Texas Hill Country Building Savvy February 2022

February 2022

Texas Hill Country | Homebuilding Industry Publication

Mike and Lisa Dyal TRAINING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE REMODELING TRENDS FOR 2022 10 THINGS TO ASK YOUR CONSTRUCTION LOAN LENDER

Customizing in Kerrville Keeping The Family Legacy Alive

Celebrate Where you Belong

There is no better time for your family to join the club, create memories and enjoy an abundance of amenities in the secluded Lake & Hill Country. Located in the heart of Texas, The Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort is a sprawling property recognized as a tropical oasis.

FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT MEMBERSHIP AT 830.598.7846 OR MEMBERSHIP@HSBRESORT.COM 2

Building Savvy

SAVVY’S A-LIST A-LIST SAVVY’S Architectural Photography

Air Conditioning Jason Roberts Classic Services AC 210.789.2033 830.358.1499 www.classicairconditioningandwww.jasonroberts.biz heating.com Architecture

Architectural Photographer Delineations Jason Roberts and Associates 830.693.9408 210.789.2033 www.delineations.com www.jasonroberts.biz Banking Building Materials

BMC Hill Country National Bank 512.977.7400 512.756.7363 www.buildwithbmc.com

www.hillcountrynationalbank.com

Guido Companies

Building Materials 210.344.8321

MG Building Materials www.guidoconstruction.com 830.257.2300 www.mgbuildingmaterials.com

Destination Resort

Doors The Front Door Company 830.598.3917 210.340.3141 www.hsbresort.com www.thefrontdoorco.com

Home Warranties

Propane

The Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort

StrucSure Sunn Carpets and Flooring

Hill Country AlignedPropane Mortgage

830-624-4450 210.349.7866

830.997.8621 210.874.1630

www.sunncarpets.com www.strucsure.com

www.hillcountrypropaneinc.com www.alignedmortgage.com

Electrician Electrician

Garage Doors Insulation

Flooring

Pest Control Plumbing Hollywood-Crawford Accurate Pest Control Foam One One ZK Plumbing 210.494.3434 210.495.0499 830.228.5040 806.282.4378 www.hollywoodcrawford.com www.accuratepest.net

JPIElectric Electric JPI 210.233.6638 210.233.6638

www.jpielectric.com www.jpielectric.com

www.foamoneone.com

Elevators Energy Rating

Home Elevator Burk Energy Ratersof Texas

210.340.5702 www.homeelevator.com

830.446.2279

www.burkenergyraters.com

Home Warranties Interior Design & Furnishings Centricity One Swanky Shop 727.385.7599

Real Plumbing Estate

830.798.0125

www.dptexas.com 210.844.1542

StrucSure www.oneswankyshop.com 830-624-4450 www.strucsure.com

Fireplace Installations Integrity Fireplace Installations Turn 2 Flooring 210.294.1383 Flooring

Lighting

512.560.9550

Hill Country Lighting

www.sunncarpets.com

830.257.2425

Insulation Klar Insulation www.hillcountrylighting.com 210.296.5499

Granite Countertops Accent Granite & Marble

Cabinetry

830.693.1144

Kohutek Construction

www.accentgranite.com

Mortgage Company

Mortgages Insurance

First United Mortgage Group Hotchkiss Insurance 512.529.7787 210.581.0420

512.949.7000

www.hiallc.com mschepper.firstunitedteam.com

Carpentry

Home Technology 210.248.2556 HomeSmart

Painting Lumber and Millwork

Rendi’s Trim Carpentry

325.388.9278

Roddis Painting Lumber Flawless

830.220.1983

www.homesmartanywhere.com

210.226.1426 830.265.0170

TerryDiamond Kemmy Plumbing Keller210.967.6100 Williams, River Hill Group

Roofer Kendall County Roofing Williamson Roofing 830.331.2650 830.798.4371 www.kendallcountyroofing.com Roofing

www.williamsonroofing.com

Specialty Electronics and Appliances Title Company HomeWerks Independence Title 210.499.5760 512.454.4500 www.sanantoniocentralvac.com www.independencetitle.com

Specialty Glass and Mirror B&T Glass 210.656.8507 www.btglassandmirror.com

www.roddislumber.com Luxury Iron Doors and Interiors AMS Group 210.366.0490

Title Company First American Title 817.918.2323 www.firstam.com

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily re ect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Building Savvy magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

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TERRY KEMMY

“ Te r r y i s s o c o rr ei ga itni vael when it comes to advertising properties in i n n o v a t i v e w a y s . We l o v e his creative thinking.”

TERRY KEMMY

Realtor ® terry0372@kw.com 210.844.1542 4

[From The Publisher]

BUSY IN 2022?

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN 2032?

