understand what that's like. There's what's
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the book what to expect when you'reexpecting I do believe it's one of those
when when you're gonna have that firstbaby, everybody you're gonna ask us,
right, yeah, don't ask nothingto it, but like because I think
sometimes we don't know what to expect, and having that conversation with somebody what
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they like, what they didn't like, kind of getting some of that knowledge
is kind of bring into that conversationcan be vital and important, can't it.
Yeah, so I can virtually guaranteeyou that if you start asking around
your friends and family who have doneremodels, more than half probably didn't have
a great experience. There's just alot unfortunately in this business. There's a
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lot of that around. I thinkif you starting in, okay, well,
what what went wrong? What waswhat happened? Did you get hit
up for money at the end,did they finish, finish, finish one
thousand percent? You know? Orwas it or was it a thing where
you had a hard time getting themback? Were there any warranty issues?
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How about the products? Did thedid the products they put in? Were
you happy with those? Or?You know? Sometimes it's it's not us
showing somebody an in for your product. It's a homework going well I use
this before and it didn't went okay, and I'm going I don't really like
that product. I don't I don'twant to put this in there. There
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needs to Uh. We talked alittle bit about the design process. Okay,
how much help did you get?Did you have to run around town
to different showrooms or or was itsomething centralized where the designer really helped you.
There's a lot of questions you cancome up with from people that have
done that process, and you probablycan find some of those online too.
I think I think out there,what what's in too? You mentioned warranty
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issues and kind of quality is Somecontractors will say, oh, you know,
it's got a ten year lifetime warranty. At that point, it's not
my problem. They're saying, oh, well we installed that. It's got
the deal with the manufacturer. Iknow. One of the things when it
comes to products that you choose atEdge Construction, they have those warranties.
(25:22):
But you know those warrants like they'rethey're the type of things that obviously the
manufacturer should stand behind. But youat Edge Construction say this, I recommend
this quality, this product because ofX y Z, because of its quality,
because of its warranty, because ofits track record. Having that understanding
as well is important too to ahomeowner, is that it's not just it's
the manufacturers they say it's great,it's great. You understands as the as
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the builder, what truly is greatand what's truly going to last? It
does? And sometimes you know,there are things that happen that are that
are kind of nobody's fault. Maybeyou know, we want a company,
We want suppliers, people that aregoing to stand behind their products. So
like, if we have a badexperience with a supplier, we're probably not
going to go back to them.If you had a bad experience with our
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model, you're in impact. Thewarranty laws, by the way, in
Wisconsin are one year for contracting unlessit's load bearing. Then it gets to
into a gray air. It couldbe forever. It could be ten years,
us to be ten years. Somy philosophy though, is we put
that kind of stuff in writing whatthe law says, But we also tell
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our homeowners listen, we don't anybodyfixing our mistakes. If you've if you
find a weren't a workmanship issue thathappened ten years ago, we are going
to come in and fix it,no cost, no problem. If it's
a if it's a failed product afterseveral years, we're going to help you
in that process. We're going toget it done as reasonable as we can,
even if it's way past warranty.So we want we want homeowners to
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come to us when there's issues.Now I can say that because we hardly
have any of those issues. Believeit or not, it's very few.
It might be one a year whereHomewner calls us back. We already had
ours. This year, we hada screen parts we did probably ten years
ago, and one of the screenscame loose. Turned out it was probably
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just a junior pushing on the screen, but we didn't fix it. We
didn't fix it. We helped outthe homeowner. They were happy we were.
I was fine doing it, LikeI said, I'd rather have I'd
rather do it than have somebody elsecome in and follow us on our work.
Is that something too? I knowwhen we talk about plumbing fixtures,
for example, you talk about Cohler. Obviously there's quite a few reasons to
love what they do, but isthat part of it along with it as
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well? As you know that whenyou're installing those fixtures by this manufacturer,
you've got a really good idea whatthe expectation is going to be. They
are and we're also used to them, right, Okay, so if we
do have an issue, we knowwho to call, we know how to
handle it. They, by theway, are very great to deal with.
The probably you know, by farthe best to deal with we've seen
on the the plumbing side. Youcan buy other things. I mean,
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we've had homewers that really found anice Peerless or Delta or something else.
We want to make sure we buythat through our supplier because there's just layers
of responsibility there versus off the shelfat a big box store. Sometimes I
don't maybe all the time because ofproprietary agreements. I'm told between the big
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box store and those manufacturers, theythey want a product that nobody else can
buy anywhere else. So generally thatis not a better product than what you
know we're going to get through oursupply house. So it's kind of a
I'm not going to say this right, but it's a little bit of a
downgraded product. It's a price point. It can even look the same,
but it's not. And all themanufacturers are guilty of this. So we're
(28:48):
we if you want the full boatfrom us, right, it's got to
come from our supplier where we knowit's the best possible product, and we're
we're not gonna problems. I've veeredfrom that path a few times, by
the way, in my career,with once with catastrophic results. We put
in a put in a faucet thatfailed and created a bunch of water damage.
(29:12):
We we we had ourselves protected.It was not our product. It
was a product that was handed tous by homeowner. So these there are
you got to start thinking in termsof So if I was asking a remodel,
how do you handle this stuff?I might say, where are the
layers of responsibility? Who's in betweenthis manufacturer and me? Okay, if
that makes sense, that makes perfectsense. We talked this morning with like
(29:33):
two Egg, owner of Edge Constructiononline Edge Construction Company dot com. That's
Edge Construction Company dot com top numbersix So eight six three six three three
four three that number six three sixedge. Another thing that popped into my
head as well has to do withlike kind of the process of design,
and I know something that that yourdesigners talk about in what you talk about
(29:56):
with homeowners as well, is yougot the kitchen, what are what are
the areas? You know what?What was kind of the impetus for the
needs re model? Obviously oftentimes it'sit's aesthetics, it's wanting to make the
space look better. But what arethe areas that simply don't work? Is
kind of walking through those type ofthings and also kind of lifestyle things.
What type of you know, usingthe kitchen as a as a as an
(30:19):
example, what type of cook areyou? Are you a basic kind of
person that's, you know, justkind of making simple stuff, or are
you a baker? There's some thatwill come in and do like you guys
do that, or other that willjust say, let's get this project going,
pulling up to tape measures, startmeasuring things. There's a difference there
isn't there? Yeah, there's exactly. And so what drives a kitchener model?
(30:41):
Boy? You know, kitchens geta lot of hard use. Right,
you've got a family, it's youknow, kids are tough on things.
