Ready, Set, Renovate!

Who is shaping the city of Greenville, SC?Our guest on this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! is no doubt on the short list. Her name is Shannon Lavrin, and she’s the city’s CEO, also known as the City Manager.Shannon spends her days, nights, and weekends implementing city council priorities and engaging with citizens. Shannon joins us on this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! to discuss the city's future and what is going on with downtown residential development. It’s a fascinating conversation all about a town many proudly call home!So, let's get to it!How might your home or condo benefit from a Guide-Design-Build remodel? Tell us about it at https://www.danielbuilders.com/. We would love the opportunity to meet you and transform your space!

You've likely heard the phrase "Design-Build".  It's a time tested process for getting architect and builder on the same page so the finished product is built efficiently.  At Daniel Builders we've taken the Design-Build process and enhanced it by adding a preliminary phase referred to as the Guide Phase.  We're calling our process "Guide-Design-Build".  In this episode we take a look at what a Project Guide does?  And more importantly how they benefit clients by translating big renovation ideas into a buildable Designs.  You'll hear from Project Guide Director, Daniel Jachens, as he shares his passion for providing sound renovation guidance and eliminating manipulative sales tactics.  Let's Get To It!  

Daniel Builders was honored to have 3  well respected guests on this first episode.  These local industry leaders include Taylor Lyles, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greenville; Greg Gambrell, VP-Sales GBS Building Supply; Dustin Hughes, Corporate Sales Director for Jeff Lynch Appliance.  You’ll get a "30,000 ft view" of the housing market in upstate South Carolina - a truly wonderful place to live!  Recommended listening for all who wonder what is happening in this local housing market, and especially good info for those considering a custom home or Guide-Design-Build renovation here.  Enjoy!      

What obstacles stand in the way of establishing the design aesthetic for your condo? Who has the interior design expertise to overcome those obstacles? It just so happens we're answering both questions on this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! Chisana Hice-Smith, Lead Residential Designer at In Site Designs, has significant condo remodeling experience. She shares a few things to consider before embarking on a condo remodel. You won't want to miss this conversation full of design flair! So, let's get to it! How might your home or condo benefit from a Guide-Design-Build remodel? Tell us about it at https://www.danielbuilders.com/. We would love the opportunity to meet you and transform your space!

Daniel Builders has a highly effective in-house salesforce called Project Guides, but did you know we also have a voluntary sales force?Yes, you read that correctly, “voluntary”. Who would attempt to sell something without receiving any benefit for their effort? We’re consistently humbled by the kindness of our voluntary salesforce, comprised of raving fans who share their positive experience through word-of-mouth referrals.On this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! you’ll hear from a current fan and past client, Terry Connor.  Terry hired Daniel Builders to remodel his condo in downtown Greenville, SC. He also serves on the HOA board that partnered with Daniel Builders to transform several units in the building. Terry shares his renovation experience from this unique vantage point.  It’s nothing like a traditional sales pitch, but you may walk away sold on Daniel Builders.  So let’s get to it!How might your home or condo benefit from a Guide-Design-Build remodel? Tell us about it at danielbuilders.com. We would love the opportunity to meet you and transform your space! 

Where do you begin when remodeling a condo? That’s a good question, but an even better one is “Who do you begin a Condo remodel with?”  You no doubt expect us to say Daniel Builders, and since this podcast is produced by Daniel Builders, you’d be right.  However, we’re adding a slight twist.  It’s probably best to by listening to someone who has used Daniel Builders, yes past clients.  We have one coming on the show in a few weeks.   One recurring theme among clients is Manny Figueroa is wonderful to work with and uniquely competent at what he does.  In this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! you’ll get a taste of both of those traits.Manny understands the remodeling process, but not just remodeling homes. As you’ll hear in this episode, Manny has good experience with remodeling condo’s as well.  Our clients will tell you he is great person to start with when exploring condo remodels.   So let’s get to it!     Are you looking to remodel your condo? Tell us about it at danielbuilders.com. We would love the opportunity to meet you and upgrade wherever you reside!

Obviously, many do.Plenty of amenities and conveniences make city living appealing. There are a few trade-offs as well. Much of it comes down to finding and fixing up just the right place to suit the needs of your family.The Ready, Set, Renovate! podcast is embarking on a ten-part series focused on condo living. The guest on our first episode is Nick Van Gorp, an engaging and gifted realtor well-versed in the intricacies of condo life. As you’ll hear, he knows what to look for when seeking a place in the city, something he’s done for numerous clients. As a Chicago native and former condo dweller, he also speaks from firsthand experience. It’s time to learn a thing or two.So, let’s get to it!Are you looking to remodel your condo? Tell us about it at danielbuilders.com. We would love the opportunity to meet you and upgrade wherever you reside!

If you could be an expert on anything, what would it be?For Andy Naples in an expertise in electricity. Andy is an an electrical engineer (Georgia Tech graduate) who spent decades studying and utilizing electricity. Andy joined us on the Ready, Set, Renovate! podcast to share a few practical pointers and some fun facts about electricity. His passion for electricity can get anyone charged up discussing this topic.So let’s get to it!Are you considering a major remodel? You’ll want to ensure the electrical work is in good working order. Our Project Guides can help you get started. Tell us about your home remodeling ideas here.

