MODERN
HOME BUILDERS
Issue 114 www.modernhb.com
BEST PRACTICE FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS
Dream homes on-demand As a small, tight-knit family business, Bloomingdale Homes believes in close relationships - with employees, customers and suppliers Focus on Michigan Availability and affordability are just two of the reasons that Michigan continues to attract homebuyers
Case study How VJS Construction Services navigated the challenges of Covid-19 to deliver a retirement community project
EDITOR’S LETTER Chairman - Andrew Schofield Managing Director - Joe Woolsgrove Editor - Libbie Hammond Assistant Editor - Will Daynes Staff Writers - Daniel Baksi, Danielle Champ, Jessica Olley Managing Art Editor - Fleur Daniels Art Editor - David Howard Advertising Designer - Paul Gillings Sales Director - Alasdair Gamble Business Development Director - Philip Monument Research Managers - Michelle Fontaine, Natalie Griffiths, Jo-Ann Jeffery, Ben Richell, Basil Sharpe Editorial Researchers Adam Blanch, Victoria Burke, Mark Cowles, Jeff Goldenberg, Dan Harrison, Melanie Joyce, James Page, Wendy Russell, Richard Saunders, Kieran Shukri Advertising Sales Johanna Bailey, Mike Berger, Jessica Eglington, James Fuller, Alex Hartley, Reid Lingle, Theresa McDonald, Sam Surrell, Theresa Stark, Gregory Waller Florida General Manager - Ryan Finn Boston General Manager - Joy Francesconi Custom Media Sales - Dan Bess
Hello and welcome to the February edition of Modern Home Builders. Over the past months we have been focusing on the activities of luxury homebuilders in Michigan at the magazine and in this issue Will Daynes speaks to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at real estate information and listings site Realtor.com about the state. She noted that the market is picking up pace, and revealed that Ferndale, MI appeared in Realtor.com’s list of the top ten cities in the US for first-time buyers. Pointing out the area as more affordable, Danielle also noted that Ferndale is attractive because it sits within an economically healthy metro market, with a low unemployment rate of around 3.2 percent. Michigan has many reasons to attract new homeowners - take a look at the story on page 18. And for those who are looking at the more luxurious project, our Focus on Michigan Luxury Homebuilders continues, shining a spotlight on those businesses that are delivering exceptional levels of quality and service to their clients. From Infinity Homes & Co. in Novi to Lange Building Co. in Goodrich, the level of detail and finish from these companies continues to satisfy their customers – I am sure you will be impressed too!
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Libbie Hammond EDITOR
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Administration - Rory Gallacher, Ibby Mundhir Accounts - Rachael Leftley
© 2022 Schofield Publishing Ltd Schofield Publishing - Corporate Head Office
ON THE COVER Our cover story this issue looks at the
HOME BUILDERS
BEST PRACTICE FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS
activities of Bloomingdale Homes – one of our
Cringleford Business Centre, 10 Intwood Road,
Michigan -based success stories. Describing
Cringleford, Norwich, NR4 6AU, U.K.
the business as ‘a true custom homebuilder’,
T: (312) 854-0123 T: +44 (0)1603 274130
Issue 114 www.modernhb.com
MODERN
COO Eric Bloomingdale noted that over the course of 300 projects so far, it has never built the same home twice! The Bloomingdale
Finelight Media LLC 2240 West Woolbright Road, Suite 402
family remains determined to continue to
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
deliver exceptional homes well into the future
T: (561) 778-2396
and MHB looks forward to speaking to them
Please note: The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers within this publication do not necessarily coincide with those of the editor and publisher. Every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the information published is accurate, and
again to gain further insights into its plans for growth and expansion.
Dream homes on-demand As a small, tight-knit family business, Bloomingdale Homes believes in close relationships - with employees, customers and suppliers
Focus on Michigan Availability and affordability are just two of the reasons that Michigan continues to attract homebuyers
Case study How VJS Construction Services navigated the challenges of Covid-19 to deliver a retirement community project
correct at time of writing, but no legal responsibility for loss occasioned by the use of such information can be accepted by the publisher. All rights reserved. The contents of the magazine are strictly copyright, the property of Schofield Publishing, and may not be copied, stored in a retrieval system, or reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.
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INSIDE THIS 4
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ISSUE FEATURES
4 ENVIRONMENT The trend to make homes more eco-friendly only continues to grow. MHB offers six achievable suggestions that can increase their green credentials
6 TRENDS
ENVIRONMENT
For all the predictions of color, maximalism and outdoor makeovers, 2021’s décor remained fairly muted. What other trends were hits or misses?
8 CASE STUDY How VJS Construction Services addressed
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MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
26
and dealt with the challenges of Covid-19 on a retirement community renovation and construction project
14 CELEBRITY HOMES This issue looks at East and West coast apartments – John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are selling their Nolita penthouses, and Justin Lin has his LA pad on the market
18 FOCUS ON MICHIGAN Will Daynes speaks to Danielle Hale, Chief
ERT GROUP
Economist at real estate information and listings site Realtor.com, to get some insight into the Michigan housing sector
NEWS 12 UPDATES
36
COVER STORY MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
News and information from the construction and home building industry
BLOOMINGDALE HOMES 2
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CASE STUDY MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
FOCUS ON MICHIGAN
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UNILAND DEVELOPMENT
MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
INFINITY HOMES & CO.
MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
MIKE MILLER BUILDING
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MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
LANGE BUILDING CO. MODERNHB.COM
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ENVIRONMENT
Green
approach
Six ways to make your home more eco-friendly
W
ith the environment slowly
your home more environmentally friendly
the most useful inventions, they can be awful
deteriorating, it’s important
thanks to how long-lasting they are.
for the environment. They use up so much
that we all do our part to help wherever we can. This
Use a programmable thermostat
energy and produce a lot of CO2 – even the ones with better energy ratings. Opting to air
can be done in so many ways, and countless
Go green by installing a programmable
dry your clothes might take a while longer, but
ways to ensure that your home is as eco-
thermostat to monitor your heating system.
it costs literally nothing to make the switch
friendly as possible.
This can reduce the cost of your utility bills
and you’ll be able to say you’re doing your part
and will make your home much more eco-
to save the environment.
The team at www.onlinemortgageadvisor. co.uk have put together their top tips to
friendly at the same time.
Make the choice to turn off
help you make sure that your home is as eco-conscious as possible, and to advice you
Get window treatments
This one isn’t just to help the environment;
with switches you can make in order to move
Despite keeping your windows closed, heat
it will help you too. We live in a digital
towards a greener home.
and cold air can still creep in, and if you don’t
age which is fantastic in countless
have a huge tree in front of your house to
different ways, but it’s not too good for
Switch to a more sustainable heating source
protect it from the sun, your home can start
the environment. Every time we use an
to feel like an oven. Upgrading your curtains
electronic device, we’re using energy which
Making the switch to a renewable method for
and blinds is a great place to start to maintain
is likely generated from a not so renewable
your heating is a great place to start. Boilers
the temperature and make your house more
source. Additionally, our online lives can
can generally be fueled by three different
environmentally friendly.
also be damaging to our mental health and
types of fuel (gas, electric and biomass) and
wellbeing, so making the decision to turn
homeowners can decide which would be best
Air dry your clothes
everything off every once in a while with
for their home. Solar thermal is another way
While tumble dryers are up there with one of
help both the environment, and you. F
of switching over to a more environmentally friendly energy source and allow you to use energy from the sun to do things such as boil water which is a much cleaner alternative.
Swap out regular light bulbs for LED bulbs Investing in the correct energy-efficient light
Online Mortgage Advisor is a free mortgage broker matching service that matches people with someone specifically based upon their circumstances. Our website is an emporium of information about mortgages and related products, from bridging finance to secured loans, and we also do our bit to improve the mortgage industry with our own academy and training services for brokers. www.onlinemortgageadvisor.co.uk
bulbs makes a huge difference. Not only will you use less electricity, but you’ll also make MODERNHB.COM
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In style
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MODERNHB.COM
Green was the actual color of the year in 2021. Checkatrade uncovers the interior trends that shaped our homes last year
TRENDS
A
What the trendsetters forecasted
What homeowners actually did1
being discussed, research
Yellow, grey and neutral walls
Green walls
by Checkatrade uncovered
‘Illuminating Yellow’ and ‘Ultimate
Decorating was big in 2021, with
which of 2021’s most predicted
s 2022’s interior trends are
Gray’ were predicted by Pantone,
Checkatrade searches for professional
trends actually made into our homes – and
while Dulux suggested neutral ‘Brave
decorators jumping 13 percent last year2,
which were left behind – after examining
Ground’.
but when it came to colour searches for
thousands of searches from homeowners on
‘Sage Green’ and ‘Forest Green’ jumped by
Checkatrade and Google (in the UK).
23 percent on Google in 2021, bucking
Despite Dulux naming warm, natural
the trend predicted by interiors/home
neutral ‘Brave Ground’ as its color of the year
improvement brands.
in 2021, while Pantone suggested we’d be embracing ‘Illuminating Yellow’ and ‘Ultimate
Clashing prints and consistent wall
Wallpaper, prints and accent walls
Gray’, research1 undertaken by Checkatrade
colours
Demand for Checkatrade’s wallpapering
reveals neither made it anywhere near our
‘Print on print’ was predicted by IKEA,
professionals rose by 30 percent last year3,
homes last year - instead, Google searches for
and accent walls were deemed a thing
and floral wallpaper and floral wall searches
Sage Green and Forest Green shot up by 23
of the past by Dennese Guadeloupe
have seen some of the highest volumes
per cent year-on-year - putting green in pole
Rojas of Interiors by Design.
of Google searches. However, accent walls
position for the leading shade of 2021.
have still been going strong with 21 percent
And despite predictions of consumers
growth year on year.
turning to maximalism in 2021, minimalist aesthetic remains the firm favorite. In fact,
Garages, loft conversation and
Inventive conversions
Google searches for maximalist interior design
basement extensions
It’s a match! Loft conversions and garage
ideas were 14 percent lower than those for
Classic conversions were all listed as
conversions saw a 35 percent increase in
minimalist décor.
ones to watch by Home Owners Alliance.