It's it's really only gonna last solong. We we've talked different times
about the dirty words builder grade notshame on you builders. After you're putting
in, you know, maybe anin for your product at and when that
(31:02):
house is first built, I knoweverybody's trying to reach a price point,
right. That's that's kind of hownew construction is. And not that we're
not conscious of it, but theywant to get to that one ear mark.
Right, we're going to put inthis this product we can we know
we can wash our hands after ayear. Homeowners by what they the consumer
kind of has accepted this, thisthis program where we know we've got to
(31:26):
replace a bunch of stuff in fifteentwenty years or less. So I personally
don't like it, but that candrive it, right. Design can drive
it quite a bit because I've hadthis thing for a long time. Even
in houses that were built somewhat recentlyeighties and nineties, we're still finding ways
to connect that kitchen to the restof the house. So whether that's you
(31:48):
know, get rid of the peninsula, open things up, get an island
in there. You mentioned lifestyle things. Okay, what kind of cook is?
Are you? As a great isa great question because the things that
are important to somebody that is agourmet cook, of which I'm not,
Are you a no, no,I'm with you on that. It's different,
(32:15):
right, They They're going to havedifferent things that are important to them
if you entertain, right, Ithink like we all love to entertain kitchens.
Now are are you sort of designthem in mind within in mind that
that this is an area for peopleto congregate. So we want to we
want that to be in our braintoo. Talking this morning with Mike two
Egg, owner at edge Construction online, the website edge Construction Company dot com.
(32:39):
That's all one word, Edge ConstructionCompany dot com. Dolph number six
O eight six three six three threefour three that number six three six edge.
What about permitting conversations? And aswe walk through this area is and
I don't think we brought I knowa couple of years ago we talked about
this. I don't think we've broughtup brought this up since then. Is
who pulls permits and that everything whenyou're talking about you know, warranties and
(33:02):
what is what is covered and thosetype of things kind of reminded me also
of like who's responsible for forgetting thosepermits? And and that makes a difference
too, doesn't it It does.Yeah, we haven't talked about this for
a while and I know it's kindof an interesting subject. So you know
we've talked about that. Homeowners canpull a permit, so you know,
(33:23):
if you're not an electrician, youcan actually pull. Yeah, you're making
a face. I don't want youwiring in my house, enf and you
don't want me wiring. But youcan pull that permit. You can pull
it now. When the inspectors come, they're going to have questions, right,
Like, it would be very hardto not have any training in that
(33:45):
and get it right. But thecode does allow you to do your own
mechanical work, your own plumbing,your own heating, your own framing.
So you could take out a lowbring wall. It needs to be inspected,
right, but you can pull thepermit. There are what what layers
of this are there? There's there'sthe person online that you find one person
(34:06):
show they come up, Oh Ican finish your basement. We don't need
a permit. I'll get done.You'd be shocked at how many times we
can walk in a basement and Ican go you something, did you do
this or did no? No?It is always it was always whoever owned
it before me, and clearly donewithout a permit. Because there's there's quite
(34:27):
a few times there's things that aredone that that shouldn't have been done or
would not have passed the muster.The next layer is that guy that says,
well, I can't pull a permit, but you can pull it.
I'll do the work. Well,the weakness there, right, So the
first one is the weakness that thatyou stuff's not gonna be done in code.
(34:49):
Eventually you're gonna want to sell thathouse or what happens if there's a
major failure somewhere. The second layeris, Okay, I'm gonna, I'm
gonna we're gonna have inspections, butthe homeowner is gonna pull permit. But
really all the responsibility is landing onthe owner. Right, if this person
messes up, things go wrong,they they can leave town, go to
Alaska or something which does happen bythe way, and and home owner is
(35:14):
left holding the bag. Okay,why do we do it this way?
I don't know. Generally it's uh, you know, price points more attractive.
Right. This person that doesn't havethis all this structure to make this
happen, didn't do the education toto get the licensing to pull the permits,
doesn't have the insurances to pull thepermits. Uh, there's a lot
(35:36):
of a lot of a lot oflayering of responsibility there. So the next
level is, okay, you're goingto pull the permit, meaning I'm going
to pull the permit. So wewon't work on a job where we didn't
pull the permit. I want toI want to always have that responsibility.
I don't want to turn that overto somebody else. So it's just something
we can control that way. Iknow it's always done, We're always ready.
(36:00):
I'll guarantee you that if the ifyou call for inspection and your permit's
on online, the inspector will bemad at you. They will sometimes yell
at you. They're probably going tobe tougher on you. So this is
something we want to have right.You mentioned that insurance word, which is
funny because I literally jotted it downone of those one of those times.
Ask about that as well. Asyou're hiring a contractor asked about that as
(36:21):
well. So there's a thing calledhave you ever heard of a certificate of
insurance? Maybe it is. It'skind of a one page document that you,
a homeowner can request this from Basicallyanybody that's working on their house and
what they're what they're the insurance company. My insurance company will send you this
(36:43):
certificate insurance. It lays out howmuch liability of insurance that we have.
UH probably will list our Workmen's compinsurance, which is very important, and
then it'll it'll also you know alot of times companies like ours have an
umbrella that that offers more coverage.So what does this cover. Well,
if if one of our people iswalking down your stairs and trips and breaks
(37:07):
there something bad shoulder or something,you're not on the hook. Workman's comp
is going to pick that up ifwe if you hire some of it doesn't
have this stuff. Maybe they say, well, you know, you're partially
liable because it was your stairway.It wasn't I wouldn't have been there if
it wasn't for you. Maybe maybethere was a loose board, or or
(37:30):
there was a loose handrail, oror maybe the original stairway wasn't built the
code. And now you've got peopleworking in your house, so there there
tends to be too much likely.I'm not a lawyer, don't blame me,
but that's how it goes. Butit is important to ask for those
very reasons that if you're going tohave your people working in your house doing
remodeling or whatever type of we're theyhaving that well, And to be honest,
(37:53):
our worst injuries on the job aremost expensive injuries. Well the first
one is, uh, I gotJimmy my first employees slipped on the ice
couple years ago. Oh we gotI'm really injured, broke his elbow.
This can happen to homeowner. Solike, if you're what you're wanting to
do, is the more rights youdo it right. The remoiler pills the
(38:14):
permit, not you. The remilerhas insurance, not you. While you
have insurance too, but you're you'reWhat you're saying to the state when there's
a problem is this person is notmy employee. He's self employed. His
people will work for him, notme. I'm hiring this company to do
it, and it the the linesget blurred if you don't have those things
in place. I'm gonna ask youabout about employees and who's doing the work
(38:38):
and who do they work for.I'm gonna ask you about that coming up
the next segment. As the HomerModeling Show continues, you haven't been to
the website yet, Edge Construction Companydot Com. Head on over there right
now, Edge Construction Company dot com. But think about doing some remodeling.
