BUILDING SEMI-CUSTOM HOMES IN CENTRAL OHIO

What Can Your Builder Control?

2009-07-07T04:13:00.000-07:00

Homebuilding is a highly specialized and complex process. And like builders themselves, no two clients are exactly the same. Some homeowners are very interested in the homebuilding process, while others are more content to follow the lead of the builder and be available only when needed. Most clients fall somewhere in between. Regardless of their approach or comfort level with new home construction, clients play a vital role in its success.

The ideal homeowner leads by example; making appropriate and timely decisions to help ensure the home is completed on schedule. In addition, pro-active homeowners become educated about the home building process so that they understand and respect its nuances.

A critical part of that education is knowing what is and is not in a builder's control and having realistic expectations for how issues will be managed, questions answered, and problems solved.

One of the most obvious issues is the weather. Rain, freezing temperatures, and other severe climate conditions are out of any earthly being's control. When the weather results in delays in the delivery of materials or their installation, however, it can have a ripple effect on the entire construction schedule. While professional builders cannot control the weather, they can prepare for it by communicating regularly with subcontractors and materials suppliers to gauge their availability once the weather clears and keeping homeowners informed about changes to the schedule.

Likewise, outside circumstances -- such as a natural disaster in another part of the country, or even global trade trends -- may cause the cost and availability of construction materials and labor to become volatile or unreliable. With proper controls in place, however, a professional builder should be able to mitigate or adjust for delays and cost overruns by providing adequate lead time for materials delivery and making sure each trade partner finishes his phase of the work before the next one begins.

To avoid other common delays, smart and successful builders are aware of how long it takes to get approval from the local building department to begin construction and the amount of time an inspector needs to schedule a job site visit to check over the progress to date.

But even under the best of circumstances, barring any problems caused by weather or other outside forces, there's always a risk in relying on other people to help complete any job, whether it's the construction of a house, providing input on a financial report, or creating an advertising campaign. Increasingly, the housing industry exemplifies this shared responsibility among a complex network of players, as builders rely on subcontractors and materials suppliers to deliver pieces of the puzzle on time, within budget, and according to specifications and standards.

In fact, a builder's role is often akin to a manager as much as it is a craftsman. Builders must manage complex scheduling and supervision of various trade partners. It's a job that requires no less skill than building a wall or installing a heating system.

As a homeowner, consider what you can reasonably expect your builder to control. Communicate with your builder to be sure he knows and agrees with those expectations. This will help ensure a coordinated effort toward achieving overall success and satisfaction with the finished home.

Men at Work

2009-06-30T11:22:00.001-07:00

Michael and Christos Zenios helped Smith Excavating begin digging our newest 3 Pillar Home today! Smith Excavating crew members let Michael and Christos move dirt with the dozer and even dig some holes with the back hoe! Thanks again to Smith Excavating for letting them tag along!

Emily's an Aunt!

2009-06-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

On June 26th, 2009, Emily Chapin, Office Manager of 3 Pillar Homes, became an Aunt! Henry Matthew Fine was born via C-Section weighing in at 9lbs, 14 oz and measuring a staggering 21 3/4"! Henry's proud parents are Emily's sister and brother-in-law Rachel and Matthew Fine.

At it Again!

2009-06-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, 3 Pillar Homes superintendent, Brent Cantrell, rocked his drums at their annual 4th of July Party! Check out that drummer!

Check Us Out on Facebook!

2009-06-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

3 Pillar Homes has recently created a Facebook page and we would love for you to be a Fan! As of today, we have almost 50 fans and we are looking to have more! Our Facebook page will include special event dates, has albums of all of our homes and will be a great way to interact with all of you! Look forward to seeing you there!

Prefinishes: The 'No-Name' Construction Phase

2009-06-16T04:07:00.000-07:00

After the structural framing stage and the installation of the preliminary -- or "rough" -- plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling components are complete, there is a no-name phase of construction we'll call the "prefinishes."