Checkatrade searches in 2021.
widespread disconnect between the
More seating areas
More sleeping areas
predictions made by designers and what
Designer Mark Cunningham expected
Britons favoured sleeping over seating, with
actually made it into our homes – suggesting
to see us embrace more seating areas.
a spike of interest in sofa beds and sleeper
Across the board there has been a
we should take this year’s trend predictions
chairs (11 percent increase according to
with a pinch of salt as we enter 2022.
Google search trends). Maximalism rules
Minimalism prevails
“It’s been hard for any of us to predict the
Our love of bold color and patterns
Maximalism did see a 50 percent increase in
past year – and it turns out that our homes
was widely tipped for a comeback in
Google searches last year, but minimalism
aren’t exempt from this,’’ comments Mike
2021.
remains a firm favorite amongst the public
Fairman, CEO, Checkatrade. ‘’There’s no doubt
with searches 14 percent higher than those
that we’re all heavily influenced by trend
for maximalist décor.
forecasters, influencers and social media – but the nation’s cultural mood appears to be one
Outdoor makeovers
Indoor makeovers
which is resistant to making kneejerk changes
Outdoor entertainments spaces, home
It’s a miss. We stayed inside in 2021, with
– perhaps unsurprising after another year
gyms and hybrid home designs were
kitchen interior searches on Google seeing the
living through the unexpected.
noted a key focus by Houzz.
biggest growth since the start of the pandemic
“Homeowners have used 2021 to make wise investments in their homes which will
(+23 percent) and demand for Checkatrade kitchen fitters rising 35 percent year on year3.
stand the test of time, and which fit their own unique lifestyles. We’ll watch with interest to see whether this is a trend which plays out in 2022.” F 1 (sources: Google Trends, Google Ads Planner, Meltwater social listening) 2 & 3 Checkatrade data: 1 Jan 20 to 30 Nov 20 vs. 1 Jan
Checkatrade, founded in 1998, is the UK’s number one website for finding a tradesperson. Owned by Homeserve Plc, Checkatrade’s trade members have been through 12 checks each to verify their skill, reliability and trustworthiness. The site boasts over five million published customer reviews, making it easy to find the perfect trade or service anywhere in the UK. www.checkatrade.com
21 to 30 Nov 21 For further sources, contact the editor.
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CASE STUDY
Maintaining
excellence How VJS Construction Services kept a retirement project safe when Covid-19 hit. By Jenn Said
MODERNHB.COM
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W
hile a significant number of projects were halted when Covid-19 hit, those that weren’t presented
contractors with entirely new hurdles to overcome. Jobsite safety took on a new meaning as contractors rushed to implement procedures for social distancing, temperature checks and other precautions designed to keep workers safe. As Covid-19 took hold, safety concerns were further heightened for VJS Construction Services, a Wisconsin-based contractor that had just begun phase two of a retirement community renovation and construction project. In addition to employee safety measures and considerations, VJS had to consider the health of seniors living near an active construction site.
Overcoming new safety challenges The first phase of the Saint John’s on the Lake project began in March of 2018 and consisted of building a new 23-story residential tower with underground parking, skilled nursing facilities, assisted and hybrid living, and independent living apartments. With this building complete, VJS set out to demolish an adjoining three-story health services building. Just a few weeks into the process, it became clear that Covid-19 would drastically impact the contractor’s plans. In addition to implementing its own safety protocols, VJS became an integral part of the Saint John’s on the Lake’s Covid-19 safety team. “It was critical to ensure that the protocols we developed aligned with the community’s requirements,” said Ben Bergles, senior project manager at VJS Construction Services. “It took a lot of out-of-the-box thinking and coordination between the Saint John’s team and ours, particularly to keep disruption to a minimum for the residents.” Complicating matters was the close proximity of the old health services building to the new 23-story residential tower. Before VJS could demo the old building, its residents had to be relocated to the new tower. “Relocating the residents was challenging on its own,” said Bergles. “Separating active residents from construction workers, particularly with considerations for healthy airflow, and keeping both as protected as
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MODERNHB.COM
CASE STUDY possible from Covid-19 added another layer of
production units, labor hours and more are
complexity to the process.”
easily generated in the field.
Infection control measures were
“Data captured in the field is automatically
A connected construction software suite can replace multiple systems and disconnected sources of out-of-date information with one
implemented, including twice weekly
routed to accounting for approval,” said
source of data truth that can be easily shared
Covid-19 tests and daily health screenings
Bergles. “This reduced a process that would
in real time across executives, managers,
for workers. The teams also reconfigured the
take weeks down to minutes, and with all the
accounting professionals and the field. This
jobsite so that workers could access the areas
data on hand, accounting teams can process
ensures everyone stays up to date, whether in
under construction without entering parts of
invoices as they come in.”
the office or in the field. collect data from the field using smartphone
work between both buildings during the
The advantages of modern technology
tie-in,” said Bergles. “We installed temporary
Decision-makers today need access to
technologies such as wearables and RFID. This
barriers to prevent airflow between the two
real-time data to make important decisions
simplifies administrative tasks, giving field teams
buildings and did most of the demolition from
that keep both the business and its projects
more time to focus on the actual building.
the construction side of the partition so that
profitable. At the same time, the people
debris wouldn’t compromise air quality for the
managing work in the field need clear
project three and a half years ago, you don’t
residents.”
communication from the office to execute
think of everything,” said Bergles. “Inputting
projects efficiently and effectively.
phase codes and adjusting where some of the
the building that were occupied by residents. “Many of our trade partners needed to
While Covid-19 made its mark, VJS Construction completed the project on
Modern software also makes it easier to
Through the speed and collaborative
apps, online portals, tablets and newer
“When you think of putting together a
hours or costs were charged to was necessary
schedule and without jeopardizing the health
benefits of the internet and cloud-based
through the project, and Viewpoint enabled
and safety of the construction crews or Saint
technology, real-time data collection and
us to do that very efficiently. It’s been nine
John’s on the Lake staff and residents.
analysis can give contractors an accurate
years now, and it’s served as a very succinct
understanding of exactly where projects
reporting tool. I can’t imagine where we would
stand.
be without it.” F
Data visibility keeps the project moving Bergles credits Trimble Viewpoint’s Vista ERP solution, with the company’s ability to track safety, job progress, invoices, subcontracts and digitally manage documentation over the project’s three-year span. Vista is part of the connected, cloud-based Trimble Construction One suite of solutions, which standardizes data and streamlines workflows across all phases and functions of contractors’ construction projects. “When we put together the project three and a half years ago, it was impossible to think of everything,” he said. “Throughout the project we had to input, update and adjust hours and codes. We wouldn’t have been able to do that efficiently without Trimble Construction One and Vista.” Data visibility across the company is critical for VJS Construction’s long-term success. The company migrated to Vista in 2012 to improve job cost accounting and access accurate reporting in real-time. “We integrated Vista to streamline our accounting functions, which was easy to implement because it’s very user friendly. Everyone latched on it to really quickly.” Today, VJS Construction has expanded
Jenn Said is a freelance writer who covers the construction industry. www.vjscs.com www.viewpoint.com/en-gb/
access to data beyond the back office and into the field. Invoices, job progress reports, MODERNHB.COM
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New service launch
Award winners
Homeowners of America (HOA), a
The Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) recently named Providence Homes, Jacksonville’s
property and casualty insurance
leader in energy-efficient construction, the 2021 Paul Joyal Pinnacle Builder of the Year.
provider and a subsidiary of Porch
This is the second time it has received the Pinnacle Award, which is presented to a member for
Group, Inc. (Porch) has launched its
doing a high percentage of business with FHBA members. Since the program creation in 2008,
service in Montana.
Providence Homes immediately rose to the challenge of getting 90 percent of its trade partners on
“The introduction of HOA in
board, and been at 100 percent trade partner participation for almost ten years now. This is important
Montana confirms our active scaling of
to the business as Sean Junker, President and COO of Providence Homes noted. “Their membership
HOA’s insurance services nationwide,”
is based on holding themselves to the highest standards of craftsmanship; these are the companies
said Matt Ehrlichman, Porch founder,
and people we want to align ourselves with to build the best homes possible for our customers. So to
chairman, and CEO. “As we continue
be recognized for this commitment to using the top partners available is truly an honor.”
to expand, we’re providing services for
Association members have access to events and training that help them stay atop the latest tools
the HOA agents and the customers of
and technology, a service that Junker sees as invaluable to maintaining quality and affordability
Montana for both insurance and as a
in an ever-evolving market. “We actually review the upcoming events and training in our monthly
partner of the home.”
partner meeting to
HOA’s sustained growth and comprehensive homeowners insurance product broadens Porch’s
keep everyone up to date,” he said. Another
national presence in the insurance
consideration for
industry.
companies being considered for the
Support and advice
Pinnacle Award is
Co-founder of Toll Brothers, Inc, Robert
the recruitment
I. Toll has chosen not to stand for
of subcontractors
re-election to the Board of Directors at
to join the
the company’s March 8, 2022 meeting
association.
of stockholders. He will continue to serve the company as Chairman Emeritus and, in that role, will be invited to attend board meetings
Family-friendly community
and continue to provide support and
LGI Homes, Inc. has opened a brand-new section of homes at its popular community, The Orchards,
advice to the business.
located near Yuba City, California. Within this family-friendly community, LGI Homes offers five
Speaking about his decision, Robert
plans consisting of one- and two-story, single-family homes with up to five bedrooms and three
to step back from a formal Board role
full baths. Every home comes outfitted with LGI Homes’ CompleteHome™ package, which means
at Toll Brothers, my interest in the
homebuyers enjoy a full suite of
company remains strong. Since my
energy-efficient Whirlpool® kitchen
brother and I founded the company
appliances, granite countertops,
55 years ago, it has grown from a
designer wood cabinetry with
small Philadelphia homebuilder
crown molding, luxury vinyl-plank
to a branded national presence
flooring, a professionally landscaped
as America’s Luxury Home Builder.
front yard and more, all at no added
Along the way, we built a strong
cost. Additionally, every home at
organization of dedicated, motivated
The Orchards comes with sought-
associates with a culture devoted to
after energy-saving features such as
our customers. I look forward to the
double-pane Low-E vinyl windows,
continued growth of the company
a programmable thermostat and
and providing support and advice to
included solar panels.
management and the Board in the future.”