If you’re reading this publication, I know you are one of the builders who looks at building codes as a minimum standard for safety and habitability of a structure, but YOUR own standard far surpasses those baselines. You understand how to communicate with your buyers and clients and have been around the block enough to know that this crazy industry cycles up and down.

While the analysts for the most part predict 2022 will be almost as frenzied as 2021

Builders | Architects | Home

no matter what happens with

Designers & Clients

interest rates and inflation. We are, after all, in Texas—where

YOU R RESIDENTIAL ENERGY

Serving the Greater San Antonio Area & the

CODE EXPERTS

Texas Hill Country

so many people continue to move. But it’s easy to use being busy as a reason for neglecting to communicate clearly and often with your clients. Be sure they understand why you do the particular things you do, whether that is due to meeting the future code requirement now or to meet your own bar for quality. Tell them often how much you appreciate their patience and how much you look forward to their project.

Though there may seem to be an endless pipeline of clients waiting for you to catch up and get to their job, things can turn on a dime.

Make a conscious effort to value every customer the same way you

Kevin Burk

would in the slowest of times that we’ve experienced before, and

Owner & Chief Energy Code Consultant

never neglect the time needed to deliver work that you are proud to

 830-446-2279

put your name on every time.

Brian Burk Chief of Operations & Energy Code Consultant

Do this, and you’ll still be here in 2032! That is, unless you’re enjoying retirement and resting on a beach somewhere, reflecting



about how your business was so successfully passed down to the next generation.

Terry Kemmy Publisher 210.844.1542

5

BurkEnergyRaters.com

 830-446-8582

 info@BurkEnergyRaters.com

[Focus Section]

STRUCTURE—KNOW THE MINIMUMS BUT GO BEYOND THEM!

B

uilding codes are the minimum standard for safety and habitability of a structure, but not the standard for savvy builders who build quality structures.

Solid structural design requires an understanding of the complex of forces that a structural

By Beverly Smirnis

assembly must be designed to resist. Beams, columns and walls carry each load down to the ground. Acting as a unit instead of a collection of isolated components that the wind can pick off one by one,these various systems interacting together are necessary to keep a building upright and make it stronger. Lumber sizes, the diameter and length of nails and structural screws, and other bracing requirements are determined by the structural demands of the building.

Structure nears completion on the Building Savvy Idea Home in Dallas’ Midway Hollow.

6

Plywood and OSB panels are recognized by the building code for their strength and performance in wall construction and their code-compliant nail base for attaching brick ties, siding and trim.

Combining advanced framing methods and the use of raisedheel trusses with continuous wood panel sheathing provides increased structural support and multiple other advantages.

Much of the focus by building codes and building code inspectors is on preventing water from penetrating a home to cause structural damage and a potentially toxic indoor air environment. Exterior cladding is essentially the first line of defense against water penetration and should be designed to work in tandem with underlying vapor-permeable water-resistive barrier (WRB) materials that repel and drain water to keep the structure dry and while allowing any water that does get in from rain or condensation to effectively dry. Installation requirements and vital air spaces are specified either via manufacturer’s instructions or building code.

Wall and roof connection joints are the weakest link of any building.

Applying WRBs from the bottom up allows subsequent layers

Chapter 15 of the IRC provides standards for roof assemblies including

to overlap the layer below to create a proper drainage plan. To

nailing requirements for attachment of the roof. Connectors, often

maintain continuity of the barrier, metal or adhesive flashings

referred to as “hurricane clips” or “hurricane straps” are required by

must also be properly overlapped or sealed around wall

code in some areas and used as a best practice in others to attach roof

openings and over adjacent enclosures and should divert water

framing members to the supporting wall top plates. Weather-protection

away from the wall or toward a WRB-protected area.

includes ice barrier membrane requirements under eaves, valleys and

Foam sheathing products which are foil-faced with rigid polyisocyanurate are another process for creating the drainage plane when used in conjunction with the proper tape to seal the joints. Some experts recommend applying the foam with

crickets. Some of the membranes are coated with felt paper or synthetic underlayment, serving as a bond break for the shingles. The minimum required overlap for shingles, to prevent water from wicking underneath and fasteners from corroding, sometimes varies with the slope of the roof.

shiplap joints at the vertical seams and a black poly strip as a

Framing structures, cladding and roof shingles are regulated not only

Z-flashing at horizontal joints.

by building codes that ensure structural integrity but also those related

While pre-formed flashing can be an efficient choice, metal coil flashing which is malleable is used to form-fit spaces around window sills, fascia and door casings. Once again, the order and process of applying the flashing is important; install first to the underside of a window sill or door then to the sides so that both sides overlap the bottom. Pan flashing on top of the drainage plane further assures against leakage within the factory-built window assembly itself. W flashing for inside corners and J flashing where siding meets trim or stone are the norm.

to the control and integration of fire safe design and fire prevention. The IRC requires that residential floors be covered with a 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard membrane, a 5/8-inch wood structural panel membrane or the equivalent on the underside of the floor framing member. In response, truss manufacturers now feature a proprietary coating that enhances the joist’s fire resistance and enables the floor assembly to meet the new membrane requirements. Roof shingles may also be required to meet a Class A or B fire rating classification per local building codes.