The reason this stage of the process has no common name is because several different activities -- by several different trades -- occur during this time. All of them combine to prepare the house for the finish products to come, from flooring to trim to lighting, and are vital in the overall performance of the house. Indeed, the sum of these prefinishes is called the "thermal envelope." These critical steps include:

Housewrap. Also called an air or vapor barrier, this tough, woven sheet-like material is installed on the exterior walls around the entire house. Sections are fastened and taped together to keep water and air outside the structural frame. Housewrap protects the "thermal envelope," improving the home's energy efficiency and indoor comfort. The wrap covers the rough openings of the windows and doors. Once it is installed, we carefully cut out those openings and fold the material around the rough openings to ensure complete protection from the elements.

Windows and doors. Once the housewrap has been cut to expose the rough frame openings, we carefully install each window and door. Attention to detail is critical at this stage to make sure that the windows and doors not only operate smoothly and properly, but also deliver maximum thermal benefits. Good quality windows and glass patio doors are now designed for improved control of thermal transfer, solar heat gain, and harmful ultraviolet rays.

A home's main entry door is often a signature feature of the house. Depending on the home's design, the entry door might include windows on one or both sides (sidelights) or over the top of the door (transom), or perhaps even a glass insert in the door itself. These design elements add character to a home's design and heighten curb appeal.

At this stage, we install the garage door(s). Like windows and passage doors, garage doors have come a long way in their design options and insulating value.

Insulation. Insulation is typically installed in the exposed framing cavities of the exterior walls. Good quality insulation retards the transfer of warm and cold air through the home's structure. Insulation makes the home more energy efficient and comfortable inside.

Different insulation products are sometimes used for different sections of the house. In the walls, for instance, formed batts of fiberglass insulation are designed to fit snugly between the studs. In the attic, a loose-fill (or "blown") insulation is often more appropriate to pack the spaces between the roof framing. An expanding, spray-applied foam might be most appropriate in the slight gaps between the window and door frames and their rough openings to seal the house more completely against air infiltration and thermal transfer.

Drywall. The last of the "prefinishes" is drywall, or gypsum wallboard panels. These familiar panels are cut to fit and fastened to the framed walls and ceiling, creating a smooth surface and substrate for paint, paneling, wallpaper, and other finishes. (The floors have a wood substrate called "subflooring," which is installed during the framing stage of construction.)

Because whole and cut sections of drywall panels are pieced together, the seams between the sections must be filled and smoothed before the wall or ceiling finishes are applied. Taping the drywall joints is a process that requires several days, as multiple layers of "mud" are applied and sanded to deliver a smooth and uninterrupted substrate with no visible joints between the panels.

The completion of the "prefinish" stage creates the home's thermal envelope, fully protecting it and its occupants from the elements and from thermal transfer through the exterior walls and openings.

For Sale: 4BR/3.5BA Single Family House in Galena, OH, $679,900

2009-06-11T11:37:00.001-07:00

For Sale: 4BR/3.5BA Single Family House in Galena, OH, $679,900

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Hard at Work!

2009-06-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Michael Zenios, son of President & CEO, Zenios Michael Zenios, came with Dad to work on last Wednesday. Michael got to tour a 3 Pillar Home, work on the computer at the model and even took a few pictures for this blog! It won’t be long before Michael Zenios is working full time in the office!

Check Out Our Website

2009-06-04T08:47:00.001-07:00

When you get a minute, take a look at our website! Over the past few weeks have have added a gallery section with LOTS of pictures as well as pictures for most of our homes.

Special thanks to all of our homeowner’s that allowed us to take pictures of their homes as well as Christine Lamp and Emily Chapin who worked really hard to coordinate and bring this project live!

Check it out at http://www.3pillar.com/gallery.php and http://www.3pillar.com/viewAll.php

The Beauty of Natural Light

2009-06-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

Walk into any new home and you'll immediately notice a big difference from many older homes: an abundance of natural light. Because of poor thermal performance, windows and glass doors in older homes were necessarily scaled down. Today's builders, however, are able to take advantage of advanced technologies, a wider range of sizes and styles, and a number of new products and creative applications to capture natural light.