12
spacious floor plans ranging in size from 1,292 square feet to just over 2,200 square feet, with floor
I. Toll stated: “While I felt it was time
MODERNHB.COM
Ideally located north of Sacramento, just off Highway 70 near Yuba City, The Orchards is close to local schools, major employers, and great shopping and dining opportunities.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Settle in Seattle
Remodelling excellence
Personalized new homes in
Alure Home Improvements and
a highly desirable Seattle-
Renovo Home Partners have joined
area location, priced from
together to create a partnership.
the low $700,000s are being
Renovo is a new company with
launched by KB Home.
backing from Audax Private Equity and
Stafford Meadows, situated
was formed by the combination of its
in Auburn, is conveniently
partnership with Alure and two other
located near the Auburn
regional home remodeling businesses:
Sounder commuter train
Dreamstyle Remodeling, based in
station just east of Interstate
Albuquerque, NM, and Remodel USA,
5 and west of Highway
based in Washington D.C.
167, providing easy access
Alure’s President Sal Ferro indicated
to Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma and the area’s major employment centers. Expanding further on
that the business is thrilled to be
the location, Ryan Kemp, President of KB Home’s Seattle division pointed out it is also close
partnering with Renovo and the
to popular shopping, dining and entertainment as well as outdoor recreation. “As with other
other industry leaders involved. “The
KB Home communities, Stafford Meadows provides home shoppers with the opportunity to
partnership will not only enable us to
purchase a new KB home that can be personalized to reflect their lifestyle and needs,” he said.
help build more homeowner dreams,
The new homes at Stafford Meadows showcase desirable design characteristics like spacious
but also to provide even more
kitchens, expansive bedroom suites and ample storage space. The community’s one- and
opportunities for our employees
two-story floor plans feature up to five bedrooms and three baths, and range in size from
who have helped make our success
approximately 1,800 to 2,700 square feet. The cul-de-sac community is walking distance to
possible,” he said. “Most importantly,
several area schools and will also feature future amenities like a park and plenty of open space.
we will proudly continue to deliver
The Stafford Meadows sales office and model home are open for private in-person tours by
the exceptional customer service
appointment, and walk-in visits are welcome.
to homeowners that has become synonymous with the Alure brand.” Founded in 1946 in East Meadow,
Preparing the next generation
New York Alure has consistently been a recognized thought leader
Klein Tools has formed a partnership with the Home Builders Institute (HBI). Through this
in the remodeling industry, as one of
partnership, Klein Tools will serve as the title electrical sponsor of the Home Builders Institute’s 55
the largest remodelers on the East
electrical programs nationwide, which prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and placement
Coast. Led by Sal, Alure has received
services they need for careers in the skilled trades, particularly in the electrical field.
numerous awards and industry
“The construction industry needs a staggering 740,000 new workers for each of the next three
recognition over the years and
years to meet the demand for housing,” said Ed Brady, President and CEO of HBI. “That’s a crisis, and
achieved national acclaim when it
industry leaders and advocates must work together to attract, train and retain new workers, as well
was selected to partner with ABC’s
as secure housing affordability and accessibility for all.”
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition as a
“For decades, Klein Tools has
project leader for eight renovations.
been in the pursuit of closing
Through its growing network of
the skills gap that exists in
brands, Renovo’s platform provides
the skilled trades professions,”
a full range of exceptional products,
remarked Mark Klein, co-
expert installation services, and
president of Klein Tools. “We
premier customer service experience
have long admired the work
to homeowners across the US.
that HBI does to address
Renovo Home Partners will leverage
these issues, and we believe
technology and peer expertise across
that together we can further
its businesses to increase efficiencies
expand our reach and work
and quality throughout the home
toward ultimately eliminating
improvement process - from customer
the skills gap.”
acquisition through installation.
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Photo credit: Tina Gallo for Douglas Elliman
Sky high living
For February Modern Home Builders brings its readers ultra-luxurious penthouse apartments on the East and West coasts – one project belonging to Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, and the other being the home of Justin Lin – director of Fast & Furious 10
A
s busy as they are with television,
Nolita neighborhood with plans to combine
floors appear to be original, the windows
music, cooking, a new skincare
them into one huge residence on two floors,
are large and offer lots of daylight streaming
line, and raising two children,
plus over 3,300 square feet of rooftop terraces.
through the rooms with neighborhood views.
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen
Spending almost all their time in California,
A particularly interesting item is the bar with
hardly have time to oversee the restoration
John and Chrissy have decided to discontinue
lighted translucency in front of the bar stools. A
and combination of two contiguous New
the combo project and have put the two
touch of urban-style rusticity is seen in boards
York penthouses. So, they are selling the two
apartments on the market at $18 million. Still
on some walls and a large three-sided fireplace.
penthouse units they bought in Manhattan’s
keeping their four feet in the Big Apple part
A unique touch is the glass-front wine cellar
time, the couple plan to look
located under the stairwell. Skylights abound
for another New York home
throughout and the landscaped roof terrace,
that will be less work.
with its own irrigation system and grill, is an
The original purchase was a good idea and one that some celebrities and people with
MODERNHB.COM
entertain with a cookout. Listing agents are Noble Black, Jennifer
deep pockets often do - buy
Stillman, David Son and Corinne Cahlon, all of
two apartments in a trendy
Douglas Elliman, New York City.
neighborhood, join them and
Source: www.elliman.com
end up with a mega residence
14
ideal place to just hang out in the sunshine or
that they feel matches their
From New York to LA
status in life. Joined together
Just as Fast & Furious 10 started to film, its
the finished penthouse would
Taiwanese-born American film director,
include a total of 6,164 square
Justin Lin, put his historic Downtown Los
feet with six bedrooms and
Angeles penthouse on the market, located
seven baths. The hardwood
in the thriving LA Arts District. Originally
CELEBRITY HOMES Photo credit: NeueFocus
constructed in 1925 as the West Coast
for the use of the
headquarters of Nabisco, it was converted to
space depending
a live/work community in 2007. For the last
on their lifestyle. The
few years, Lin has used the penthouse as an
building is extremely
office for his production company, Perfect
private with around-
Storm Entertainment, with residence above.
the-clock concierge,
It is now for sale at $7 million.
a swimming pool,
Large in scale and with 360-degree views from its rooftop terrace, Lin’s home spans three levels, including the 7th through 9th
and the tax-saving Mills Act. There has been
floors, has wide open volume with open
a recent resurgence for LA’s Downtown
savvy celebrities also have their eye on the
stairs working their way to the top level. The
and Arts District with a new Whole Foods,
neighborhood such as Johnny Depp who
same year the building was converted, it
new indie restaurants, three just-launched
owns several condos in the area.
was declared a Historic Cultural Monument.
breweries, art galleries, boutiques and
Currently offering two bedrooms and three
the revitalized Grand Central Market. The
and Tab Howard of the Alexander Group,
baths, much of the space can be utilized
members-only Soho Warehouse opened in
Compass, Los Angeles and Jimmy Lin of One
in different ways with creative vision. There
2019 with a hotel, gym and two restaurants
True Loan, Los Angeles.
is 4,300 square feet of interior space and
directed at LA’s creative crowd. A group of
Source: www.compass.com
The listing agents are Justin Alexander
an additional 3,600 square feet of outdoor terrace space that can be used for anything from entertaining, a half-basketball court, and even a hot tub. The second floor houses the main living spaces and kitchen, while the entire third floor is dedicated to the owner’s suite. Office or creative space can reside on its first floor. The fetching element, aside
For details of these houses and other celebrity homes, please visit: www.topTenRealEstateDeals.com https://toptenrealestatedeals.com/weekly-ten-best-home-deals/home/john-legendand-chrissy-teigen-list-their-new-york-city-penthouse-project https://toptenrealestatedeals.com/weekly-ten-best-home-deals/home/fast-furious-10director-justin-lins-historic-la-penthouse
from its industrial vibe, is that the space is so flexible the owner has multiple options MODERNHB.COM
15
F
rom its stunning natural landscape, and its four distinct seasons, to its
18
with a lot to be optimistic about. “It will come as no surprise that, to a certain
for a typical property remaining on the market before sale was 55 days. This is a reduction
hugely respected universities and
extent, everyone has been impacted by the
from the 64-day average seen in December
bustling cities – not to mention its
pandemic, which has caused significant,
2020, and an even greater one compared to
status as the leading auto-producing state
albeit short-lived, disruption. What we have
the 79-day average of December 2019.”
in the United States – the state of Michigan
seen since, however, is that the housing
has never struggled in retaining or attracting
market has bounced back very strongly, and
list of the top ten cities in the US for first-time
homebuyers to its many towns, communities
in Michigan this is absolutely no exception,”
homebuyers. There, taking pride of place, was
or suburbs. As we move through the
explains Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at real
the city of Ferndale, MI, which provides an
first quarter of 2022 – and hopefully find
estate information and listings site Realtor.
excellent example of the state’s housing-based
ourselves on the way out of the worst of the
com. “Looking at the data, we can see lots of
prosperity. Part of the Detroit metropolitan
Covid-19 pandemic – the current health of
evidence of the market continuing to pick up
area, Ferndale has gained a deserved
the homebuyers’ market in the Great Lake
pace in Michigan over the last few months. In
reputation for being one of the best places
State provides businesses and individuals
December 2021, for instance, the median time
to live in the state of Michigan. Offering its
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In January 2022, Realtor.com produced its
FOCUS ON MICHIGAN
A buyers’ market As the city of Ferndale proves, the state of Michigan remains a highly soughtafter location for both first time and seasoned homebuyers. By Will Daynes
market, with a low unemployment rate of around 3.2 percent.” It doesn’t take much time, therefore, to see that the availability and affordability of homes in Ferndale – and the wider Detroit-metro and Michigan areas – is proving a big draw to the region for homebuyers, and in turn is helping to drive continued economic activity. But what of the outlook for the rest of 2022, particularly for first-time homebuyers? “Buying one’s first home is always both an exciting step and a major challenge, regardless of the economic outlook at any time, but in 2022 there are likely to be certain factors that will be both a help and hindrance to first time homebuyers,” Danielle reveals. “Firstly, we expect inventory levels to pick up steam nationwide, having hit a low point in 2021, driven by pent-up demand from those who held off making sales or purchases during the pandemic. “At the same time, we believe that house prices are going to continue to rise, though at a slower pace than we saw in 2021, and that mortgage rates will also increase as the year progresses. The latter in particular can result in reduced buying power for those who take on a mortgage to purchase a house, so our advice for anyone looking to get onto the market in 2022 would be that doing so earlier than later is probably a smart move. The earlier an individual can find a house that they like, put an offer in, and hopefully be accepted, the sooner that they can lock in a mortgage rate and prevent it from going higher!” F
residents a sparse suburban environment and
approximately 64.4 active listings per 1000
a wealth of area amenities including shops,
households compared to the country-
parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, the
wide average of 44.9, which means that
city has come to be called home by a growing
homebuyers have a potentially better shot at
number of young professionals.
getting into the market here,” Danielle notes.