Give a call six so eight sixthree six three three four three that number
six three six Edge. More ofthe Homer Modeling Show with Edge Constructions next
right here on thirteen ten doble uib a. This is the Homer Modeling
(39:04):
Show brought you by Edge Construction.The website Edgeconstruction Company dot com. That's
Edgeconstruction Company dot com. Hope youhad a chance during the break to check
out the website if you haven't yet, now is a great time. Edgeconstruction
Company dot com. Think about doingsome remodeling. Their telephone number six so
eight six three six three three fourthree that number six three six Edge.
Talking with Mike two Egg this week, owner of Edge Construction, about some
(39:24):
of the questions and conversations to behaving with prospective remodelers, people that you
may be hiring on to do thatwork, and some really important questions to
ask. And we left off talkingabout insurance, which is super important.
Another thing probably not the most excitingsubject, but yeah, to talk about
it, Yeah, it is vital. This is something that that's also very
(39:45):
important is understanding who's doing that workis who's going to be in your house?
Are they employees of the business?Are they subcontracted? Are they that?
That is something that you want toknow as well. Right it is,
and a just give you a littleclue, Like you know, we
obviously believe in the employee side,right. Employees have Workmen's compaid on them.
(40:07):
Subcontractors do not. We invest inemployees. We train employees. Uh,
subcontractors are kind of hired guns,like why would I train somebody else's
business basically to do it? Andwe we got into a little bit of
the liability side, but there aresome other advantages to have employees like our.
So the question for the for yourpotential mideler is do you subcontract?
(40:29):
How much do your work? Doyou subcontract? Contract? Up? I
think we we have as much inhouse as anybody that I ever hear of.
Really. The only thing that wedon't do our our the heavy mechanicals
like plumbing and heating and those that'sreally common. They're used to working as
as in subcontractor groups. What Iwant and what we have are I have
(40:51):
the same rule like I don't Iwant if somebody if they're bringing somebody in,
I want workman's comp being paid onthem because it's it's it's a layer
of protection for me and that getspassed on to the homeowners. So we
have other There's so many positives tohaving things in the house. We can
control the quality more, we cancontrol the schedule more, we get predictable
(41:14):
pricing. There's just a lot ofadvantages to having it in house. We
talk about too, that you mentionedplumbing in HVAC. Those uh, their
name's two folks that probably we don'tneed to give up lug but well,
I'll tell you this, they're not. Yeah, there there there are folks
that you that that folks are familiarwith. And as we talk with Mike
two Egg, owner of Edge Construction, but thinking about doing that remodeling project.
Today is a fantastic day to pickup phone, give the call six
(41:35):
oh eight six three six three threefour three that number six three six Edge
looking for inspiration to head on overto Edge Construction Company dot com. That's
Edgeconstruction Company dot com. Get thoseideas and then again pick up phone,
gimme call six oh eight six threesix three three four three that's six three
six Edge. And of course EdgeConstruction brings you the Homer Modeling Show right
here on thirteen ten w U Ib a
Welcome to the home Remodeling Show withEdge Construction on News Talk thirteen ten WYPA.
Have a question, email it toedge Construction Radio at gmail dot com.
Now here's your host, Sean Friedelon News Talk thirteen ten WYBA.
This is the Homer Modeling Show,brought you by Edge Construction. Right here
(00:23):
on thirteen ten WIBA. You canlearn more about Edge Construction. Just like
the big voice guy said, EdgeConstruction Company dot com. That's all one
word, Edge Construction Company dot com. There it's allf what number six so
eight six three six three three fourthree that number six three six Edge And
joined this week in studio by Miketwo Egg of Edge Construction. Mike,
I have you been Rache. That'sgood to see you. Kind of said
(00:46):
that a little a little strange,a little a little off kilt. We're
gonna be talking about I think thatnuts and bolts questions to answer ask your
remodeler. But before we kind ofget to this week's overall conversation about that,
that that Q and a kind ofthat interview for with a remodeler.
I know you guys work. Oneof the cool things about working here in
(01:07):
southern Wisconsin. Is spend a lotof time on the isthmus and the city,
but you also spend a fair amountof time out in the country.
And and is that something and maybethis may actually just directly apply to our
conversation this week. Is that somethingto ask your remodeler about. Is like
when it comes to so I've gota got maybe a house in the in
(01:30):
the town of blankety blank Burke forexample, outside of Madison somewhere it's a
you know, a bigger home orI work on the smith Like is it
a good question? Ask like isthis the type of building you're comfortable with
doing or you're familiar with doing?Is that Is that kind of a kind
of an important question. I thinkit is, because you know that the
hardest thing for somebody in my position, or you know, we're we're always
(01:55):
looking for work, right, We'retrying to feed the factory. So we've
got a lot of good people andwe want to keep them busy, so
we don't it's not in our naturesometimes to say no, we don't do
that. But I think another wayto do it might be, like just
to a first question might be tofigure out what their specialty, what are
they really good at you know,what do you really like to do?
We did not start off tearing theroofs off of houses and putting second stores
(02:20):
on them, because we just didn't. We didn't have the manpower, we
didn't have the design capability. Wedidn't have we just didn't have the horsepower
to do it. But now wedo that stuff, but we kind of
we started off and specialized on theinside. We always had. I think
the first model I did probably wasan addition or two, way back,
way back. But that doesn't meanI was great at it. Didn't mean
(02:43):
I had a lot of experience atit. I did it because I probably
couldn't say no, I needed thework real bad. And so if somebody
said, well, what is yourspecialty, I would have said, well,
probably the smaller projects, because that'sjust how we were built. So
we get a lot of calls forthe bigger stuff now, even though I
would say that is not our especiallyespecially is the inside stuff. Is the
(03:05):
kitchen's bass, basements, things likethat. But because of that word I
mentioned before, the horsepower word,we're increasingly doing some of those tougher jobs,
some of those bigger jobs. Now, this is not I've had Homer
say, well, you know,if you've got this big stuff gone,
how do you have time to doour stuff? Well, it's a weird
(03:29):
phenomenon like a remodeler that like wherewe are right now now, it works
really well to have a big jobgoing and then various sizes underneath it,
because those big jobs there's going tobe sometimes you know, if I've got
my framers in there, they mightbe framing for two or three weeks building
up this big project. Then we'reinto mechanicals and yeah that things get busy
(03:53):
for my electrician dale, but largelyour remoling crew doesn't have to be there
at that time. Right once westart getting into an insulation, drywall and
all the finishes, then then thenwe get our people more involved. I
mean we're always involved, but Idon't know if I'm making sense there,
It makes perfect sense. And whatI what I find interesting about that is
(04:15):
you mentioned kind of that that youknow when you're working on those bigger projects
and scheduling is I know, withall projects, but bigger projects as well.