The Bottom Line: Framing inspectors look at the plans and check the work completed, often considering not only if the structure complies with the building code but also if it follows current best practices.

Beverly Smirnis is the co-founder of Building Savvy magazine and publishes its flagship Dallas/Fort Worth edition. She and her business partner and husband, Steve Smirnis, have served as judges for the International Builders’ Show Best of IBS Awards and judged numerous homes for builders association parade events across the country.

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[Mortgage News]

By Jen Guidry

P

eople get overwhelmed when it comes to the construction loan process.

Most believe that it is cumbersome and ultra-difficult to get one. Many want-to-be custom home clients believe that they have to put 20% down or sell their house first. People also make assumptions that all the lenders and banks have the same process and guidelines as each other.

If you venture to the web for answers, there is a lot of misinformation out there. I believe that choosing the right lender for your construction loan is just as important as selecting your builder. Picking the wrong lender could end up costing you thousands,

TOP 10 THINGS TO ASK YOUR

plus a lot of aggravation.

Ask your friends and colleagues who have recently constructed a home who they used and what their experience was like. If the same name pops up over and over, that is usually the best place to start. Gather those names and start making phone calls.

Before you call though, you should have the following information ready: lot value, how

CONSTRUCTION

much is owed on the lot and approximate build costs. You should also let them know whether or not you plan on selling your existing house before or after the new house is built (if this is applicable to you). A smart lender will ask you about these things, as

LOAN LENDER

it will be an important part of the process of discerning the parameters of the loan you are interested in.

8

underwriting. Be sure to also ask about the costs for the draws

You will then want to ask your potential lender about the different

and any other lender fees. Really, the only fees you should care

types of construction loan programs they have. These should be

about are the lender fees because everything else is pretty

your Top 10 things you ask:

much the same no matter who you go with.

7.

1.

chain issues, this issue is popping up more and more. Is there

Do you offer both a one-time close and a two-time close? Have

a cost? What is the maximum amount of time allowed? What

them explain the differences and the pros and cons of each.

happens if that time still isn’t enough?

If they only have one or the other, or both – your future lender should be able to give you enough ammo to decipher what

8.

might be best for you and your family.

2.

construction loan. With the volatility of the materials, it might

What is the maximum loan to value that you offer? Everyone is

be in your best interest to work with someone that can get your loan done quickly.

value and some that are capped at 80%. Based on the amount of cash that you would ideally want to put down, the answer to

9.

this important question will help narrow down your search.

with that person for roughly a year in some capacity. You will

What happens if I go over budget? Also, an integral question.

definitely want to pick someone who you feel will continue to answer your questions throughout the course of your build.

changed their mind on something, causing a budget over- run. It is a good idea to find out what the lending company’s guidelines

10. Did the Loan Officer I spoke with know what he/she was

are regarding this issue.

talking about? You also want to have confidence in your lender’s knowledge of the construction process. There are a lot

What happens if I end up under budget (yeah, right!!)? I

of intricate and moving parts to these loans, so you definitely

laughed at this when I wrote it, but decided to keep it here

want to feel comfortable with the knowledge level of the loan

because, hey, miracles do happen! Ask your potential lender

officer you choose to work with.

what happens to your construction loan if all of the funds don’t get used.

5.

Once you have recorded the answers to those questions, it is time to narrow it down and complete an application that is the best fit for

What types of terms do you offer on your loans? 30 year

you and your situation.

terms? 15? 10? Again, everyone is different.

•

Did I get along with the person that I spoke to? A construction loan is not like a home purchase loan. You will be working

In all of the construction loans I have done, most everyone has

4.

How long does it take to close on a construction loan? Some lenders take 35 days and some as long as 120 days to close a

different. There are some places that go up to 90% - 95% loan to

3.

What happens if I go over the allotted build time? With supply

Building a custom home is an exciting time! Picking the right builder

Are they fixed, ARMS etc.? This is another arena where there

and the right lender can help to make a dynamic time also a very

are tons of disparities between lenders. Some have been fixed,

smooth one.

some partial fixed and some with balloons. Your preference will be determined by your risk level or long-term plans. Again, an astute lender should be able to speak to you regarding how each of these would affect what your goals are.