Realtor.com’s criteria for its list included
“What we see is that this is particularly true
active listings per 1000 households, housing
for younger buyers, as the listing price to
affordability specific to incomes of 25-to-34-
income ratio for younger households is 2.8 in
year-olds, forecasted 2022 home sales and price
Ferndale, compared with 5.0 throughout the
growth, job opportunities, and unemployment
US, meaning it is less of a stretch for those
rates. As Danielle goes on to reveal, Ferndale
on lower incomes – which younger people
ticked virtually all of these boxes.
tend to be on – to buy a house. What also
“Looking at the inventory metrics that we use, for starters, Ferndale boasts
makes Ferndale especially attractive is that
Danielle Hale – Chief Economist www.realtor.com www.realtor.com/research/firsttime-homebuyer-markets-2022/
it sits within an economically healthy metro MODERNHB.COM
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ERT GROUP
Cultivating
excellent culture With a closely-knit team, ERT Group prides itself on building exceptional homes through a dynamic company culture and design-build expertise
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MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
O
ver 50 years ago, Eugene R. Thomas built his first home with his own hands. With that, he brought to life ERT Group (ERT), a ‘dirt to doorknob’ homebuilder and developer that has grown in size and reputation to achieve the acclaim it enjoys today. As a family-owned company, we spoke with Bradley Thomasma, third-generation CEO and grandson of Eugene R. Thomas, along with Ariana
Vespa, Head of Sales, to discover the secret to its longevity and homebuilding success. “My dad is a wily veteran and the anchor of our business,” Bradley begins. “He partnered with Eugene R. Thomas (the ‘ERT’) some 35 years back and carried on my grandfather’s legacy through the booms and busts of the past half century. When I joined, I wanted to bring fresh ideas, young legs and new energy to the business, along with a scalable vision.”
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ERT GROUP The company has since established itself as
that is easy and personal for homebuyers.
a quick responder to the trends in the home-
“We’re creating an online sales portal that
specification or timeline,” says Bradley.
building market place. Its vertical integration
allows buyers to choose from predesigned
planning is huge; it’s a reiterative process.
of builder-developer, along with the forced
home plans, styles and selections that range
We allow for upgrades to fit lifestyle and
catalyst that has been Covid-19, has changed
from traditional to contemporary, and we’re
preference, but we take the headaches and
the company’s sales process to bring high-
allowing for some limited home selections
angsty decision-making away from buyers.
end design to repeatable homes in a way
that do not impact construction in regards to
Everything we offer is of the highest quality,
“In this environment, sourcing and
and our homebuyers know that from touring our houses, or learning about our company
From investment banking to legal practice, our team has a unique set backgrounds and a bevy of experiences which contribute to our culture and company success. Apart from my dad, who’s 35 years of experience and wisdom is vital to our operations, everyone here is incredibly talented, committed and under 35
through other references,” Bradley stipulates.
Adapting to change During the pandemic, Michigan was one of the few states that deemed residential construction a non-essential business. Consequently, ERT more-or-less came to a halt. However, the company was fortunate and prepared enough to keep its employees: “We realized the need to eliminate our own supply-side risk by streamlining our sales and selections process so that materials could be ordered at the start of construction, or even before, “Bradley shares.
Bradley Thomasma and Tom Thomasma
“Additionally,” Ariana continues, “we realized the need to retool our sales arsenal to allow buyers the ability to make design and selection decisions from the safety of their own home. We saw a spike in buyers looking to move to secondary markets (and out of high-priced cities with limited space and access to outdoors), and those who were looking for homes remotely. From this, we saw an opportunity to provide a service to these buyers with an intuitive design interface.” As a result, the company witnessed a massive tailwind of cost increases and time delays, which meant that it needed to “sharpen our pencils from a costing and
Brian Neeper Architecture P.C. ERT Group and Brian Neeper Architecture have partnered to create home designs for distinctive new communities in Michigan that focus on instilling a deep sense of pride in home ownership. ERT Group is willing to push forward a design first approach with an emphasis on new ideas for adding function to everyday living, with style. This collaboration results in an evolving product line of homes that aim to lead innovation yet respect time honored best practices. Brian Neeper Architecture is a full-service architecture firm with a design studio in downtown Birmingham, Michigan. The firm enjoys an emphasis on custom home design along with renovations, additions and architectural interiors. Each custom design is created through a process that focuses on listening to client’s needs and an appropriate design response to the natural site conditions. The resulting architecture is largely inspired by a creative emphasis on originality while respecting architectural traditions and context. Timeless architectural qualities such as compositional balance, proportion and fine detailing are thoughtfully considered for each project. Brian Neeper’s goal is to create distinctive designs that delight the senses, provide spaces for inspired living, and bring an imaginative spirit to life. 630 N. Old Woodward Birmingham, Michigan, 248 259-1784, brianneeper.com
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ERT GROUP sourcing perspective, as well as begin to
happy to discuss. “We completed a couple of
think about the integration of technology
really beautiful homes for some wonderful
into our company to serve buyers
clients recently. Each home was custom-
accustomed to making purchases online,”
designed by ERT and started as a spec. The
Bradley notes.
homebuyers who purchased the homes, loved the homes and designs, but had
Distinguished catalogue
some particular requests. These included
Not only does its technology innovation and
glamour items, like terraced-landscaping,
flexibility make ERT Group a stand-out name,
heated tile floors and an outdoor fireplace,
but equally so is the diversity and depth of
and functional items, like a utility sink in
knowledge embedded in the team. “From
the garage and specially-located electrical
investment banking to legal practice, our
outlets. We paired executing our designs with
team has a unique set backgrounds and a
creating a bespoke experience for our buyers.
bevy of experiences which contribute to our
We brought them into the conversation and
culture and company success. Apart from
were able to incorporate their requests, meet
my dad, whose 35 years of experience and
their needs and put together a beautiful end-
wisdom is vital to our operations, everyone
product that matched our initial vision.”
here is incredibly talented, committed and under 35,” expresses Bradley. “Tackling an old-school industry with new
detailed example of an ERT development in Metro Detroit. “We put our sticks in the
school thought, and a team that is young
ground in 2018. I had been working with my
and willing to push the envelope in an
dad, and I said to him that I was not going
innovative way is what knits together ERT’s
to build anything that was a generic, new
strong and personal company culture. We
construction commodity product or that
always start with the philosophy that we
resembled that early-2000s ‘McMansion’, and
care about the people we work with and
that I wanted to do something architecturally
for. These include our trades, vendors and
distinct and character-driven. We made
co-workers as well as our homebuyers and
the decision build what we called ‘right-
clients. We’re a company founded on hard
sized luxury’ homes, ranging from 1700
work, and a commitment to quality. It’s a
to 2500-square-feet. No one was building
way of operating that puts people first,”
ranches, or single-story homes, but we saw
Ariana says.
the shift in downsizing trend among empty-
“Internally, we maintain a company culture that follows a creed of moxie and levity. We do this with constant communication within our company, as well as through support for each other. We hold weekly meetings to discuss challenges, ideas and issues in addition to coordinating events that allow us to break free from the ‘work mentality’, and develop empathy and connection for each other on a level that transcends the job. We’re a family business, and we encourage the people at ERT to live a healthy, balanced, engaged lifestyle that prioritizes family, which in turn contributes to a healthy, supportive culture where everyone is personally invested in the business because they know the business is invested in them, their growth and wellbeing,” Ariana informs us. Bringing this melting pot of expertise together, the company has curated a distinguished catalogue of home building projects over the years, which Ariana is
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Bradley then continued to provide a
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nesters and the price-stretched demographic of the millennials and thought these homes
would nicely target both buyers. One trait
as a builder because we got to see how we
about us that is particularly unique is we have
impacted someone else and how what we
the capabilities to build out the concepts
built was being used and appreciated.”
of our own designs. My dad has decades
Now, as the company looks forward,
of experience in design and is incredibly
Bradley is excited to continue the legacy his
talented. So, we are able to pencil out many
grandfather began all those years ago. Most
of our own concepts and designs and then
of all, he is determined to keep growing,
work with architects that we vet to add
thriving, building beautiful homes, and
finishing touches. In this case, we partnered
having fun, regardless of possible challenges.
with highly-regarded custom architect, Brian
“The key to executing here, of course, is doing
Neeper, a local to the Metro Detroit region,
so at a price-point that’s attainable to the
to create unique home plans consistent in
upcoming younger demographic, and that’s
modern farmhouse style, a complement
a springboard for a different conversation
to the surrounding natural environment of
altogether, but needless to say, there are
the neighborhood. To this day, I don’t know
changes that need to be made from a
another builder, at least in Michigan, that has
regulatory and policy perspective.
gone out to develop a community that has
“Beyond this broad brushstroke, we have
this kind of continuous design while building
some internal compasses pointed at areas
all individual homes in line with that style.”