You are very and I know we'veurged people if they're thinking about next
year or years to come to wantto do a bigger project to get and
start that conversation early, because it'snot limitless. It's not like you guys
are at edge construction are doing sixhome editions at a time. You're very
(04:39):
much like, this is how webalance this out. There's a there's a
very deep process about like Okay,well we'll be working on this larger project
and these are the these are thethe interior models based like, it's a
very measured and very planned out uhprocess for scheduling, which is which is
a which is a big thing.And so when we were talking about you
(05:00):
know, kind of different projects aroundthe area, Obviously the smaller houses on
Isthmus on the Isthmus for example,even if it's going up or adding an
addition, it's going to be alittle bit different than a Stoton remodel out
in the farm somewhere. The abilityand kind of the type of work that
you're going to do on those typeof projects is probably different. But let
me ask too, is kind ofgetting into that scheduling question. And obviously
(05:24):
the scheduling on your side, schedulingwith homeowners, that's a that's an important
question as well for them to beasking the remodel is one, how do
you schedule these things? And onewhat does your schedule look like? And
what's kind of the plan going forwardfor that type of thing, isn't it?
Yeah? And the answer is ascomplicated, yes, we we Uh,
(05:46):
there's a couple of different ways tolook at like I don't. One
of the worst things that can happenfor for us is to be to have
too much at one time of anything, right, and so we had done.
We've always been scheduled driven. Wealways you know, you spend a
lot of time trying to figure outschedules if you're in this business. So
(06:08):
that is a great question for amodeler. It's like, okay, how
do you how do you schedule?What's what's your process? Because I can
tell you we my process was tougherbefore we ran into a company called co
Construct. So that's a that's acompany that no homeowner probably will ever have
to know their name. But forus, uh, they they give us
(06:29):
the ability to process information and sortof layer all of our schedules together.
So I go, well, okay, we we can't do drywall on two
kitchens starting on the same day,So you know, you have the ability
to look out and work things inso that you're you're the different jobs don't
end up on top of each other, or the same jobs don't end up
(06:49):
on top of each other. Asfar as like how, we get this
question a lot at first meeting,So how far out are you? What
they want to know is like howsoon we could start a project like this?
So you talked about the big projects, Well, we have two big
(07:10):
projects locked in for next year already, if that's anything. So we're in
June of this year, and sowe're already starting to work on those schedules.
I know that we could we cando one, possibly two more bigger
projects for next year. So youreally, you know, if you're looking
at additions, and I'm sure I'mnot new unique in this, if you're
looking at additions, or you're lookingat you know, I talked about taking
(07:31):
the roof off and growing up orsomething major. You really need to start
quite a ways in advance. Youknow, we haven't even gotten into the
planning side. We'll probably get intothat too, but home owners. Home
owners like to know what's going on, and I understand that. So when
we're when we are are starting aremodel, we're trying to let you know
(07:56):
for sure once a week, who'sgoing to be in your house? Kind
of oddly, you know, nextweek we're going to have the plumber's electricians
there. Okay, now it's notgenerally. Hey, it's four o'clock today.
Tomorrow morning at seven o'clock, thisguy's going to show up. His
name is Joe. All right,we don't have it doesn't quite work work
(08:16):
that way, but we're trying togive you as much information as we can.
Yeah, what's what's we talk abouttoo, kind of interviewing and kind
of getting prepared for for your remodelingprojects. Another thing that that's important to
mention is not all As a matterof fact, I would say no,
two remodelers are the same. Isthere are there are certain strengths, there
are certain things that that some dobetter. You mentioned earlier just about your
(08:39):
growth and progression at edge construction overthe years and kind of how it's started
out and kind of where where youare now. Understanding that that's a that's
an important relationship. Not just notjust am I familiar with these people,
but also are they able to dothis type of work? Is this something
they're comfortable doing? And more importantly, are we comfortable with each other.
(09:01):
That that that relationship that's about todevelop. You mentioned doing an addition or
or going, you know, doinga major remodel. You're going to be
involved together for quite a while.It better be it better you better feel
comfortable with the person that you're workingwith and have a good understanding of what
they're able to do and vice versa. Right, I think that you know
(09:22):
the people that are that are okay, they're craftsmen, right, the people
that were sending out, they havespent years building their craft. They work
at it. They we train them, We put the best tools in their
hands. We try to best techniques, best products. But they're also pleasers,
like they want they want to likeyou, they want to get along,
(09:43):
they want good back and forth.I think that ends up getting you
the best project. I think thatUh, okay, where where are you
most comfortable? Right? Uh?Does do you have design capability? Do
you how much of how much ofthe work being done is going to be
done by your people? Uh?Now, I that's a load of question
(10:05):
for me. I love that questionbecause we do a lot of that stuff
in house, a lot of alot of remodeling contractors right now, they'll
price out and sign that job,but then they've kind of got to come
find people like us to do thework, so they may not. We're
lucky. We've got framing crews thatI can pull off new construction and help
us with those big projects. Wedo all a tile and most of our
(10:28):
flooring installs and the electricity and allthe carpentry. And I'm sorry, no,
it's great's and that's important for folksto know, is that it is
asking those questions. Obviously, asyou mentioned, I love that question,
the question, yes, because that'sa big but understanding who who's all going
to be doing the work is vital. You mentioned to the folks you hire
at Edge Construction obviously skilled these arethese are highly skilled people. But also
(10:52):
use that term people pleasers. Thereis nothing worse than than and I know
this is having a fantastic like youget these pictures, and I know I
know your guys are extremely proud ofthe work that they do. Nothing worse
than if it were the scenario whereyou're looking at that picture going gosh,
I love that project, but man, I hated doing it. One of
(11:13):
the things I know your guys loveis not only that they that they love
looking at those projects. But theyalso and I know, you get a
lot of folks that that repeat customersthat come back because not only was it
that memories come back of what agreat project it was, but how great
that relationship was as well. Yeah, and and you know, from our
position, okay, you've got tofind that skill set. Yeah, but
(11:35):
you also have to find people thatyou know, it's a very personal thing
to be in your house, Soyou're not going to want just everybody walking
in there. At least you know, you want to know something about them.