•

Jen Guidry (NMLS # 323935) has been the No.1 Loan Officer in San

What are the interest rates currently? If you do a two-time

Antonio for the past three years. Additionally she is ranked in the Top

close loan, those rates will most always be higher than the

25 Women Originators and Top 200 Loan Officers out of over 500,000

current market, just FYI. So, quoting final loan interest rates on

nationwide. She is also a host of Financing the American Dream

a two-time close will always be a guess because no one knows

television program, featured on Fox Business, Bloomberg, CNBC,

what the rates will do in the future. However, one-time close

Travel Channel, ROKU, and Amazon Prime. Jen is also a regular on San

construction loans lock in the rate ahead of time. Lenders vary

Antonio’s “Mortgage Monday and Motivational Monday,” on KABB Fox

greatly here also. Always ask about the current interest rates.

6.

29 and WOAI. For more information go to SALending.com .

Do you charge points or extra fees? Another big one. Ask if they charge origination points, discount points, processing and

9

Photo courtesy of Lifestyle by Stadler

Shop Where The Pros Buy San Antonio | Uvalde | Pleasanton | Corpus Christi | Kerrville

Providing ALL Of Your Building Needs 2202 Memorial Blvd, Kerrville, TX 78028 830.257.2300

MGbuildingmaterials.com 10

[Resort News]

HOR S E SHOE B AY C E LE B R AT E S

5 0 TH M I LE STON E The Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort celebrated its 50th Anniversary in grand style beginning with a VIP event on December 12, 2021. This historic party was quite the affair with club members of 25 years and more, and numerous VIPs in attendance. Among the VIPs were current owners Douglas and Nikki Jaffe along with Norman Hurd’s family. Hurd was the original developer.

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The evening’s entertainment began on the red carpet and included fire dancers, an acrobat, a laser show, and celebrity impersonators. With decade-themed rooms throughout the Yacht Club, you found Cher, Dolly Parton, and Elton John mingling with guests in attendance. The grand finale was a beautiful fireworks display over Lake LBJ choreographed with music from over the decades.

The following weekend, over two consecutive nights, 1,500 club members attended 50th Anniversary Parties in the Horseshoe Bay Resort’s Granite Ballroom. Members enjoyed camaraderie, dancing, culinary delights along with historical photos, quotes and videos. “It was a privilege to host these all-out events for our valued members,” said Stacey Persinger, Director of Membership at the Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort. “We celebrated in style the birth of Horseshoe Bay, our club and the resort’s birthday.”

The club, resort and development of Horseshoe Bay along with Norman Hurd, Wayne Hurd, Douglas Jaffe, and Ron Mitchell were acknowledged by proclamations from the Governor, Senate, House, and Senator Dawn Buckingham.

12

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[Savvy Finance]

MOVING FROM FAMILY-OWNED TO EMPLOYEE-OWNED

W

By Steven Bankler, CPA

hen your business is nearing the end

Alterman, Inc., one of San Antonio’s oldest

of its family legacy, you may not need

and largest electrical contractors, is a great

to sell to an outside bidder. Sharing the

example. The family-owned company began

reins with your loyal employees could be an option,

in 1923. By about 1972, it was passed down

and it may come with tax benefits, too.

from father to son. And by 1984, a big decision needed to be made: It was time for the owner to retire, but the company’s family lineage stopped there.

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“As long as employees hold the ESOP account or roll funds

‘‘

from an ESOP account into another retirement vehicle (such as an IRA), they avoid taxes. It is only when employees

It became a great opportunity for employees to buy into the company,” Chris Thiel, CMA, the current Executive Vice President, CFO, of Alterman, Inc., recently explained to XPX San Antonio Summit 2021 attendees. “That’s usually where

‘‘

we find [employee ownership] most effective. It’s when the transition to family members isn’t there anymore.

withdraw funds—hopefully when they are retired, so they can maximize this benefit—that they are taxed,” says the ESOP Association.

Company leadership may realize a flurry of benefits, too.

ESOPs encourage staff retention for both financial reasons and the sense of ownership it gives employees. A hike in capital gains taxes could make an ESOP formation even more ideal for a retiring business owner.

“If the owner opts to cash out by selling their shares to another private buyer, they’re subject to paying a capital

An ESOP, which Alterman currently operates as, is just one model of employee ownership. Others include worker cooperatives, employee stock option plans, or other forms of profit sharing. But, according to The ESOP Association, ESOPs are usually the only plan that requires no out-of-pocket investment from employees. Typically, the company pays for the shares and holds them in trust on behalf of the employees.

Most ESOPs are with small, privately held companies with less than 100 participant employees. In fact, the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) says, in most cases, 15 employees is a reasonable starting point.

ESOPs are popular among S-corporations and C-corporations alike, and 13% are formed by companies in the construction industry.

gains tax. But if they sell to an ESOP that’s registered as a C-corporation, they aren’t liable for any capital gains taxes, provided that a couple of additional requirements are met,” explains Forbes. It’s certainly a consideration for family business owners who are nearing the sale of their business.