that we think will have significant market growth in the coming years. Mainly, we think
Future development
that single family rental is here to stay but
Ariana continues with this topic and shares
there’s a lack of transitional product serving
exchanges with customers that have been
those younger folks looking to have a home
deeply rewarding for the team, in terms of
within close proximity to a vibrant town or
witnessing the end use of ERT’s finished
community, and that’s exactly the market we
product. “Bradley and I recently visited home
want to see flourish,” he concludes. F
buyers in one of our communities and were able to catch up with them, check in and see how they were living, and enjoying their home. One homebuyer in particular invited us in and took us on a tour of her home. She explained how she utilized the space, and it
ERT Group www.ERT-group.com Services: Home builders
was an extremely special experience for us MODERNHB.COM
25
UNILAND CORPORATION
Building with
the end in mind At 96 years old, Uniland Corporation remains family-owned and maintains the same level of passion and excitement for the homebuilding industry as it did when it was first brought to life in 1926
W 26
ith only four years to go
capabilities: completing third party general
we started opening up our business conduit
until its centennial, Uniland
contracting, new developments and the
to start earning the ability for joint venture
Corporation (Uniland) prides
renovation of multi-family communities.
partners, which successfully carried us through
itself on being an innovative
Joint success serves as the glue that has kept
the early 80s,” he says.
residential developer, says company’s Chief
the company operating for so long. “The idea
Operating Officer Aaron Rosenhaus and
is that I don’t succeed unless my colleagues
declined, Uniland seized the opportunity to
fourth-generation Rosenhaus to lead the firm.
succeed, and vice versa. So, we listen to the
pivot towards land and single-family housing
In fact, it was Rosenhaus’ great grandfather
needs of the project team members and set
development. “We would buy raw land,
who established the company in the city of
expectations early on to understand each
develop the lots, and then sell about two-thirds
Detroit. Aaron, who now works with his father
project’s unique goals,” Aaron says. “When
to other home builders, and build out the
and a supportive team, discusses Uniland’s
my grandfather came back from the second
remaining third ourselves.
best practices, and shares a few projects
World War, that’s really when this core value
that exemplify the full extent to which its
began to shine. It was under his leadership that
MODERNHB.COM
In the mid-80s, when the office market
“Then, when the recession hit, we found opportunity to pivot our focus towards the
MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
best long-term value for the property and specifically the building owner.” A recent example of this is demonstrated at Uniland’s newest development, Philadelphia Haus located on West Philadelphia Street, Detroit, which started out as a dilapidated 120-year-old apartment building. Uniland re-designed the entire interior floorplan of multi-family industry, making key investments
restoration, renovation, or even developing
the building to greatly increase unit square
to grow Uniland property management,
existing structures – there are unique creative
footages, create open floor plans, add tons of
ownership and construction services,”
opportunities for us to refine our skills.
storage, and provide spaces that best meet the
Aaron says.
“We have to consider the space in which we are given to work with, for example,
needs of today’s modern tenant. “Uniland does not just build for today, we
Creative approach
when redeveloping an existing property, you
build with the future in mind. We made sure
Fast forward to 2011, when Aaron joined the
might be confined by the parameters of the
to design the building’s utility systems with
Uniland team, he continued to build upon his
physical structure, but that actually allows
the ability to easily convert it to condos by
family’s legacy by maintaining a clear vision
the opportunity for us to explore new ways
providing shut-offs, so the building can be
of the end product for each project and is a
to improve the activation of each space -
individually metered with minor adjustment
master at finding creative solutions to improve
maximizing functionality and providing a
required,” he explains.
tenant experience. “Whether we’re the sole
high-quality curated product for the intended
developers, or doing third-party development,
user - the tenant(s), all while creating the
Another example in downtown Detroit is Cathedral Towers Apartments, where, again, the MODERNHB.COM
27
UNILAND CORPORATION company’s ingenuity and innovation come to the forefront. “We were the construction manager at Cathedral Towers Apartments and discovered 34 granite kitchen countertops were cut too small for the project. So instead of all that material going to a landfill, Uniland redesigned the kitchens of a nearby Uniland development, Philadelphia Haus, to fit the salvaged granite that otherwise would have been thrown away. Uniland was able to minimize the impact at the Cathedral Tower Apartments renovation project while lowering a material cost for Philadelphia Haus and in turn reallocate those savings into additional value-add for Philadelphia Haus. “This is another fantastic trait of Uniland - once we’ve set our budgets, that target is concrete. So, if we come under, those additional funds are reinvested into that project, for again, a better tenant experience,” he explains.
Shared successes A major component to Uniland’s success is no secret at all: it’s the people. Across its in-house network, the business boasts a strong, transparent and supportive culture that is crucial to creating its beautiful residential environments. “I mentioned earlier the idea of joint success; this, I think, is what attracts many of our long-term employees. But it’s not just an idea, it’s about demonstrating that across our company, our supply chain, and through our relationships with our clients and partners. “We also place a massive importance on accountability, both downstream and upstream, and that’s critical to building long-term, reliable relationships with both clients, our team, and business partners.” In fact, Uniland’s company culture spurs one of the proudest data points Aaron is able to share. “Once an employee stays with us beyond that 18-to-24-month mark, we almost have zero turnover, which is remarkable in today’s age; not only in the construction industry, but in the general labor market. “When we’ve found an individual that we feel will become vital to our business, we work to make sure they feel valued and enjoy being part of our team. We put in the extra effort to maintain and really hold those relationships close to us. But in order to do that, we have to follow through on our actions by supporting and encouraging each other. “I’ll give you an example of where this really shone through: we had a project for a senior affordable housing community, in which we were contracted to renovate 60 kitchens in 60 days.
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So, we’d enter an apartment unit, rip out the
“So, when final payment came, there was no
client, partner, and supply-chain perspective. He
countertops and cabinets, install new ones,
hesitation in sharing that profit with the entire
is incredibly optimistic that the company will
hook up the plumbing, and get out of there.
team. Our work is not always as easy as that,
continue to thrive in the legacy laid down by his
but when there is an opportunity to reward our
forefathers for many more years to come. F
“We scheduled this job for one kitchen per day, and we made a deal with our employees
staff for the fantastic work they do, we are not
that if we could beat that schedule but
afraid to get in the trenches alongside them,
maintain our quality, we would share in the
and then gladly share the fruits of their labor;
increased profit margins on this project, and
that’s really what we try to do every single day.”
I’m very proud to say that our crew – with no
Overall, Aaron emphasizes how proud he
elevator access in the building – were able to
is of the relationships that have been part of
renovate 60 kitchens in about 51 days.
Uniland’s journey, both from an employee,
Uniland Corporation www.unilandcorp.com Services: Residential builders
Crown Windows Proud Partners For over two decades, Crown Windows has proudly partnered with Uniland on projects throughout the country. As a fellow family-owned business, its team celebrates Uniland’s 96 years of quality family-leadership and business operations. Its ongoing dedication to providing unparalleled service makes it a leader in its field. As community builders for nearly a century, Uniland values quality, and Crown Windows has dedicated itself to providing the best windows for each Uniland project. Its team is focused on ensuring long-term reliability that meets the highest energy standards in the industry. Crown Windows and Uniland continue to build a reputation of quality workmanship on all of their projects by providing windows with high performance vinyl, superior thermal reinforcements, and foam filled frames that reduce the thermal transfer of heat and cold. Congratulations to Uniland on 96 years of quality, expertise, and success.
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MIKE MILLER BUILDING
Custom design With no limits on creativity, Mike Miller Building is proud to be a residential builder that collaborates with architects, designers, and their customers to bring together their customers dream home
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MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
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31
MIKE MILLER BUILDING
M
ike Miller was the sole
with Andy Gerecke. This partnership was
Another unique trait that has made Mike
employee of his business back
instrumental in our company growing to
Miller a highly successful residential builder
in November of 2002 when he
where we are today. Andy and I started in the
is the size of the company. “We think it is
brought together his building
building business around the same time, and
extremely important not to grow larger than
firm of the same name. “I grew the company
even worked for the same company early in
we already are. The key elements to our
from a one man show to where it is today,
our careers,” Mike declares.
success are to ensure that Andy and I are involved personally in every single home,
where we currently employ seven amazing individuals, and, depending on the year, we
Custom approach
and that we are the point of contact for our
build 15-to-20 homes per annum,” he shares
Taking into account the company’s journey,
customers. When our customers are looking
with us.
we want to know what Mike has engraved
for a custom builder to make a very large
“I was in the building business for ten years
into his business to create a name that stands
financial investment, particularly one that is
prior to starting Mike Miller Building Company.
out from its competition. To this, he responds
going to support the future of their family,
I had a very good skill set working with other
with a simple answer: custom approach.
they want to be able to communicate with
good companies, and a great background
“Anything and everything that our customers
the decision makers, and be able to solve the
to get started. It was definitely challenging
would like to do in their home, they can and
issues that may arise. The way in which we are
in my first few years of building, knowing
we’ll make it happen for them. We don’t limit
set up enables us to do that and continue to
that I was not going to have profitable years,
our customers to what types of modifications
build homes.
nonetheless I knew I needed to push through
they are allowed, and we do not limit when
in order to get to where I wanted to be.
they can and can’t do them,” he says.
“On the other hand, we have to be so cautious of how we balance our work and the
“From then on, the company continued to hit the ground running. Starting off with one home the first year, we then slowly increased to three homes a year, and for a while we were delivering about five homes a year. 2014, or thereabouts, was the tipping point for us, and we started to significantly increase the quantity of homes that we were building, and its steadily grown to where we are now, right where I’ve always wanted us to be. It was about this same time that I partnered
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MODERNHB.COM
The beauty in what we do is that we never build the same home twice. So, when we sit down with the architects, designers, and our customers, we start with a blank canvas, and end up with a home that our customers fall in love with, and cherish for a lifetime, there is always something very special about that process
Lake Michigan Credit Union Mark Orr and Lake Michigan Credit Union are proud to partner with Mike Miller of Mike Miller Building Company. Mike’s clients often finance their beautiful custom-built homes through LMCU’s fixed-rate loan options. As Michigan’s #1 construction lender* with one of the best draw teams in the state, we believe in always doing what is right for our members, which is why so many turn to us when they are financing their homes. Mark’s 21 years of mortgage lending experience, excellent customer service, and commitment to doing things the right way have resulted in him being a trusted name in lending and awarded 2020 Banker of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan. Contact Mark Orr today at LMCU.org/MarkOrr or (734) 462-5429 and finance your new home with LMCU’s 5% down,** one-time close construction loan. *Marketrac, December 2021. ** For well-qualified borrowers. LMCU NMLS# 442967. Equal Housing Lender.