You want to be able to trustthem, You want to they need
to be hopefully the right kind ofperson person You know that that is easy
to be around. I guess I'mnot sure how to quantify it, but
(11:56):
you know, when I started construction, by the way, it was pretty
crusty group out there, Like peopleweren't worried about your feelings or your your
dog and your cat or you know, like it wasn't like that. And
and the world has changed. Weknow that it's it's okay. I when
I talk to our people, Isay, listen, the homeowner has to
(12:18):
assume that you know what you're doingright, Like meaning the your craft,
your your high level of skill hasto be a given, like that's not
something that we have to dwell on. You can see the pictures, you
can see you can watch them work, but the experience is deeper than that,
and it's and it and you needto be clean, right. I
know. I've talked to that aboutthat quite a bit. The first thing
(12:43):
I went and worked this last weekwith a couple of our new trimmers on
new construction, and I walked inand they were really surprised to see the
first thing that I did was cleanim. Like you know, in construction,
you're always on the schedule, you'realways kind of pushing in. And
most most people in companies focus onthe speed and the the schedule more than
(13:09):
or maybe a little too much.And and these and these people, these
trades people just don't feel like theyeven have time to clean up their place,
and so they're they're working a mess, which is miserable. So I
I I'd rather work in a cleanspace. It's important. The other thing
too that I that I love isyou know, when I mentioned How's and
the link off of Edge Construction Companydot com, and folks will write that
(13:30):
you've worked with, will write reviewsand things. I love when you see
like like the carpenters and others mentionedby name. If so and so is
it was great to work with,it is that as you mentioned, obviously
the skills are there, and asa homeowner, your expectation is when it
comes to the craftsmanship and the workthat those levels will be will be met.
It's that other kind of inquantifiable unquantifiable. I don't know what the right
(13:54):
word is there, but the onethat's hard to quantify. You can't quify.
Yes, Yes, that relationship andthat ability to really have a good
communication channel with your with your modeler. That that again it's it's memorable,
and that they're by first name sayingso and so is absolutely fantastic to work
with. Speaking of working with folksand gang at Edge Construction, they'd love
(14:16):
to get to know, you'd loveto work with you think about doing some
remodeling. Check them out online EdgeConstruction Company dot com. Even easier pick
up phone GIMMI call six O eightsix three six three three four three that
number six three six Edge. Soyour conversation about an overview of remodeling with
Mike two Wig of Edge construction.We will do that next as the Homer
Modeling Show continues right here thirteen tenWIBI. This is the Homer Modeling Show
(14:39):
brought to you by Edge Construction thewebsite Edge Construction Company dot com. That's
all one word, Edge Construction Companydot Com. Been there yet, Definitely
check that out if you have beenthere recently. Also check back Edge Construction
Company dot com. Always being updated. We might actually get to a couple
of recent projects as well. Upat Edge Construction Company dot com. Speaking
of projects, they of course geta great portfolio right on the website.
(15:01):
Also links to Facebook, Pinterest,howse houses a biggie because there's a lot
of really cool examples of their workand some stuff on the house page.
Just head on over to Edgeconstruction Companydot com. That's Edgeconstruction Company dot com
talking this week about some of thequestions and the conversations to be having with
your remodeler. And interesting note Isaw, which is understanding the time you're
(15:26):
committing people would always fully think thatstuff through is it's it's and I think
I know the answer. I willask it anyway, is that something that
you really want to make sure peoplerealize upfront? That there is a timeline
here and it is going to takea bit of time. I know.
One of the great things about workingwith you guys at Edge Construction is there's
(15:48):
a lot of stuff to kind ofkeep you occupied, but it is it
is a time commitment no matter whatthe project is. Even let's say just
a kitchen being without your kitchen forfor a little bit of time. That's
something you gotta You've got to reallyunderstand going into this, don't you.
Yeah, And it's there is atime commitment. Uh. There, there's
also that time commitment up front.Okay, So there's there's two blocks,
(16:11):
right. One is that design processwhere we we call it all the way
up to contract. Once contract issigned, now we're now we're ordering materials,
and once they come in we canpick a start date. But typically
are our projects spend as much timeand design as they do to complete and
(16:32):
sometimes maybe a little more. Itdepends on you. We don't rush you
through that design process. Uh So, if if it's a bigger project,
like a whole house for rentel,there might be two or three or four
selection days where you come in andand uh, you know, you do
the kitchen, you do some overalldesign, those might be two appointments you've
(16:53):
got, You've got other bathrooms todecide. There's still a lot of things
to finalize, from from siding colorsto windows to the interior trim. I
watch people go through this process andif it's too front loaded, if it's
if it's trying to to accomplish toomuch at one time, it's almost like
you're just in overload. Yeah.Right, there's too many options to look
(17:15):
at the other the other side ofthis coin here is and so you you
really drive that process. If weif we start getting in design, we
hand you plans to let you thinkabout. I always call it reaction time.
M M. There's a lot oftimes people will will take those planes
back plans back home and sit withthem for a week or even longer because
(17:38):
they're just getting used to this idea. Now, we have people that have
projects that are slam dunks, likethey know exactly what they want to do.
They don't what the products they want, they know they'll look thereafter.
Those go a little faster with thattoo. And that's uh, That's something
that's interesting is is we talked about, you know, making use of hows
and other things is, even ifyou don't know exactly what it is.
(17:59):
One of the one of the areasthat I that I've learned from you is
having really good designers. They canunderstand things that oftentimes homeowners may not know.
Like I think you used the phrasein the past about I don't know
what I like, but I likethis, what I like about this.
If you have those examples, thedesigners can can really help you kind of
(18:19):
refine what that look is that you'relooking for, even if as a homeowner
you're you're not that person that automaticallyjust knows what they want. Yeah,
it's amazing the talent they have.I wish I kind of had a little
bit of it. Yeah it's notmy thing. If you show me the
picture, I can build it.But right, that's that's we do think
in terms of that, Okay,we like it. What homeowners do a
(18:41):
little homework, Right, get onget on house, get on Pinterest,
get on wherever you need to go, like websites like ours. My personal
favor, by the way is house. Like I I have to almost avoid
it because I'm just going to bestuck going down rabbit holes on house.
But I do like I do,like I see it, and I do
come on things too where I youknow, I'm looking at a picture of
(19:04):
a kitchen or a fireplace or somethingand I like it. But I'm not
I can't really quantify. I can'treally figure out why a good designer is
going to go Okay, I seewhere you're going. I they can identify
things you like and some valuable informationoff of those things. So it's it's
it's handy, but that from thatfirst meeting, we're probably saying, hey,
can you do a little research andmaybe send over tag some things online,
(19:29):
build a little library, send usover some of the stuff you like.