For clients who prefer a modern look, glass walls are certainly possible to maximize natural light. For those preferring traditional housing design, professional builders usually work within historic housing forms to increase interior natural light. Window and door manufacturers have helped this effort by providing a wide variety of products to match traditional house styles.

For example, a roof window (or series of these units) over the center of the kitchen can bring in a tremendous amount of natural light without having an adverse impact on a traditional facade. This is especially true if that room is on the back or side of the house and thus out of view from the street. Unlike skylights, roof windows can open to vent stagnant or hot air and odors. They have a flat design, only slightly raised above the roof finish, which further reduces any intrusive appearance.

For smaller interior rooms, such as a water closet, walk-in shower, or storage area, traditional approaches to bringing in natural light are almost impossible, or at least impractical. Tubular skylights offer a solution. From a small, unobtrusive opening in the roof, light enters a tube lined with mirrors and reflective material that reflect light into the room below. These small devices pour large quantities of light into tight spaces, making them feel more spacious and comfortable.

Fixed or operable transom windows may also be used to bring natural light into interior rooms. Set above passage doors to bedrooms and bathrooms or even in interior walls, transom windows can carry natural light from rooms on the outside perimeter into otherwise dark, inner spaces.

A kitchen backsplash can be used creatively to increase natural light. Glass block or fixed panes of glass may be installed in the space between the countertop and the wall cabinets. Light is brought onto the work surface without sacrificing kitchen cabinets for a large window expanse.

When homeowners prefer traditional architectural styles, experienced home builders will assist homeowners with design and product solutions, made easier with the wide array of technologically advanced windows and doors now available. With new products to choose from and some creative design work, home owners are simultaneously able to enjoy their home style of choice and the aesthetic and cost-saving benefits of natural light.

Building Green: Waste Not...

2009-05-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

When we hear the term "green building," most of us think of energy efficiency and, increasingly, healthy indoor air quality. While those are certainly central components of high-performance housing -- especially given our nation's current energy prices -- they are not the only factors that ensure a truly sustainable approach to home building.

One of the lesser-known aspects of green building is resource management. We are convinced that meticulous resource management has a tremendous impact on a sustainable environmental future. Therefore, we have adopted a two-pronged approach in our construction practices: First, we work to reduce the amount of natural resources required to build our homes and second, we strive to recycle the amount of waste ordinarily produced during construction to cut down on what is hauled away to the landfill.

Our concern is based on some startling data. Approximately 40% of the raw materials consumed in the U.S. are used in construction. Residential building, renovation, and demolition account for about 58 million tons of trash per year, representing 11% of the country's overall waste stream.
What can one builder do? We know that -- by weight and volume -- wood, drywall, and cardboard (from packaging) make up 60-80% of job site waste. Other common building materials, such as concrete and metals, are also found in significant amounts. Using our two-pronged approach, we focus our efforts on first reducing and then recycling those materials, when possible, in order to reduce landfill waste.

Reduce. The most obvious way to manage construction waste is not to create it in the first place. To that end, we practice a variety of methods that limit the amount of wood, drywall, and other products that go into a new home without sacrificing its performance, durability, or comfort.
For the structural frame, we implement "advanced" framing techniques using engineered wood products or factory-built (and quality-controlled) roof, floor, and wall components to lessen the amount of wood needed for the project. To reduce the amount of drywall, we are very precise about how much material we need and we train our crews and subcontractors to install it properly. We also work to design our houses on room-size measurements that match the dimensions of 4x8-foot drywall panels. In that manner, when a panel is cut, the remaining piece can likely be used elsewhere instead of thrown away. Cardboard is a tougher problem, because it is a common packaging material for a wide variety of products, large and small. (Think of major appliances and cabinets!). This use of cardboard is not under our direct control, but we work with our suppliers to reduce or eliminate the cardboard they use for packaging and encourage them to pick it up for recycling.