MODERNHB.COM
33
MIKE MILLER BUILDING
size of our company. If we had to continue
they do occur, our simple philosophy is what
a collaboration between AZD Architects,
with this approach and communicating with
would we do if this were our personal home?
and the homeowners who were very much
all our customers while building 30 or 40
How would we want it handled? This eliminates
involved in the entire process. They knew
homes a year, we wouldn’t have enough time
the business aspect and it almost always makes
exactly what they wanted, but they just didn’t
to build their homes. This is why we have
the situation quickly curable by implementing
know how to put everything together.
found that sweet spot that allows us to be on
the personal perspective, which makes for a
hand and get the job done, this is very crucial
pretty easy decision,” explains Mike.
to how we have become a ‘brand’ in the custom home industry.”
uniqueness of the land is that there is a road between the home and the lake itself. On
build the same home twice. So, when we sit
the lake side of the property, we faced a lot
down with the architects, designers, and our
of limitations as to what we could do, if there
Family culture
customers, we start with a blank canvas, and
wasn’t anything on the land prior to the
One piece of information that is consistently
end up with a home that our customers fall
build, we couldn’t do anything. Fortunately,
shared with its customers is that, on projects
in love with, and cherish for a lifetime, there
there was a very old weathered boat house.
of this size, mistakes are going to happen.
is always something very special about that
Following several meetings with the city, we
However, for Mike and Andy, finding a solution
process. Whether the home is 2000-square-
were able to construct a lake house on the
for challenges and unexpected errors comes
feet, or 12,000-square-feet, it is always very
lake side of the road, with the main house as
down to how the team would handle the
cool to be an intricate part of the process that
the backdrop. The challenges that we needed
situation if the house were their own. “When
brings their home together.”
to overcome to achieve that were abundant,
you have over 250,000 parts and pieces
34
“The beauty in what we do is that we never
“The land itself was a very rare find. The
An example that Mike is proud to share with
going together on a new home, and over 250
us in which his company’s best practices are
individuals involved in the building of a new
demonstrated is known as the Walled Lake
home, mistakes are almost guaranteed. When
Estate project in Michigan. “This contract was
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but we had great channels with the city, and we were able to make it happen.” From what Mike has shared with us, the culture upon which his company is built
and then, following that, as long as everyone
attention to is that it was one of the first
gets their job done, we encourage flexibility.
builders in the Detroit market to employ
“We really want them to enjoy what they’re
women to work in the field as superintendents
doing, and moreover, we really want them
on its projects. “This is anything but common
to feel like they are a part of something.
in our industry, but is an initiative that we are
Wherever they are on the hierarchy or not,
incredibly supportive of,” Mike declares. “We
we want them to feel that they are just as
are also proud to be a supporter of the group
important as everyone else and that they are
Professional Women in Building, which is
an integral part of the business, because that
doing some fantastic work in its own right.”
is important to us.” This approach, he continues to describe,
As far as the future of the company is concerned, Mike is content with the size
is what kept the business going through
of the company today, and is happy to see
the past two years and the impact of the
his business remain around its current size.
pandemic. “When things started turning
However, he is determined to refine its skills
upside down, everyone was looking at
by improving every operation utilized to bring
everyone else with uncertainty. Andy and
together the perfect home. “What I’d really
I took it upon ourselves to nurture the
like to see is us continue to get better and
company. This included our employees, our
better, which has been our push for the last 24
suppliers and sub-contractors, supplying
months. We want to continue to be experts
them with all the critical information they
at this craft, and whatever can be tweaked
needed in those very uncertain times. This was
or adjusted, that’s what we’re going to do.
instrumental to maintaining trust and security
Combining this approach, with the aspects
across all of our networks. It also proved highly
that make us particularly exceptional, I see this
beneficial as when the pandemic began
business being around for a very, very long
to settle a bit, we noticed that many firms
time,” Mike concludes. F
were struggling to get people back on site, or secure projects, but for us, they gravitated to us. I feel this happned because we always make people feel comfortable working with us,” Mike expresses.
Mike Miller Building www.mikemillerbuilding.com Services: Home builders
A further highly unique characteristic of the business which is certainly worth drawing seems to play a vital role in the efficiency and effectiveness of getting the job done; to which he agrees. “However, it’s simpler than it seems. Although it is difficult to find good people, through the years we have organically attracted talented and hardworking people, and I think that comes down to the fact that Andy and I run a very loose ship. What I mean by this is, we’re not a business that checks the time clock, and we’re not one to find out how long someone was out at lunch or on break. We are 100 percent family first; if someone has a personal issue they need to tend to, or a doctor’s appointment, children’s sports, those will always take priority. That’s always number one for us, MODERNHB.COM
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BLOOMINGDALE HOMES
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MODERNHB.COM
MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
Dream homes on-demand From designing and building brand-new dream homes to remodeling existing ones, Bloomingdale Homes delivers custom properties as unique as its clients
H
aving started off as a small firm
“At Bloomingdale Homes, we are
performing remodel additions,
completely different to most builders
Michigan-based company
because we are a true custom homebuilder,”
Bloomingdale Homes transitioned,
explains COO Eric Bloomingdale, one of the
early on in its journey, into the construction
core Bloomingdale family members leading
of new homes. Since then, three generations
the business. “For us, that means we deal with
of builders later, the business is 95 percent
people wanting to construct a dream home
focused on the delivery of stylish, custom
and so, over the course of 300 projects so far,
properties, and renowned for the work it
we have never built the same home twice.”
produces.
One benefit of always starting afresh and MODERNHB.COM
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BLOOMINGDALE HOMES
not using construction templates is that
The long-standing relationships
the past are really paying off and we are now
Bloomingdale can remain flexible throughout
Bloomingdale has forged with its customers,
all working together as a team to achieve the
the building process, making decisions quickly
as well as its suppliers and subcontractors,
best results.”
and whenever required. This adaptability also
have been particularly important to the
enables customers to carefully shape every
business during the last two years in light
Family values
detail of their home-in-progress.
of the challenges posed by the Covid-19
Among its latest projects, Bloomingdale has
pandemic. Even with labor shortages and
delivered entire builds complete with wine
to achieve their visions,” Co-Founder
supply chain issues dominating proceedings,
cellars and exotic hardwood floors. Focusing
John Bloomingdale declares. “Ultimately,
the trust Bloomingdale has built up with its
mainly on the Birmingham area of Michigan,
customization and unique, strong, structural
support network enabled the firm not only
the company is seeing no shortage in
builds are what have helped us gain a
to confront the difficulties of the Covid crisis,
demand for its expertise and services.
reputation across the industry. For instance,
but to overcome them.
“We work very closely with our customers
we recently sold a property in Birmingham,
“Even with the pandemic in the
“After spending a long time working in Rochester, we have been doing a lot of work
Michigan, that was already framed in, the
background, there is a building boom
in Birmingham in the last two or three years
roof was on, the windows were in, but
taking place in Michigan,” Eric says. “Great
and that has been more on the spec home
the customer wanted to add a full extra
subcontractors are picking and choosing
side of things than regular customer builds,”
bathroom in their master suite, so we
the best builders to work with and because
reports Project Manager and Co-Builder,
crunched the numbers and let them know
we have always treated our subcontractors
Lindsey Rusin. “We have a lot of people from
the cost. We were the only people who had
right, they are helping us get our work done
out of state moving to Michigan right now,
done that for the client. Everyone else he had
quicker than others. The same goes for
which is fueling the housing boom and
asked just said no upfront.”
suppliers. Our relationship building efforts in
stoking demand for our homes. At present,
DOBI Real Estate The VS Group of DOBI Real Estate in Birmingham, Michigan is the premier real estate group working with Bloomingdale Homes in the creation of remarkable luxury homes in Southeastern Michigan. Team leader, Vic Simjanoski, has perfected his approach to buying and selling luxury homes over his five years in the business. Vic has developed a team of agents, all with unique backgrounds and real estate experience, to service clients in the transaction of their next home or new construction. Under Vic’s mentorship, his team members are able to navigate the luxury home sector with the direct support of DOBI Real Estate. DOBI has developed an industry-changing approach to real estate by employing a team that works with their agents on listings, deal flow support, marketing, content creation and, social media influence. When DOBI Real Estate launched in the summer of 2018, the vision was to offer Realtors the services needed to enable growth in their business. The collective culture and workspace have much to do with that. Realtors at DOBI recognize the direct collaboration between other agents, managing brokers, agent success staff, and the marketing team directly affect the growth of their business. The staff at DOBI consider agents their clients. The VS Group utilizes this kind of support to leverage their marketing in the Birmingham area and, gaining the most attention to their listings through the social media influence DOBI has in the area. You can see why The VS Group’s mantra is ‘Above & Beyond’ with the support of the brokerage and the unmatched influence The VS Group has in the community. With each transaction, Vic exceeds his clients’ needs and expectations by treating their needs and wants as his own when searching for the perfect property or helping them secure the best deal.
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BLOOMINGDALE HOMES
create a great grow space for cultivating
Ultimately, the most important thing is that the next generation of this company is enthusiastic and ready to take it forward. I have children, Bruce has children, my sister has children, so if we keep the business healthy, they will all have a chance to lead Bloomingdale - if they want to take on that opportunity - in the future
plants or food.” Throughout all this time, and across the entirety of its portfolio, Bloomingdale has been united by its shared values and a company culture reflective of its roots as a family organization. With the Bloomingdale brothers such an active force in the shaping of the business, both now and in the past, their presence is visible in every area of the company. “Everything we do is about family,” company Treasurer Bruce Bloomingdale states. “Our lumber yard, for example, has
we are finishing up probably four or five
been established in Rochester for 100
“Even with our spec homes, customers can
years and they know us very well. Our dad
works in varying states of progress - whether
come right along and make them their own,”
is very good friends with the owner, Todd
that is waiting on permits or tearing down
Eric remarks. “We will give clients a model or
Upton, and the people that come to do
old lots.”
mold, but they really get to take it over and
our foundations, framing and contracts
change every detail until they are satisfied.
are people we have known for many years.