That stuff helps with the with theas you mentioned, you know,
when it comes to where time isspent, time in design is important,
as you know, developing kind ofwhat that is. This is one of
those projects, and you know,any one of these projects, big,
small, medium, huge, whateverit is, it's something that that when
it's finished, you want to makesure you love and it's often that planning
(19:52):
stage, that upfront conversation that reallymakes everything and everybody happy at the end
of the project. So we talkabout doing projects, think about doing some
remodeling, big, small, medium, or extra extra large, Mike and
the team at Edge Construction love totalk with you. I gotta pickup phone
gammacall six O eight six three sixthree three four three that number six three
six Edge the website Edge Construction Companydot com. That's Edge Construction Company dot
(20:15):
com. We'ren talk a little bitabout referrals and that type of area,
what's good about them and what youmay need to know that's not always the
greatest. We'll get some details fromMike on that. We will do that
next. The Homer Modeling Show withEdge Construction continues right here on thirteen ten
WIBA. This is the Homer ModelingShow brought you by Edge Construction. The
(20:36):
website Edge Construction Company dot com.That's all one word Edgeconstruction Company dot com.
They're teleph number six O eight sixthree six three three four three that
number six three six Edge talking thisweek about some of the questions to be
asking and thinking about when it comesto remodeling. And Mike, I know
something you've pointed out in the past. If I were to ask somebody for
references, what kind of reference Likeyou're applying for a job and they ask
(20:59):
for three references. Remember the olddays filling on job outcations and stuff.
You don't you don't put your lifelongenemy on that list. You put people
that are going to be like,oh they're great, They're great. Same
thing when you're asking for references ingeneral of a business and a remodeler as
well, aren't you. It isso if you if you look online and
(21:19):
you you read articles that are aresaying, hey, okay, if you're
going to start a project, thisis how you pick a contractor. One
of the things they're going to sayis, well, make all these contractors
give you three references. Well,okay, all of us can do that.
I think we have just the projectsthat we have in Hollows. We
have one hundred and seventy projects roughout on there. Like of course there
(21:41):
are people that are willing to talkto you, but I like to dig
a little deeper and say, okay, what you really want to know is
how these people do business, whatit's really like to deal with them.
You don't want the two second blurbhere. You want to know like about
the process, You want to knowabout the reputation, and you want to
know if they pay their bills.That's a real danger for you, for
(22:03):
for sometimes in this business. Somy response I got I got that question
this week. I said, well, I can do that. I am
pretty protective by the way of ourcustomers, Like I don't. We look
at a lot of work and wedo a fair amount of it. I
don't want to. I don't wanthomeowners that that love us getting phone calls
(22:25):
every week saying, hey, what'sit like to work with that construction?
So it is a is a ticklishthing, especially for somebody that's now.
Now, if I was new tothis business, right, if I had
just made a transition to being onmy own doing this kind of work,
I would be dying for references,right because I don't have a track record.
I don't have I don't have allthose positive reviews. If if a
(22:51):
contractor has been around for thirty yearslike we have, if if they're really
messing up in today's world, it'snot hard to find, you know,
there'd be evidence of that online.Right. What about too is going for
talking to family and friends, notnecessarily about a particular contractor, but who
have had remodeling, just to kindof understand what that's like. There's what's
(23:11):
the book what to expect when you'reexpecting I do believe it's one of those
when when you're gonna have that firstbaby, everybody you're gonna ask us,
right, yeah, don't ask nothingto it, but like because I think
sometimes we don't know what to expect, and having that conversation with somebody what
(23:33):
they like, what they didn't like, kind of getting some of that knowledge
is kind of bring into that conversationcan be vital and important, can't it.
Yeah, so I can virtually guaranteeyou that if you start asking around
your friends and family who have doneremodels, more than half probably didn't have
a great experience. There's just alot unfortunately in this business. There's a
(23:55):
lot of that around. I thinkif you starting in, okay, well,
what what went wrong? What waswhat happened? Did you get hit
up for money at the end,did they finish, finish, finish one
thousand percent? You know? Orwas it or was it a thing where
you had a hard time getting themback? Were there any warranty issues?
(24:17):
How about the products? Did thedid the products they put in? Were
you happy with those? Or?You know? Sometimes it's it's not us
showing somebody an in for your product. It's a homework going well I use
this before and it didn't went okay, and I'm going I don't really like
that product. I don't I don'twant to put this in there. There
(24:37):
needs to Uh. We talked alittle bit about the design process. Okay,
how much help did you get?Did you have to run around town
to different showrooms or or was itsomething centralized where the designer really helped you.
There's a lot of questions you cancome up with from people that have
done that process, and you probablycan find some of those online too.
I think I think out there,what what's in too? You mentioned warranty
(25:00):
issues and kind of quality is Somecontractors will say, oh, you know,
it's got a ten year lifetime warranty. At that point, it's not
my problem. They're saying, oh, well we installed that. It's got
the deal with the manufacturer. Iknow. One of the things when it
comes to products that you choose atEdge Construction, they have those warranties.
(25:22):
But you know those warrants like they'rethey're the type of things that obviously the
manufacturer should stand behind. But youat Edge Construction say this, I recommend
this quality, this product because ofX y Z, because of its quality,
because of its warranty, because ofits track record. Having that understanding
as well is important too to ahomeowner, is that it's not just it's
the manufacturers they say it's great,it's great. You understands as the as
(25:47):
the builder, what truly is greatand what's truly going to last? It
does? And sometimes you know,there are things that happen that are that
are kind of nobody's fault. Maybeyou know, we want a company,
We want suppliers, people that aregoing to stand behind their products. So
like, if we have a badexperience with a supplier, we're probably not
going to go back to them.If you had a bad experience with our
(26:07):
model, you're in impact. Thewarranty laws, by the way, in
Wisconsin are one year for contracting unlessit's load bearing. Then it gets to
into a gray air. It couldbe forever. It could be ten years,
us to be ten years. Somy philosophy though, is we put
that kind of stuff in writing whatthe law says, But we also tell
(26:33):
our homeowners listen, we don't anybodyfixing our mistakes. If you've if you
find a weren't a workmanship issue thathappened ten years ago, we are going
to come in and fix it,no cost, no problem. If it's
a if it's a failed product afterseveral years, we're going to help you
in that process. We're going toget it done as reasonable as we can,
even if it's way past warranty.So we want we want homeowners to
(26:56):
come to us when there's issues.Now I can say that because we hardly
have any of those issues. Believeit or not, it's very few.