Steven Bankler has more than 45 years of experience in the accounting industry. Steven’s expertise lies in consulting, planning, tax, and asset protection as well as exit strategy services for closely held businesses. He also provides litigation support (both as a testifying expert witness and a consulting

And the tax benefits? An ESOP is essentially a retirement plan. The funds

expert), business negotiations and estate planning. Visit www.

or profits aren’t immediately taxed as they could be through other stock

bankler.com for additional tax strategy tips and to learn more

options and profit-sharing models. Even cooperative members can incur

about Steven Bankler, CPA, Ltd.

annual taxes on the amounts allocated to their funds.

1800 A Broadway Kerrville, TX 78028 830-257-2425 www.hillcountrylighting.com

15

[Savvy Builder]

Mike and Lisa Dyal

MIKE DYAL

CUSTOM BUILDER

M

ike Dyal, a native of Kerrville, TX, is a third-generation home builder. His grandfather built homes for 40 years, mainly in San Antonio, and his father was a builder as well. His uncle Bobby Dyal was an architect and has since retired in Fredericksburg.

Los Angeles Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers.

Growing up, Dyal was an exceptional athlete. After graduating from Kerrville Tivy High School in 1984 he was offered a football

Back in college Dyal met his future bride, Lisa, a local gal

scholarship from Texas A&I University (now known as Texas

from Kingsville who was pursuing an education degree. Upon

A&M Kingsville). In ’89 Mike graduated with a bachelor’s degree in

graduation she started a teaching career while Mike went into

general business and then had an opportunity to take his football

professional football.

skills to the next level. Dyal played for six years in the NFL with the

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•

‘‘

homes since 2003. He is responsible for the daily on-site operations on the jobsite, scheduling of subcontractors, and quality control.

“After a six years in the NFL, I came home in

•

1996 to start my homebuilding career,” says

in Galveston, David built many resort homes on the west end

‘‘

something I was very familiar with.”

David McDermott, superintendent. David has been building and remodeling homes for more than 40 years. Growing up

Dyal. “It was something I always wanted to do, and obviously through my family, was

Hugh Holland, superintendent. Hugh has been building custom

of Galveston Island, including Pirates Beach, Spanish Grant, Jamaica Beach and Sea Isle. He moved to Kerrville in 2003 and continued building for several years. He then retired, but only for two years before joining Team Dyal. He brings an eye for quality construction techniques and a wealth of experience.

Cade Dyal (l-r) Ben McCain, Daspyn Esquell, Hugh Holland, Mike Dyal, Lisa Dyal, David McDermott and Django

Mike handles all areas of project management, client consultation,

Dyal has done his share of room additions and remodel work.

project estimation, and acquisition of materials. He has served two

But most of their work today is focused on the luxury custom

terms as President of the Hill Country Homebuilder’s Association, is a

home market, across a variety of styles, including “Hill Country,”

member of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, was a founding

“Farmhouse,” “Barndominium,” “Texas Tuscan,” etc.

board member of the Young Men’s Business League, and is currently

“Our homes are as unique as the owner/architect can envision and

the President of the Tivy Athletic Booster Club.

we pride ourselves in delivering a product that exceeds the owner’s

After three years of teaching school, Lisa transitioned to Dyal Custom

dream,” adds Dyal. “To accomplish this, we don’t always build a

Homes while also raising three beautiful children: Kendall, Cade,

certain style or attempt to repeat a theme unless it is the desire of

and Karlyn. Lisa has served on the Board of the Volunteer Services

the homeowner. It might be that our signature is the ability to take

Council, on numerous PTOs, and is currently on the leadership team

on any challenge and construct a wide variety of structures.”

for the Sisterhood for Good. Lisa currently works hand-in-hand with our interior decorators, coordinating specifications and selections on all jobs.

Here’s the rest of Team Dyal: •

Daspyn Esquell, locally from Harper, Texas, is the office manager. With a strong background in accounting she handles accounts payable and receivable, payroll and much more.

•

Ben McCain, project manager. Born and raised in Kerrville, Ben has 13 years of project management experience in both residential and commercial construction. He is responsible for big picture oversight of DCH projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, on budget and within scope.

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Here’s what some of them had to say: “Mike Dyal and his team are the text book example of experience and planning. They go above and beyond to ensure their customers have a good experience. One of the ways they do that is clear communications with us setting the expectation of style, budget, and timeframe. The Dyal Team is always one step ahead.”

Denny Foster – Hill Country Lighting “His organization is first and foremost. Those guys are very pro-active with scheduling which makes the job run smoother for everyone involved. He’s one of our premier builders.”