One of the more common design trends encountered by Bloomingdale of late has
40
essentials like balconies and swimming pools.
sites and we have about ten or eleven in the
“We don’t steer clear of creative ideas and
Everyone we bring on board for our projects
been the customer’s desire for space. As a
we believe that, for our clients, the world is
is proud to be working on Bloomingdale
result, basements are being built two feet
their oyster. For instance, if it’s in a customer’s
homes because they know we will treat
deeper than in the past and rooms larger.
budget and they want to turn their basement
them well and run our site smoothly.”
These adjustments are accompanied by
into a green room, we can make that happen.
a rising demand for outdoor luxury living
We can fix the water, adjust the lighting and
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Bruce’s nephew, Connor Bloomingdale, is living proof of the family connection at
Bloomingdale. As a third-generation employee, the company has been part of his life since he was a teenager. “I have been working summers at Bloomingdale since I was 14 and I just started working full-time here two and a half years ago,” Connor states. “The biggest thing for me is when people walk up to us in Rochester and say, ‘Oh, you guys built that house on this street. That’s a Bloomingdale house. We like those.’ People know our work and now,
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down in Birmingham, we are starting to hear the same thing. Our work leaves an impression, and even in areas where we are just performing remodels, every house is different.”
Exciting projects for the future As a small, tight-knit family business, Bloomingdale not only benefits from close relationships within the organization, but also from a clear and united approach when it comes to the longterm future of the firm. First and foremost though, as we enter 2022, the company hopes to stay focused on its spec projects, continuing to build throughout the winter. “We always build during the winter,” John points out. “It’s a bit more challenging, but we have a couple of properties we are working on that are at the higher end of the scale and are set to reach around $4 million each. They are large, unique homes and we are very excited about moving forward with those, so we are just going to continue to build for the next two to three months and make sure they are ready for the market in the spring.” In the longer-term, Bloomingdale hopes to build upon its strong foundation, inducting the next generation of leaders like Connor and Lindsay into the business, and expanding its delivery footprint to allow more customers the opportunity to live in the home of their dreams.
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41
BLOOMINGDALE HOMES
“As we’ve mentioned, we have a number
neighborhood and custom market, we see a
bed, seven bathroom property that is going
of new, multi-million-dollar homes coming
lot of future for spec homes,” Eric notes. “1230
to be amazing. It has a walkout basement
up, and whilst we are still active in the
Latham in Birmingham, for example, is a five
and backs up against the Rouge River, which makes you feel as if you are living on a trail up in North Michigan.
Next generation “Elsewhere, we are looking at new business ventures and bringing builders together to really expand on what we do,” he adds. “We want to grow our business and increase our volume. We have strong investment portfolios and I also just got my real estate license, so I am eager to get started in that area. “Ultimately, the most important thing is that the next generation of this company is enthusiastic and ready to take it forward. I have children, Bruce has children, my sister has children, so if we keep the business healthy, they will all have a chance to lead Bloomingdale - if they want to take on that opportunity - in the future.” Connor, the most recent of the new generation to forge a significant position for himself at Bloomingdale, is as optimistic about the future as Eric suggests. “2022 is looking exciting because, after a year and a half of Covid, companies are beginning to get their feet back under themselves and start work again,” he asserts. “They are going to be more efficient and the areas we are building in are becoming ever-more profitable. The quality and
42
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individual nature of our homes remains undiminished too. One of the houses we just built on a lake is absolutely beautiful and there are features on-site there that I have never seen before. If this kind of property is a sign of things to come, then the future of this company could be sensational to say the least.” F
Bloomingdale Homes www.builtbybh.com Services: Custom home builder
Dillman & Upton Bloomingdale Homes continues to be major contributor in reshaping the neighborhoods of Downtown Rochester, Michigan. As the company remodels and builds new homes, its talented architects, quality process and dedicated workforce ensure an excellent end-product for the community. As a top customer for Dillman & Upton over the last 15 years, Bloomingdale Homes has been great to work with and has helped the company be successful. Dillman & Upton is excited to see the next generation of Bloomingdale Homes keeping the company vibrant and growing into the future. Dillman & Upton is proud to be a partner with Bloomingdale Homes. It truly appreciates the relationship and wishes them tremendous ongoing success!
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43
INFINITY HOMES & CO.
Making housing dreams a reality
44
MODERNHB.COM
MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
Twenty-one years since its founding, Infinity Homes & Co. remains dedicated to providing affordable and attainable housing to communities across South-East Michigan
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INFINITY HOMES & CO.
A
s one of the largest privately held
great team of about 40 employees. In the
success. “Over the years, we have developed a
homebuilding firms in South-East
beginning it was mostly about finding our
company culture that firmly believes in making
Michigan, Infinity Homes & Co.
feet; we focused on infill jobs, and built one
home ownership attainable for everybody. We
(Infinity Homes) specializes in
house at a time before selling it. Before long
try to maintain our affordability – as it’s really
high-quality single and multi-family housing.
the company started growing; it went from
important to us that the homes be accessible
The company’s dedicated founder and
one house to two houses, and so on. That’s
to a range of customers,” affirms Rino.
President, Rino Soave, started the business just
just how you grow a business.
after leaving high-school, with the vision of
“We started off pretty small, and fortunately
providing housing to everyone, at a stable and
for us we were in a good position when the
We have really been successful on the
affordable price point. Through a dedication
recession hit. We did a marketing campaign
basis that we are able to build and develop
to the best craftsmanship, investment in
that basically offered customers a brand-
communities in areas where you have good
people, and commitment to achieving
new house at a foreclosure price, so that also
access to any major freeway throughout
unparalleled customer service, Infinity Homes
helped us grow quite a bit at a time when a
Southeastern Michigan, as we want our
continues to thrive 21 years later.
majority of companies in our industry were in
homes to be well-connected, as well as of a
contraction or survival.”
high standard. Think shopping at Saks Fifth
“I started Infinity Homes just out of high school, in the year 2000. Since then we have
Avenue, but with Target Pricing.
grown to be one of the top privately-held
Affordable quality
home builders in the state of Michigan; right
On the advent of its 21st year, Infinity Homes
houses in the middle 200 range, where you
now we have about 13 active developments
has completed on over 2700 units across
still have good access to express ways round
around the South-East region,” asserts Rino.
the Michigan region. Since finding its niche
South East Michigan, a modest to good school
in the production building, and building for
district, and access to shopping malls and
rent sector, the company has seen enduring
outlets,” he adds.
From there, the company grew organically, as Rino explains: “Infinity Homes now has a
46
“We build affordably, and ensure our customers a high-quality home at the end.
MODERNHB.COM
“We have been really successful in selling
INFINITY HOMES & CO.
families through home ownership. “Right now
understand that property is a really important
community-driven, as the company has
Infinity Homes’ developments are
the average cost of a new home nationwide is
asset, and so we do everything we can to
always been motivated by a desire to generate
just approaching $400,000, and we are proud
remain accessible.
financial stability for working and middle class
to say we are at least $100,000 under that. We
“While it is getting more challenging to maintain affordability, given how much inflation has impacted the broader industry the last year, we have found different ways to keep our price point where it is. Sometimes that involves getting creative with things like land choices. It’s those sorts of decisions that make or break a business, really,” states Rino. This strong-held belief is a major element of Infinity Homes’ culture, which stems primarily from Rino’s personal experiences and values, as he reveals: “A lot of the company culture is derived from myself and my experiences; I started off in the business very young, and I have learnt everything along the way. This business certainly wasn’t just handed to me. It is important that I lead by example; my employees see me, and they know the hours I do and the work I put in every day.”
Talented team This resolve has created a respectful, mutually beneficial, and extremely dedicated working culture for Infinity Homes. “We look for people who are driven, motivated and willing to put in the work; everyone here is really determined to excel in their career. It’s a tough business, and very often there is a unique and high element of risk involved, not found in a lot of other industries. “When you are dealing with the retail world, you have to be really dedicated to customer
48
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service, because it’s a very emotional purchase for any would-be buyer, and a lot goes into it.
never had to deal with before. “We had a run of sales after the lockdowns
months where we had record sales. But other complications kept cropping up; for example,
It’s the biggest investment most people are
last year, and at certain points it was great;
wait times on materials were much longer, and
ever going to make in their lives, so we have
we had a period of about four or five
inflation skyrocketed, so prices did too.
to make sure each and every home is up to that standard. “I’m always looking to find and bring onboard talented people; I have a lot of people who have worked here for a long time that started off at entry level positions, and through hard work and dedication, have propelled themselves to rise rising through the ranks. As with most things in life, it’s about what you want to make of it, and what you are willing to put into it to get there. One person, who I love to use as an example, started off in an entry level position as a receptionist in our office not knowing much about the industry at the time. She is now a key player within our business. Another individual, who started as an entry level construction laborer six years ago, is now a construction manager, and he now oversees $15 million worth of construction. That stuff is really important to me, as I get to see how these people, and their families, benefit from what Infinity Homes has become,” discusses Rino. This sense of community, and shared ambition, helped fortify Infinity Homes, as the homebuilding market was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. As Rino details: “There’s no denying that it has been a challenging time. I think a lot of companies within our industry will probably agree with me that you deal with so many different obstacles today that you MODERNHB.COM
49
INFINITY HOMES & CO.
“We were able to be successful through adaptability – it’s important to adjust your expectations according to the variable changes. I think keeping up with the increase in materials was the most challenging part; one comparison I took was between what we were paying for a lumber package in July 2020 compared to a few months ago. The price has actually gone up nearly five times, which obviously is a massive challenge for us.”
Projects for 2022 Also supporting the company through uncertain times was its strong network of industry partnerships, as Rino confirms: “We have a great trade base, including a lot of suppliers I have worked with since my earlier days, when we first started off. There is a level of comfort and accountability on both sides, so each side knows what each is responsible for. This is more important now than ever given the lack of skilled labor that is the backbone of our industry. We are one industry, despite some recent attempts and some progress made to automate construction such as 3D printing, were the methods of home building are archaic and are solely revolve around manual labor.”