It might be one a year whereHomewner calls us back. We already had
ours. This year, we hada screen parts we did probably ten years
ago, and one of the screenscame loose. Turned out it was probably
(27:17):
just a junior pushing on the screen, but we didn't fix it. We
didn't fix it. We helped outthe homeowner. They were happy we were.
I was fine doing it, LikeI said, I'd rather have I'd
rather do it than have somebody elsecome in and follow us on our work.
Is that something too? I knowwhen we talk about plumbing fixtures,
for example, you talk about Cohler. Obviously there's quite a few reasons to
love what they do, but isthat part of it along with it as
(27:40):
well? As you know that whenyou're installing those fixtures by this manufacturer,
you've got a really good idea whatthe expectation is going to be. They
are and we're also used to them, right, Okay, so if we
do have an issue, we knowwho to call, we know how to
handle it. They, by theway, are very great to deal with.
The probably you know, by farthe best to deal with we've seen
on the the plumbing side. Youcan buy other things. I mean,
(28:03):
we've had homewers that really found anice Peerless or Delta or something else.
We want to make sure we buythat through our supplier because there's just layers
of responsibility there versus off the shelfat a big box store. Sometimes I
don't maybe all the time because ofproprietary agreements. I'm told between the big
(28:26):
box store and those manufacturers, theythey want a product that nobody else can
buy anywhere else. So generally thatis not a better product than what you
know we're going to get through oursupply house. So it's kind of a
I'm not going to say this right, but it's a little bit of a
downgraded product. It's a price point. It can even look the same,
but it's not. And all themanufacturers are guilty of this. So we're
(28:48):
we if you want the full boatfrom us, right, it's got to
come from our supplier where we knowit's the best possible product, and we're
we're not gonna problems. I've veeredfrom that path a few times, by
the way, in my career,with once with catastrophic results. We put
in a put in a faucet thatfailed and created a bunch of water damage.
(29:12):
We we we had ourselves protected.It was not our product. It
was a product that was handed tous by homeowner. So these there are
you got to start thinking in termsof So if I was asking a remodel,
how do you handle this stuff?I might say, where are the
layers of responsibility? Who's in betweenthis manufacturer and me? Okay, if
that makes sense, that makes perfectsense. We talked this morning with like
(29:33):
two Egg, owner of Edge Constructiononline Edge Construction Company dot com. That's
Edge Construction Company dot com top numbersix So eight six three six three three
four three that number six three sixedge. Another thing that popped into my
head as well has to do withlike kind of the process of design,
and I know something that that yourdesigners talk about in what you talk about
(29:56):
with homeowners as well, is yougot the kitchen, what are what are
the areas? You know what?What was kind of the impetus for the
needs re model? Obviously oftentimes it'sit's aesthetics, it's wanting to make the
space look better. But what arethe areas that simply don't work? Is
kind of walking through those type ofthings and also kind of lifestyle things.
What type of you know, usingthe kitchen as a as a as an
(30:19):
example, what type of cook areyou? Are you a basic kind of
person that's, you know, justkind of making simple stuff, or are
you a baker? There's some thatwill come in and do like you guys
do that, or other that willjust say, let's get this project going,
pulling up to tape measures, startmeasuring things. There's a difference there
isn't there? Yeah, there's exactly. And so what drives a kitchener model?
(30:41):
Boy? You know, kitchens geta lot of hard use. Right,
you've got a family, it's youknow, kids are tough on things.
It's it's really only gonna last solong. We we've talked different times
about the dirty words builder grade notshame on you builders. After you're putting
in, you know, maybe anin for your product at and when that
(31:02):
house is first built, I knoweverybody's trying to reach a price point,
right. That's that's kind of hownew construction is. And not that we're
not conscious of it, but theywant to get to that one ear mark.
Right, we're going to put inthis this product we can we know
we can wash our hands after ayear. Homeowners by what they the consumer
kind of has accepted this, thisthis program where we know we've got to
(31:26):
replace a bunch of stuff in fifteentwenty years or less. So I personally
don't like it, but that candrive it, right. Design can drive
it quite a bit because I've hadthis thing for a long time. Even
in houses that were built somewhat recentlyeighties and nineties, we're still finding ways
to connect that kitchen to the restof the house. So whether that's you
(31:48):
know, get rid of the peninsula, open things up, get an island
in there. You mentioned lifestyle things. Okay, what kind of cook is?
Are you? As a great isa great question because the things that
are important to somebody that is agourmet cook, of which I'm not,
Are you a no, no,I'm with you on that. It's different,
(32:15):
right, They They're going to havedifferent things that are important to them
if you entertain, right, Ithink like we all love to entertain kitchens.
Now are are you sort of designthem in mind within in mind that
that this is an area for peopleto congregate. So we want to we
want that to be in our braintoo. Talking this morning with Mike two
Egg, owner at edge Construction online, the website edge Construction Company dot com.
(32:39):
That's all one word, Edge ConstructionCompany dot com. Dolph number six
O eight six three six three threefour three that number six three six edge.
What about permitting conversations? And aswe walk through this area is and
I don't think we brought I knowa couple of years ago we talked about
this. I don't think we've broughtup brought this up since then. Is
who pulls permits and that everything whenyou're talking about you know, warranties and
(33:02):
what is what is covered and thosetype of things kind of reminded me also
of like who's responsible for forgetting thosepermits? And and that makes a difference
too, doesn't it It does.Yeah, we haven't talked about this for
a while and I know it's kindof an interesting subject. So you know
we've talked about that. Homeowners canpull a permit, so you know,
(33:23):
if you're not an electrician, youcan actually pull. Yeah, you're making
a face. I don't want youwiring in my house, enf and you
don't want me wiring. But youcan pull that permit. You can pull
it now. When the inspectors come, they're going to have questions, right,
Like, it would be very hardto not have any training in that
(33:45):
and get it right. But thecode does allow you to do your own
mechanical work, your own plumbing,your own heating, your own framing.
So you could take out a lowbring wall. It needs to be inspected,
right, but you can pull thepermit. There are what what layers
of this are there? There's there'sthe person online that you find one person
(34:06):
show they come up, Oh Ican finish your basement. We don't need
a permit. I'll get done.You'd be shocked at how many times we
can walk in a basement and Ican go you something, did you do
this or did no? No?It is always it was always whoever owned
it before me, and clearly donewithout a permit. Because there's there's quite
(34:27):
a few times there's things that aredone that that shouldn't have been done or
would not have passed the muster.The next layer is that guy that says,
well, I can't pull a permit, but you can pull it.
I'll do the work. Well,the weakness there, right, So the
first one is the weakness that thatyou stuff's not gonna be done in code.