Wade Reeh – Reeh Plumbing “Their integrity really stands out. Very professional. We worked on a large project with them, the Mason Retreat Center, and it

The biggest challenges Dyal deals with

was a great experience for us. Mike is a great

today are pretty much universal issues that

builder ”

all homebuilding CEOs face: supply chain

Ken DeZarn – Enchanted Rock Granite

snags and delays; rising materials costs; decreased labor pool; offloading of container

“They are honest, upfront, very professional…

ships in port; as well as the trucks that

never a bad word about others. Mike is a

transport material across the country. “It is

natural people person, and a natural leader.

not uncommon to wait 10 months for that

He knows his craft.”

last appliance to come in, or see an overhead

Richard Johnston – Cornerstone

door or window package with a 26-week

Cabinets

wait,” he adds.

Still, despite the merging of all these seemingly unsurmountable construction related issues, homebuilding remains strong. While most of Dyal’s clients come from Texas, especially the Houston area, others find him by way of California and a handful of other states. Texas still has one of the hottest economies in the country and it’s no longer a secret to people across the country looking for a new place to call home.

“Unlike a lot of other guys, Mike is super organized. He does what he says he’s gonna do. Their whole team is very thorough, and great at communicating everything. And Mike listens and takes your input. He’s just

“We’re in a position where we interview our clients while they interview us to potentially build

a solid guy and a good friend.”

their dream home,” Dyal adds. “We recognize we’re not a fit for everyone, and everyone isn’t

Kirk Bond – Clarlyle Flooring

the ideal client for us. And that’s okay. Building a custom home for someone is a little like a marriage. We go to great lengths to ensure that our relationship with our clients is one based on mutual understanding of the goals of the project, as well as trust in our process to build the home.”

“Mike uses some of the best subcontractors available. Really quality companies. Also, his superintendents are extremely organized

Over the last 25 years, Dyal has established several lasting relationships with subcontractors and suppliers. Many of these include former teammates or former high school athletes.

Teamwork is a big concept for Dyal and many of his regular partners are considered teammates or family.

18

and readily available. This is just a well-run organization all the way around.”

Kevin Burk – Burk Energy Raters

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[Savvy Special Report]

REMODELING SUCCESS BEYOND 2022: STAY ON TOP OF TRENDS AND THE MARKET; COMMUNICATE, DELIVER QUALITY The Remodeling Futures Program at

Here’s what’s driving the projected 2022 remodeling trends:

the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University predicts that the rapid expansion of owners’ equity is likely to fuel demand for more and larger remodeling projects in 2022.

Working-From-Home The turning of a sitting room, guest room, dining room or breakfast room into a home office will continue to be a boon for home remodelers. The backdrop for Zoom calls needs to step up, say designers. With increased awareness of how the layout and aesthetics of a room can affect energy and productivity, people are putting more focus on the design of their workspaces. Plenty of built-ins with wiring stations and high-tech wiring to support all the plugged-in devices plus reliable wifi services are must-haves.

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Working-Out From-Home

But Can You Handle the Demand?

Plan plenty of room not only for the in-home gym equipment but also “classroom space,”

While famine is obviously a bad time for the

where the homeowner can follow all those virtual yoga and fitness classes. Be sure to

remodeling industry, feast can be almost as

add mirrored walls and barres. Incorporate some of these things into the floorplan by

challenging. Just like new home builders, remodelers

adding onto the master bath to create a spa-like experience.

continue to be challenged by the labor shortage and supply chain issues. The expectation that

Outdoor Entertainment

these issues will last into 2022 makes every project

You’ll have to look twice at some of the pictures to determine whether that pretty picture on Pinterest is indoors or out. Stylish and durable outdoor furniture and décor has come a long way in recent years. Homeowners are also using some of their accumulated

challenging from a time and budget standpoint.

With long lead times and backlogs already, some remodelers find themselves having to tell a client,

home equity to fund outdoor living projects which may include pools, water features,

“I’m happy to start your project, but can’t get to it

outdoor kitchens, fire pits and outdoor showers. Bigger window and door openings on

for six months.” As inflation and interest rates rise,

the back of the house capitalize on their enjoyment of these areas and bring in more natural light. Mudroom areas providing a transition from outdoors back inside should have plenty of “drop zones” for shoes and coats, maybe even a dog-washing station.

delivering the message, “We’re going to need to recalculate the budget for your project now” isn’t going to make a remodeler popular with his or her

Desire for Texture and Color

customers either.

Flat finish drywall, white paint and cool tone accents are out! Faux finished walls

Communicating clearly and often with your clients in

mimicking the look of Venetian plaster, concrete and marble are the rage, some

your current pipeline and those waiting in the wings

designers are reporting. Many are talking about textured fabrics and wallpaper. Bold

is most important. Value every customer the same

colors including pinks, burnt oranges , greens and peacock blues and Pantone’s Color

way you would in a time of famine and take the time

of the Year, Veri Peri, are paired with wood, rattan, clay or stone to provide a “vacation

needed to deliver your best work every time, and

at home” vibe. Color contrasts between the kitchen countertops and backsplash or the main cabinets and the island are on the rise again. Metal finishes and paneling are some of the tactile materials people are craving.

you’ll continue to enjoy the fruits from the feast far beyond today’s frenzy.