Reuse/Recycle. The market for materials that can be reused and/or recycled is growing rapidly along with the green movement. We are always on the lookout for ways to efficiently recycle the construction waste we do create. For example, we can chip lumber and lot-clearing debris into mulch, drywall into soil amendment, concrete into road bed material, and metals and cardboard into various products, among other examples. An increasing number of businesses with specialized equipment are available to perform these functions, on site.

In addition, we also look for high quality products with recycled content. By using these products, we make use of the latest science for the benefit of our homeowners while encouraging the growth of industries practicing sustainability. Our goal: homes of the highest quality for our owners and a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future for all of us and generations to follow.

The Savvy Homebuyer: Understanding your Builder

2009-05-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

Let's face it: Homebuilders don't always have the best reputations. The prospect of building a new home can cause a lot of anxiety, stemming from a combination of mystery, misperceptions, myths, and illusions most people have about the homebuilding profession.

While some builders earn that reputation, the professional builder successfully exposes any preconceived notions a prospective buyer might have about the building business and the construction process. They work hard to clarify their motivations and approach to construction. They seek to view the project from the client's perspective and meet their needs and desires.
Getting to know a builder can foster a greater respect and a higher level of confidence for a company's ability to deliver a high-quality new home.

First, it is important to understand that professional builders are business people. They build homes because it's their chosen profession. Of course, like anyone, they are interested in making money; a professional builder, however, makes money honestly, and seeks to earn a reasonable profit.

Like other successful builders, we constantly refine our approach to business, adhere to predetermined building schedules, and establish reliable and lasting partnerships with building products suppliers, financial institutions, and specialty trade contractors. We live in the areas where we build and are active in our communities. We rely on a strong local reputation to continue to build our business.

Some builders, though, lack the business and communication skills to be successful, resulting in dissatisfied customers and ruined reputations that often blanket the entire industry. This is not an industry-wide scheme to separate homebuyers from their money. Rather, it's just an unfortunate slice of society that both buyers and professional builders have to endure.
Unlike almost any other industry, a builder's work is exposed to the public; while cars and washing machines are assembled in factories and seen only on the showroom floor, a house is on display from foundation to finish. This can lead to misinterpretations or misunderstandings between a builder and a homebuyer. Often, however, what looks to be incomplete or irregular during one stage of construction is quite different from the eventual finished product.

Given those circumstances it is also important to understand that builders are engaged in the home building process every day and over many years. They gain experience and have a unique perspective. They have a vision of a home's progress that extends well beyond daily progress, one that few owners can truly share or comprehend.

As a result of that perspective, a builder may occasionally appear unconcerned or take a casual approach to what a nervous homebuyer perceives to be a problem on the job site. Simply, the builder has likely seen or heard about it a million times during his career, knows implicitly how he'll deal with it (assuming it needs to be dealt with), and has significantly less emotion invested in a home than a client does.

Successful builders listen closely to their buyers' concerns, respect an owner's questions and patiently communicate solutions. They understand that building a house is a considerable emotional investment, a potential source of anxiety, and a financial risk, and work to ease those burdens.

By the same token, an informed and understanding homebuyer recognizes that the construction process is second nature to a professional builder. When both a homeowner and a builder respect each other's roles and approaches to the business of homebuilding, it fosters better and more open communication, the opportunity to develop trust, and the prospect of achieving a successful and satisfying project.

Shred Day

2009-04-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Greater Powell Area Chamber of Commerce is holding their 9th - ANNUAL SHRED DAY- 9AM-1PM in parking lot at rear of 50 S. Liberty St. (behind Chamber office & Liberty Tavern). Min.donation of $20 for up to 200 lbs (5 bankers boxes). Proceeds benefit the High School Career Passport program. Call Nancy at 614-888-1090

Cabinet Cornucopia

2009-04-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

As a professional builder, we keep our eyes on emerging trends in the housing industry, from new structural materials and energy-saving systems to interior finishes.