(34:49):
Eventually you're gonna want to sell thathouse or what happens if there's a
major failure somewhere. The second layeris, Okay, I'm gonna, I'm
gonna we're gonna have inspections, butthe homeowner is gonna pull permit. But
really all the responsibility is landing onthe owner. Right, if this person
messes up, things go wrong,they they can leave town, go to
Alaska or something which does happen bythe way, and and home owner is
(35:14):
left holding the bag. Okay,why do we do it this way?
I don't know. Generally it's uh, you know, price points more attractive.
Right. This person that doesn't havethis all this structure to make this
happen, didn't do the education toto get the licensing to pull the permits,
doesn't have the insurances to pull thepermits. Uh, there's a lot
(35:36):
of a lot of a lot oflayering of responsibility there. So the next
level is, okay, you're goingto pull the permit, meaning I'm going
to pull the permit. So wewon't work on a job where we didn't
pull the permit. I want toI want to always have that responsibility.
I don't want to turn that overto somebody else. So it's just something
we can control that way. Iknow it's always done, We're always ready.
(36:00):
I'll guarantee you that if the ifyou call for inspection and your permit's
on online, the inspector will bemad at you. They will sometimes yell
at you. They're probably going tobe tougher on you. So this is
something we want to have right.You mentioned that insurance word, which is
funny because I literally jotted it downone of those one of those times.
Ask about that as well. Asyou're hiring a contractor asked about that as
(36:21):
well. So there's a thing calledhave you ever heard of a certificate of
insurance? Maybe it is. It'skind of a one page document that you,
a homeowner can request this from Basicallyanybody that's working on their house and
what they're what they're the insurance company. My insurance company will send you this
(36:43):
certificate insurance. It lays out howmuch liability of insurance that we have.
UH probably will list our Workmen's compinsurance, which is very important, and
then it'll it'll also you know alot of times companies like ours have an
umbrella that that offers more coverage.So what does this cover. Well,
if if one of our people iswalking down your stairs and trips and breaks
(37:07):
there something bad shoulder or something,you're not on the hook. Workman's comp
is going to pick that up ifwe if you hire some of it doesn't
have this stuff. Maybe they say, well, you know, you're partially
liable because it was your stairway.It wasn't I wouldn't have been there if
it wasn't for you. Maybe maybethere was a loose board, or or
(37:30):
there was a loose handrail, oror maybe the original stairway wasn't built the
code. And now you've got peopleworking in your house, so there there
tends to be too much likely.I'm not a lawyer, don't blame me,
but that's how it goes. Butit is important to ask for those
very reasons that if you're going tohave your people working in your house doing
remodeling or whatever type of we're theyhaving that well, And to be honest,
(37:53):
our worst injuries on the job aremost expensive injuries. Well the first
one is, uh, I gotJimmy my first employees slipped on the ice
couple years ago. Oh we gotI'm really injured, broke his elbow.
This can happen to homeowner. Solike, if you're what you're wanting to
do, is the more rights youdo it right. The remoiler pills the
(38:14):
permit, not you. The remilerhas insurance, not you. While you
have insurance too, but you're you'reWhat you're saying to the state when there's
a problem is this person is notmy employee. He's self employed. His
people will work for him, notme. I'm hiring this company to do
it, and it the the linesget blurred if you don't have those things
in place. I'm gonna ask youabout about employees and who's doing the work
(38:38):
and who do they work for.I'm gonna ask you about that coming up
the next segment. As the HomerModeling Show continues, you haven't been to
the website yet, Edge Construction Companydot Com. Head on over there right
now, Edge Construction Company dot com. But think about doing some remodeling.
Give a call six so eight sixthree six three three four three that number
six three six Edge. More ofthe Homer Modeling Show with Edge Constructions next
right here on thirteen ten doble uib a. This is the Homer Modeling
(39:04):
Show brought you by Edge Construction.The website Edgeconstruction Company dot com. That's
Edgeconstruction Company dot com. Hope youhad a chance during the break to check
out the website if you haven't yet, now is a great time. Edgeconstruction
Company dot com. Think about doingsome remodeling. Their telephone number six so
eight six three six three three fourthree that number six three six Edge.
Talking with Mike two Egg this week, owner of Edge Construction, about some
(39:24):
of the questions and conversations to behaving with prospective remodelers, people that you
may be hiring on to do thatwork, and some really important questions to
ask. And we left off talkingabout insurance, which is super important.
Another thing probably not the most excitingsubject, but yeah, to talk about
it, Yeah, it is vital. This is something that that's also very
(39:45):
important is understanding who's doing that workis who's going to be in your house?
Are they employees of the business?Are they subcontracted? Are they that?
That is something that you want toknow as well. Right it is,
and a just give you a littleclue, Like you know, we
obviously believe in the employee side,right. Employees have Workmen's compaid on them.
(40:07):
Subcontractors do not. We invest inemployees. We train employees. Uh,
subcontractors are kind of hired guns,like why would I train somebody else's
business basically to do it? Andwe we got into a little bit of
the liability side, but there aresome other advantages to have employees like our.
So the question for the for yourpotential mideler is do you subcontract?
(40:29):
How much do your work? Doyou subcontract? Contract? Up? I
think we we have as much inhouse as anybody that I ever hear of.
Really. The only thing that wedon't do our our the heavy mechanicals
like plumbing and heating and those that'sreally common. They're used to working as
as in subcontractor groups. What Iwant and what we have are I have
(40:51):
the same rule like I don't Iwant if somebody if they're bringing somebody in,
I want workman's comp being paid onthem because it's it's it's a layer
of protection for me and that getspassed on to the homeowners. So we
have other There's so many positives tohaving things in the house. We can
control the quality more, we cancontrol the schedule more, we get predictable
(41:14):
pricing. There's just a lot ofadvantages to having it in house. We
talk about too, that you mentionedplumbing in HVAC. Those uh, their
name's two folks that probably we don'tneed to give up lug but well,
I'll tell you this, they're not. Yeah, there there there are folks
that you that that folks are familiarwith. And as we talk with Mike
two Egg, owner of Edge Construction, but thinking about doing that remodeling project.
Today is a fantastic day to pickup phone, give the call six
(41:35):
oh eight six three six three threefour three that number six three six Edge
looking for inspiration to head on overto Edge Construction Company dot com. That's
Edgeconstruction Company dot com. Get thoseideas and then again pick up phone,
gimme call six oh eight six threesix three three four three that's six three
six Edge. And of course EdgeConstruction brings you the Homer Modeling Show right
here on thirteen ten w U Ib a
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