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING INTERIOR SELECTIONS WIDEEFORMAT PRINTING

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Very Peri, Pantone’s 2002 Color of the Year is described as “a warm and friendly blue hue with a carefree confidence and joyful attitude, emboldens uninhibited expression and experimentation.”

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OUR SERVICES DRYWALL CUSTOM TEXTURES VENETIAN PLASTER NEW CONSTRUCTION

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL FAUX FINISHES INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

Turn 2 Flooring Residential | Commercial | New Build | Renovation Cori Pearce, Owner 512.560.9550 | turn2flooring@gmail.com 3827 RR 620 S, Bee Cave, TX 78738

23

[Savvy Trucks & Toys]

WHEN SMALL IS RIGHT-SIZED, THE OPTIONS ARE PLENTIFUL IN SUVS

By Beverly & Steve Smirnis

« The Lexus UX 250h is an entry point to the luxury brand. »

The competition among the small SUV segment is fierce, with each automaker striving to stand apart by its subtle differences.

Like all Jeeps, the Compass is set apart by its off-

city/30 hwy. Our Limited AWD nine-speed

road capabilities. Jeep’s 2022 Compass got a host

automatic tester is second in trim level

of updates include a new exterior design and more

only to the Trailhawk. With a base price of

refined interior and tech upgrades inspired by the

$32,195, the test car sported Velvet Red Pearl

brand’s luxury-level line-up. All Compasses come

paint, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a

with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine good for

premium Alpine® speaker system, putting it

177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque getting 22

at $36,280 delivered.

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« Ford Escape is available as a plug-in hybrid. »

Ford’s commitment to electric vehicle production includes the 2022 Ford Escape. Our tester was the SE, one step up from the base, with the optional 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain. Together, that makes a 221 total system horsepower. It is paired to a continuously variable automatic front wheel drive transmission (CVT). The battery is good for 37 miles of electric-only driving. With gas only, it ranks at 40 MPG. Ford packs every Escape with a healthy amount of included safety features. When choosing the hybrid powertrain, you also get the bonus of dual-zone automatic climate control and an upgraded instrument cluster display. MSRP including $985 in options that added 18” machined ebony aluminum wheels and upgraded tires, a convenience package, power liftgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel and power driver seat, put its price tag at $35,305.

It you’re looking for entry level luxury in the small SUV segment, the Lexus UX 250h starts with an attractive base price of $35,200 and lots of standard features.

Its exterior is sporty, and the interior satisfies our high expectations from Lexus. UX represents one of the few luxury automakers that offer a hybrid powertrain in a compact SUV. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system with CTV get 181 horsepower and deliver a 42 mpg combined rating. Every UX 250h comes with the Lexus Safety System+2.0 package. The Premium package on our tester added automatic wipers, a moon roof and heated and ventilated front seats, (another rarity in this class) for $1,175. It can be loaded up for about another $5,600 with a nav package, hands-free liftgate, auto-leveling headlights, heated steering wheel, wireless

« Jeep Compass is superior in its off-road capabilities. »

charging pad, head-up display, and parking sensors were options, which would make the price close to $42K.

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Infiniti adds a new SUV for 2022 to compete in the small luxury level SUV segment. The QX55 is essentially a QX50 with a sportier profile including a sloped roofline giving it a coupe-life appearance and standard 20-inch wheels with short tire sidewalls. All-wheel drive is also standard on the newcomer. Little was changed on its interior, which was already top rated in the class. None of the contenders reviewed here are going to make your list if you’re looking for sports performance; that would include the QX50 with turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT. Like others with CVTs, shifting tends to be rough and handling is lackluster. But the good news is that while both engine and the transmission on the QX55 are the same as on the QX50, they’ve both been retuned for better performance (268 hp) with a fuel economy rating of 22 MPG. This positions QX55 in closer competition with the Audi SQ5, BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe it aims to compete with. It also comes with a price entry point similar to these rivals. We drove a mid-trim level Essential model which added $5,100 for AWD, leather upholstery, a Bose premium sound system and some additional comfort and safety feature addons to the entry level Luxe model starting at $46,500. An $800 Pro-Assist add-on with more safety features, plus destination charge, put our tester at $53,425.

Beverly & Steve Smirnis are members of the Texas Auto Writers Association and the Texas Motor Press Association, reviewing vehicles and casting their votes at driving events where the Truck of Texas, Car of Texas and Off-Road Truck of Texas are some of the titles awarded. Follow their automotive blog on TheSavvyList.com/ TheSavvyDriver « Infiniti’s QX55 is a newcomer to the segment with impressive horsepower. »

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Congratulations Showcase Builders!