One of the big trends we're tracking -- and accommodating for an increasing number of our homebuyers -- is the use of cabinetry in a greater variety of rooms and areas in the house. No longer are cabinets just for the kitchen, bathrooms, and perhaps the laundry area. We've seen and installed them in outdoor and secondary kitchens, closets, wine rooms, dining areas, butler's pantries, home theaters, game rooms, and other spaces where storage is a practical necessity. Beyond their practical value, attractive cabinets are a worthy aesthetic addition, as well.
Cabinet suppliers, especially those of manufactured products (as opposed to site-built units), have responded to this broader demand with features and finishes that fulfill specific functional needs and stylistic tastes.

For example, cabinet catalogs display a wide variety of components, including wine bottle and glass racking systems, dedicated storage for CDs and DVDs, cabinets to display -- or hide -- audio and home theater components, and even electronic hardware to raise and lower flat-panel televisions from the surface of a cabinet. In the kitchen or master bath, "garages" with roll-up doors conceal unsightly countertop appliances, while other cabinets with glass fronts and built-in lighting highlight fine china, glassware, or even sculpture.

Suppliers have become hip to the outdoor kitchen trend by creating cabinet systems and finishes that better withstand the elements. No longer limited to stainless steel boxes and fronts (although that look has a certain appeal and durability), outdoor cabinets are either engineered with a polymer additive to look like natural wood or finished with coatings that adequately protect natural wood from weather and use.

In addition to improved function, cabinets now offer more variety in their style. Manufacturers offer a wide range of panel fronts, ranging from intricate and ornate designs to simple flat door and drawers that evoke a contemporary feel. They also offer more finish options, from dramatic paints and cozy glazes to stains that highlight natural wood grains.

One recent design trend combines different materials in the same cabinet. For example, a center pane of glass in a cabinet front could be framed with natural maple trimmed around the outside with a brushed metal rim. Another design approach uses one color for the perimeter cabinets of a kitchen and a complementary color for the center island.These and other treatments allow us to offer unique cabinets to our homeowners, cabinets that are customized in both appearance and function. The cabinets that used to be mere "storage" have been transformed into furniture-quality fixtures throughout the home.

Check Out Our Website

2009-04-10T12:53:00.001-07:00

We have been revamping and adding pictures almost every day to our website! Check us out at www.3pillar.com, click on the Home Gallery Link for great interior and exterior shots! Also updated is our Available Homes section which features all of our currently listed homes including the Olivia, which is our most popular 5 Level Spit and includes a finished media room with bar and 100” projector TV!!! Come back often as more updates come every week!

Maximize Your Home's Value

2009-04-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

The great thing about a new house is that everything is, well, new. Nothing is scratched, stained, or worn out. It's wonderful: Everything works! That's one of the main attractions of buying a new home.

But, as any homeowner knows, the rigors of day-to-day living can cause that blissful new-home feeling to fade. It's an inevitable process, but one that can be stemmed or slowed with proper maintenance of key systems and finishes.

Once an owner takes the keys to their new home, they become responsible for maintenance of the entire structure and all its systems. Typically, professional builders will ease that transition with a warranty, but ultimately the baton is passed to the homeowners to protect their investment, enjoy the comforts, and maintain (or increase) the value of their new home.

The thought of staying on top of everything in a home can seem daunting, but really, it comes down to common sense, some diligence, and a short list of critical products and systems, including:

Heating and cooling. It's a simple thing everyone has heard before. Changing the furnace filter every three months goes a long way toward maintaining the proper operation of a home's entire air distribution system. A clean filter keeps dust, moisture, and other allergens out of the ductwork to help ensure fresh and healthy indoor air. Clean filters and ducts also put an easier load on the furnace, prolonging its life, and allow it to use less energy. Beyond that, homeowners should have the ducts and carpets professionally cleaned every 2-3 years.