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As it continues to be a market leader in
the market leader in Michigan; keeping
year, Rino and his team prepare for numerous
As Infinity Homes prepares for its 22nd
the entry level and step-up housing niche of
to our core, foundational principles and,
new developments, and investment in the
South-East Michigan, Infinity Homes gears
with that vision in mind we will find new
build-to-rent sector. “We have several new
up for longer-term investment, and further
ways of adapting to the market we are in,”
projects opening up next year. There were
expansion. “In the future, I want to continue
says Rino.
two that were supposed to start earlier, but
focusing on what we do best, because there
were delayed, and so we are hoping to market
is always room to improve and a business
dedicated to creating genuine value for its
those in the Spring. We are also going to be
should never feel complacent.
customers as well as the business itself, and
starting our second and third phases on a
“Unfortunately, we have grown to the point
It is clear that Infinity Homes is a company
that dedication will no doubt take it far. As
number of developments in the new year, so
that I don’t get to interact with customers as
Rino concludes: “On a more personal note,
we probably have about four of those that we
regularly as I would like, but I have ensured
I take a lot of pride in the fact that we have
are going to be adding onto the workload.
that when it comes to my team, they always
been able to offer our customers happy
offer our customers transparency in our
homes in the end, especially over the last
the build-to-rent segment, which currently
dealings whether they like the answer
18 months. What really drives and motivates
is a fast growing segment of our business.
or not. We pride ourselves on honesty
our business is the ability to give people
We currently have about 300 units on in our
and transparency, and that has to remain
that sense of security and shelter.” F
inventory that we basically have built and now
consistent.
“In addition, we will be investing further in
manage and own, so I’m excited to see where that development takes us,” he comments.
“We will also continue to provide a great product at an affordable price; it sounds simple, but it’s actually quite difficult to
Security and shelter
achieve in our industry, so we are really
With an acute understanding of trends within
dedicated to that. In addition, I would like to
the housing market, the future for Infinity
continue to grow our business, and remain
Infinity Homes & Co. www.InfinityHomesCorp.com Services: Entry level and step-up housing developer
Homes certainly looks bright. Ruminating on the year ahead, Rino observes: “I think 2022 will be a strong year for us, but because of some of the headwinds that on the horizon, such as rising interest rates, continued rising prices, and the continued lack of skilled labor, you always have to be cautiously optimistic. It’s great to be confident, but you have always got to brace yourself for downside risk, because that’s how a lot of people got in trouble a couple of years ago. Someone once told me when times are good it’s hard to imagine them going bad, and when they are bad it’s hard to imagine them going good again. “The industry has had a pretty good run here, especially in the last ten years or so. Coming out of the recession, up until 2013, consumers were able to buy at pricing opportunities that may not resurface again for an indefinite period of time, and it was an awesome time to purchase. Things started to stabilize around five years ago in 2015, so I am fairly optimistic about this year. There is no question that rates are going to go up, and that is going to have an impact on the market, especially with us because, to some degree, our buyers are a little bit more rate sensitive compared to someone who is purchasing a house for $500,000. That being said, I am sure we are up to the challenge.” MODERNHB.COM
51
LANGE BUILDING CO.
Personal touch
Since 1995, Lange Building Co. has been building homes worthy of the American Dream. As it celebrates 25 years in business, the company continues to offer unparalleled service, with a personal touch
A
s a service-orientated company,
known for its attention to detail, and stunning
I often assist my rough and finish carpentry
Lange Building Co. strives to
portfolio of homes.
crews to assure the project is executed to my
exceed customer expectations of the building and remodelling
52
“I am the owner and operator of the Lange
standard of excellence. I am usually onsite
Building Company. I only take on a select
to answer any questions that my customers
process time and again. As owner and
number of projects each year, and I personally
or trades may have. Being available to
President of the company, Chris Lange takes
oversee each one,” asserts Chris. “I have an
make changes on the fly, and provide clear
a hands-on approach that is as unique as the
extensive background in finish carpentry that
interpretations of the plans, ensures that the
homes he produces. A testament to Chris’
provides me with an exceptional attention to
possibility of re-work and do overs is minimal,”
hard work and expertise, Lange Building Co. is
detail. I am a hands-on general contractor, and
he reveals.
MODERNHB.COM
MICHIGAN LUXURY HOMEBUILDING SPOTLIGHT
Having worked in the finish carpentry
additions, unique finished lower-level projects,
included the removal of our customer’s
business for years, Chris established Lange
and upscale kitchen and bath renovation
existing home, and the construction of a new
Building Co. in 1995. The company has
projects,” Chris confirms.
‘Super Custom Home’ on the same site.”
extended reach to emerge as one of the
Team collaboration
Building continues to grow, with an emphasis
leading high-end designers of bespoke
The company started to see rapid growth as
on the company’s ability to combine personal
homes and renovations in the Midwest. “We
the result of a major project in 2014, as Chris
taste with the latest trends. One recent project
specialize in high-end custom home building
details: “One of our key milestones was the
that highlights Lange Building’s unique ability
and renovation projects. We also do larger
completion of a $6 million project. The project
to create bespoke spaces that ooze with
since converted into an LLC and used its
Now celebrating 25 years of success, Lange
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LANGE BUILDING CO. contemporary style is the ‘New York Loft’, as Chris states: “The ‘New York Style Loft’ was an idea that stemmed from my customer’s former residence in New York City. My customer wanted to create a space in the lower-level walk-out area of their home that had the ‘New York City feel.’ They hired Young and Young Architects of Bloomfield Hills, MI to execute the necessary plans and elevations to create this space. Young and Young set Project Architect, Chris Harrington and Designer, Megan Run sat on the task to collaborate with me and the customer to create the space they had imagined.
Trends and tastes “As you enter the new space the Statue of Liberty mural to your right grabs your attention. The staircase has been replaced with black powdercoated steel stairs, which are clad with hardwood steps by Northern Staircase, and a wood-capped steel handrail replaces the original closed wall stairwell. A cityscape mural by Matt Finish Murals runs the length of the wall in both directions. “At the bottom of the stairs, you can head towards the entertainment center or into the service area of the radius bar, which has a radius overhead trellis detail. The trellis, posts and beams are made of reclaimed barn lumber, locally sourced from Reclaimed Michigan. The bar countertops are concrete, formed and cast on site by Line Studio Detroit, and the vertical face of the bar is made of weathered corrugated steel panels. “The entertainment center cabinetry, by Aria Cabinetry, is clad in black metal with a large screen tv mounted over a linear gas fireplace from Bourlier’s Fireplace Inc. A pair of Rustica Barn Doors lead into a mirrored work-out room and the other two barn doors close off the mechanical rooms. The ceiling is blacked-out with the exception of a white painted slatted detail that runs the length of the room, to give the ceiling an interesting contrast of color and texture. “Around the back side of the stairs is a full bath with a subway tiled shower and a floating vanity with LED backlighting above and below. Near the bar, a subway exit sign leads you to the custom built-in cabinetry, which flanks both sides of the door that heads onto the patio area and overlooks the lake. With the help of the owners, the architect, the designer and all the trades that collaborated with me on this job, we created a space that exceeded the customer’s expectations.” The ‘New York Loft’ concept was drawn from contemporary trends in interior design and
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colored by the client’s own interests and
limestone window surrounds, quoin corners
desires. This level of service is standard with
and a bullnose belt detail - all custom made to
stylish homes under its belt, it is no surprise that
Lange, as Chris discusses: “We encourage our
match the existing home,” he elaborates.
Lange Building Co. has continued to see success
customers to engage with current trends in
These projects are centered on the client’s
With such a vast portfolio of ambitious and
despite the turbulence of the last few years.
the housing market, but also to implement their
needs, as Chris asserts: “The attention to
Stepping confidently into 2022, the company
own ideas, to create a space that is relevant to
detail on this project was paramount as
seeks out exciting new projects, as it continues
current styles and unique to their own tastes.
the customer is a GM Engineer and former
to create high-end, high-quality homes.
“We also promote energy efficient designs
plant manager for many of GM’s truck
“The last couple of years have been difficult
and construction methods, as an investment
plants. Working for a person that deals in
for everyone on multiple levels. We are not out
in our planet that also allows the client to
thousandths of an inch is an opportunity to
of the woods yet, but I believe if we all work
mitigate future energy costs. A tight building
put to test my own level of commitment to
together, we can make the world a better
envelope, high efficiency insulation such as
precision and excellence.”
place to live. At Lange Building Co., we will
closed cell foam and high-quality windows
The incredibly high level of quality achieved
continue to provide high quality products
and doors, such as Marvin or Pella and
on all Lange Building Co. projects would not
to our valued customers, by treating each
Anderson, are recommended to create a
be possible without the company’s network
project as if it were our own personal home,”
comfortable home that is energy efficient.”
of efficient and knowledgeable suppliers, as
concludes Chris. F
Chris confirms: “With supplier and contractor
Customer relationships
relationships spanning more than 30 years,
Another project that is emblematic of Lange’s
Lange Building Co. has built solid partnerships
ambitious designs and stylish flair is the ‘Man-
with trusted vendors and contractors. These
Cave’, a site which Chris personally oversaw
relationships have created a smooth pathway
in order to ensure the highest level of detail,
to our shared goal of creating the best
accuracy and quality. “The ‘Man Cave Project’ is
possible product.”
Lange Building Co. www.LangeBuilding.com Services: Custom home builder
a 1750-sq-ft car garage, otherwise known as the ‘Summer Party Room’,” explains Chris. “The building was connected to the existing home with a 30-foot-long open-air breezeway that created a large courtyard, which we then paved in exposed aggregate concrete. The connection allowed this large new structure to fit in with the existing home that already had an auxiliary garage attached with a portico. The interior and exterior finishes of the ‘Man Cave’ matched the high-end appointments of the customer’s home. “The exterior walls were two by eight, which allowed for optimum insulation as the building was heated with a radiant tube heater and prepped for future installations of Mini-Split A/C units. Three large ceiling fans keep the air circulating for summer and winter use. Linear LED lighting fills the space with plenty of bright light for any technical work, while the lighted ceiling fans and wall sconces can be used for a softer lighting atmosphere. “There is a sitting area with a bay window, large screen tv and sound system, a full bath with tiled shower and a wash tub outside the bath to take care of any dirty working hands. The sitting area was also mechanically prepped for a future kitchen if desired. The exterior finish was brick, to match the existing home, which was built 20 years prior to this addition. The front elevation included MODERNHB.COM
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HOME BUILDERS
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