WILLIAMSON At Williamson Roofing we want to do everything possible to build long-term relationships with our clients. We are committed to providing our clients with quality workmanship and products. Our goal at Williamson Roofing is to give you a long-lasting final project. We keep an open communication throughout your project to help the process go smoothly. We install metal, tile, shingles, gutters, chimney shrouds, metal wall panels, and custom sheet metal, along with just about anything else made of metal for the outside of your home or outbuildings. If you’re looking for a roofing company that you can trust, let Williamson Roofing be your go-to source. Send us your plans and we will work hard to exceed your expectations no matter how difficult the job.

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The best foundation for construction.

First United Mortgage Group’s One Time Close Construction to Permanent Loan Program is designed to provide financing to build, remodel or improve a primary residence. This means that you can move through the steps of construction with peace of mind, knowing that your permanent financing needs are already in place.

A variety of loan terms available, including 30-Year Fixed Rate*

Automated Draw Requests Jumbo & Super Jumbo Programs Available

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Member FDIC.

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*Example: Interest rate 3.2% and APR 3.268% is based on loan amount of $915,000, with loan-to-value 80%, 20% down payment, loan amount of $915,000, 360 payments at $3,959.23. The monthly payment amount listed does not include monthly mortgage insurance, taxes, and insurance; actual monthly payments will be greater. First United Bank (NMLS #400025) is a licensed lender in Oklahoma and Texas. The content in this advertisement is for informational purposes only. This is not an offer for extension of credit or commitment to lend. All loans subject to program guidelines and final underwriting approval. Not all applicants qualify. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. Copyright © 2021 First United Bank. All Rights Reserved.

27

[Training Tomorrow’s Workforce]

Career Coaching, Job Placement Entities Seek Solutions to the Construction Labor Crisis

B

uilding Talent Foundation (BTF), a non-profit organization founded by 20 of the largest residential construction companies in the United States, has announced a strategic collaboration with M.T. Copeland

Technologies Inc. The goal is to advance career opportunities for individuals in residential construction by leveraging the combination of BTF’s career coaching and job placement assistance and M.T. Copeland’s online courses.

M.T. Copeland offers affordable, online training courses taught by practicing craftspeople to help those in the skilled trades become efficient, well-qualified tradespeople. Students can learn a variety of skills from their online library ranging from subjects on carpentry to plumbing basics to construction fundamentals, watch at their own pace, earn certificates of completion, and receive supplementary educational downloads.

Through the partnership, M.T. Copeland will introduce their students to BTF’s resources including the JobsToBuild.com residential construction careers platform and BTF Engagement Managers, to help them plan their professional journeys and provide career coaching and job placement assistance. In turn, BTF will introduce job seekers to M.T. Copeland training courses, helping candidates upskill and better position themselves for the most sought-after careers in residential construction.

BTF has also collaborated with Lennar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lennar Corp. Lennar has pledged $2 million over two years to empower BTF to empower unemployed youth at risk and adults with barriers to employment to acquire soughtafter job skills and career opportunities in the construction industry.

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Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas, whose M.T. Copeland classes include How to Read Blueprints, Construction Math, Introduction to Hand Tools, How House Framing Works, Introduction to Wood Materials, Fasteners & Adhesives, and How to Succeed on the Job. Photo by Chris Bourke; Westfolk Film Company

M.T. Copeland instructor Lydia Crowder is one of several female business owners in construction trades on its teaching staff.

According to an NAHB analysis, women currently make up only 10.9% of the construction workforce. Crowder, owner of Trinity Drywall in Bozeman, Montana, teaches how to achieve a level-3 drywall finishing job, from pre-filling to taping to boxing. Photo, John Sweeney Photo.

Lot Loans | Interim Construction Loans Commercial & Consumer Loans

512.756.7363 • HillCountryNationalBank.com 1210 S. Water (Hwy 281 South), Burnet, TX NMLS# 407849

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Specializing in E xceptional Architectural Photography G R A P H I C D E S I G N • C O M M E R C I A L P H OTO G R A P H Y • W E B S I T E D E V E LO P M E N T • V I D E O P R O D U C T I O N

PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEO PRODUCTION • GRAPHIC DESIGN

Photography & Graphic Design by Jason Roberts has been published in Texas Monthly, Luxury Home Magazine, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, LUXE, The Inspiring Woman Book, San Antonio Woman Magazine, and many other quality periodicals as well as numerous applications for print and electronic media for a wide variety of clients.

Contact me for a quote on your next project:

210.789.2033

www.jasonroberts.biz Featured image photographed for LLB Interiors at the 2021 Parade of Homes in Belle Oaks.

Custom Home Builder: Evolutionary Homes 31

2710 Roundleaf Court San Antonio, TX 78231

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