Drainage. Rain and other sources of water, must be directed away from the home to maintain the structural integrity of the foundation. To preserve the drainage and watershed design of a house, gutters should be inspected, and when necessary, cleaned and repaired in the fall and early spring. Downspouts should have extensions or splash blocks to direct or disperse runoff away from the house, if they are not already installed. As new landscaping is added, the dirt against the house (called "backfill") must be checked again to be sure that it continues to slope away from the structure. Plantings should be set at least 18 inches away from the foundation, as well.

Roofing and siding. A new home's exterior finishes -- mainly roofing and siding materials -- are designed to last for at least 20 years and usually longer. That being said, any cracks, voids, or other damage to these finishes can lead to leaks and related moisture problems. Visually inspect the roof and sidewalls of the house at least annually for the first five years of ownership, and then semi-annually after that. And, of course, make any repairs immediately.

The effort and consistency you put into maintaining your home will pay dividends for you and your family in the future. Following these basic maintenance tasks are key components in retaining your homes new look and feel, while protecting the value of your investment.

Southwynd

2009-03-23T11:39:00.001-07:00

On Saturday March 21st, Brent Cantrell, 3 Pillar Homes superintendent, played with his bad Southwynd at Autumn Lake Camp Ground in Sunbury. Brent plays drums with his band for local fundraisers, class reunions and just for fun! They put on another great performance on Saturday!

A Welcome Retreat

2009-03-17T05:22:00.003-07:00

As life gets busier and stress levels increase, more and more people are turning to their homes as a place of refuge and escape.

As a professional builder, we've seen an increasing interest in the transformation of the master bedroom into an "owners' suite"; a true, in-home retreat area. This trend has evolved from a simple "bigger is better" approach to a more sophisticated variety of features that go far beyond square footage. Owners' suite retreats have been redefined as spa-like experiences to create a relaxing and revitalizing environment.

One characteristic of the new owners' suite is a built-in separation between the increasing number of functional spaces. The sleeping area, for example, is just that. It may even be tucked away from direct daylight to maintain a serene environment. Television, reading, and conversation areas, adjacent but separate from the sleeping quarters, might also feature a mini-kitchen for early-morning coffee, light snacks, or after-hours refreshments. Some owners' suites may include a separate exercise/massage area, small-scaled but exclusive laundry equipment, and perhaps a private balcony or deck to enjoy a peaceful view.

Similarly, the new master bathroom is segmented by both function and, in some cases, gender. A closet space, changing area or vestibule often provides a buffer between bedroom and the actual bathroom functions. An early-rising spouse can use the shower, bathtub, sink, and toilet without disturbing the other person's sleep.

Where space permits, owners may even be interested in separate, his-and-her master bathroom spaces. Though usually sharing one tub or shower setup, each may prefer his and her private toilet, sink and vanity, and perhaps closet space to eliminate any "competition" for those functions.

In addition to the separation of spaces and functions within these owners' suites, we've also observed a significant increase in products that serve those areas.

Closet organizing systems, for instance, are in great demand. A variety of components allow homeowners to create custom closet spaces for their particular needs. Shoe racks, drawers, cabinets, and closet rods combine to make much more efficient use of the space with the ability to change configuration as needs change.

To complete a luxury "spa" suite, homeowners may choose from products that create steam showers, gently warm the floor tile on chilly mornings, provide massage-like shower experiences, and deliver soothing effervescent bubbles within an overflow soaking bathtub.
As life's pressures mount, owners' suites have become an attractive alternative to the infrequent resort vacation. Owners' suites create a refuge that can be enjoyed every day.

A Welcome Retreat

2009-03-17T05:22:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENT

2009-03-16T05:36:00.001-07:00

We would like to extend a big Happy Birthday to our superintendent Brent Cantrell. Brent celebrated his birthday Monday March 16th!

Congratulations!

2009-03-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

3 Pillar Homes would like to extend a big congratulation to 2 of our current homeowner’s. Chad and Mary Brisentine are proud new parents of baby girl MacKenzye born November 18th, 2008 and Charlie and Carrie Birch are second time parents of Carter Birch born February 12th, 2009. We wish both families the best of luck! The 3 Pillar Homes family is growing everyday!

Letters of Distinction

2009-03-03T10:37:00.001-08:00

Do you know what CGR or CGB stands for? How about CAPS or AIA? Do letters after the name of an architect, builder or contractor confuse you or do they provide you with useful information?

In fact, these acronyms demonstrate something important: a commitment to professional business practices and project management skills that help ensure quality and a hassle-free experience for clients considering a construction project. Some acronyms can help you identify a builder's specialty. Others indicate a level of third-party support and certification regarding a contractor's ability to complete a project on time and on budget to a client's satisfaction.
Here's a primer on what some of the most common designations mean and why they are a component in the process of selecting the right builder or contractor for your project.
Certified Graduate Builder or Remodeler (CGB/CGR). Offered by the National Association of Home Builders, these certifications result from extensive classroom, correspondence, and job site curriculum regarding all aspects of running a successful building or remodeling operation. The Graduate Master Builder (GMB) program provides even greater depth for the most experienced builders.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). Designed to serve both new and existing homeowners, this certification indicates that the contractor has the knowledge essential to creating and modifying homes that will accommodate changing lifestyle and physical needs as the occupants age.

Residential Construction Superintendent (RCS) and National Housing Quality (NHQ) certification. These programs qualify builders and specialty trade contractors, such as framers and insulation workers, to manage both their businesses and their work on the construction site. Once certified, contractors must submit annual reports to be re-qualified and maintain their status.

AIA. This designation marks members of the American Institute of Architects, the nation's leading organization for licensed architects. Achieving AIA status requires a degree in architecture as well as practical experience. Licensing includes an extensive test similar to the bar exam for attorneys. Members must adhere to the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and earn a minimum number of continuing education credits sanctioned by the association in order to maintain membership.

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD). Like AIA, the AIBD is a national organization supporting design professionals, specifically those focused on residential work. AIBD membership affords designers access to the latest business, client relations, and building code information to ensure that their design work meets regulatory standards and are to their clients' satisfaction.

Member, Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM). A top-level achievement for people within an organization who focus on the marketing aspects of residential construction, such as market research, sales promotions, advertising, and public relations. Other sales-related distinctions include Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (Master CSP) and Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP).

This list is just a smattering of the certifications available to professional builders and contractors who want to enhance their technical and management skills. It should be remembered, however, that such distinctions are neither a shield nor a guarantee. Smart homeowners recognize these acronyms and what they represent, but use them as part of a thorough process of winnowing and selecting the right builder or contractor for their project. In essence, these and other distinctions provide a baseline of professionalism that consumers can rely upon to help ensure a successful construction project.

Home & Garden Show

2009-03-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

This weekend started the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center. It runs until the 8th of March and tickets are just $10 and children under 12 are FREE! I strongly suggest that you make time to go view the show. From the Columbus Dispatch Website “The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show offers nine days packed with special events and attractions for all ages. Internationally know celebrities and daily cooking, gardening, home décor and home improvement presentations on two stages are crowd favorites this year.” This is a perfect time and opportunity to get some new ideas for the Spring that is quickly approaching us!

It's been a busy February for 3 Pillar Homes!

2009-02-23T07:52:00.001-08:00

We listed our Inventory Home in Grand Oak, the Arlington, for $389,900. It has lots of goodies and a finished basement! It’s in the carpet phase right now and should be ready for move in by the end of the month! We have already had quite a few showings! In Summerwood, we have closed 2 homes both on Sophie Ct. Congrats to Brent for delivering 2 great homes! Our McCammon Chase spec is coming along beautifully and will be listed by the end of this month also. See our website at www.3pillar.com under Available Homes for all the great pictures!
Activity has picked up and it looks like people are out looking for new custom homes once again! Stay tuned!

It's been a busy February for 3 Pillar Homes!

2009-02-23T07:52:00.000-08:00