What is the most common building material?Answer:  CONCRETEIt’s literally everywhere and has vast construction applications.  From home foundations to unique countertops, concrete is so common you're likely within a few feet of it right now.  Despite being common, not all concrete is equal.  Getting good concrete doesn’t just happen.  You need the right mix, the right delivery system with trucks & drivers and the right finishers to ensure form and function.  Austin Petratoas is our guest on this episode of RSR, and Austin knows concrete.  His career is concrete, and he doesn’t just know about it, he’s passionate about it!  That passion is observable when concrete comes up in conversation. He’s an all-around solid guy too, figuratively speaking of course.  So, let’s get to it!Does your next remodel include concrete?  Bring your remodeling ideas to a Project Guide at danielbuilders.com. From there we’ll map out steps to transform your home!

How much Design time should you spend prior to starting a home remodel?Some need quite a lot, which is why the Guide-Design-Build process exists.  Project drawings, a detailed scope of work, a complete list of selections and a fixed cost to build are all part of that process.  Not all projects require this level of upfront legwork though. Some remodels have a super straight forward Scope of Work.  Can a remodel like that go directly to the Build phase? Turns out yes.There is a category of remodels that can largely bypass the Design process. Daniel Builders refers to these remodels as Direct Projects. The Direct Projects division at Daniel Builders is able to perform remodels that require minimal or no Design work. Or, in cases where a third party architect and designer have already produced a Design, clients can utilize Direct Projects in the Build phase. In this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! Many Figueroa discusses Direct Projects and his role in this division. Manny identifies which remodels are the “right fit” for Direct Projects and discusses his role getting them to the Build phase.  As you’ll see, Manny thrives on being a problem solver and understands how to create a great remodeling experience his clients. So let’s get to it! Are you ready to remodel some part of your home and minimal Design work is required? If so, tell us your remodeling ideas at here. A Project Guide will contact you and create the best path to move your remodel forward.

Daniel Builders created a FB post of a detached Accessary Dwelling Unit (ADU) on Nov 16.  The post took on a life of its own generated over 2K likes and that number is still growing as Nov 22.  Why all the interest in ADUs?  The Building Trust blog asked that question, as well as a few others to the architect, Billy Zion of Zion Architects.  Billy designed the ADU in the FB post.  As you’ll hear Zion Architects is an excellent place to start a custom build whether it’s an ADU, Guest House, Pool House, or Tiny Home. 

Is it crazy to uproot your family and travel thousands of miles in search of a new state?  Some might think so, but not Ricardo Rodriquez and his wife Amber. They thought it was a great idea. And after a year of living in South Carolina, they still do.Two years ago they were living in Bakersfield, CA. Amber convinced Ricardo that farm livin' is the life for them (to borrow a lyric from Green Acres). Long road trips ensued.  They traveled to Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and South Carolina seeking a place to fulfill their agrarian vision. A lovely plot of land in Pendleton, SC is where they landed.It's an intriguing and increasingly common story. People from all over the country want to live South Carolina. Ricardo explains the appeal, and what they learned since arriving.As you'll see his major move wasn't so crazy after all.Is someone you know moving to the upstate of South Carolina? Our Guide-Design-Build team can help them transform a house into a place they love living. We'd love to hear their custom remodeling ideas at Danielbuilders.com.

At Daniel Builders we have a blueprint for Building Trust.  Not everyone chooses us to be their remodeling contractor, but we aim to establish Trust with everyone. If you’ve seen our trucks, you know our tagline “Building Trust”.  Perhaps that sounds like abstract marketing gibberish, but we see it as a very practical pursuit. We're serious about trust and we've identified five components to building it - Honesty, Communication, Connection, Commitment, and Competence. Spend time with our team and you'll hear those words spoken repeatedly.   In this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate we focus on competence, which is defined as an ability to do something successfully or efficiently. Trust based on competence is a universal principle. A pizza place who makes great pizza in a timely manner will have people returning for more. The same is true for a remodeling contractor who do great work. Their clients return for two, three, even four more remodels. We seen it happen! On this episode you'll hear from two guys who came up through the ranks at Daniel Builders. Sean Harvey is the Build Director and Sam Parkinson is a Project Manager. These guys got to where they are in large part by being competent in carpentry. How did they become competent in carpentry? As you’ll hear Sean & Sam took different paths to developing carpentry competence. One took an “old school” approach while the other learned much under the tutelage of YouTube. It’s a content rich conversation on carpentry competence. 

Kevin Schreiber knows tile.  From beautiful bathrooms to backsplashes Kevin routinely produces beautiful work.  And as a remodeling contractor, we at Daniel Builders love that about him!  As you may expect, he's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to tile.  In this episode of Kevin talks about the art, science and cost of tile, (some of it can get pretty pricey). This is an opportunity to hear from a true expert in his field, as well see his work which speaks for itself.   

Drone photography is an aspect of construction that is really taking off!  On this episode of Ready, Set Renovate!  we speak with drone photographer Ryan Swanson of Upper Edge Drone Photography.  Ryan talks about utilizing drone photography with benefits that go beyond capturing cool photos. It’s an uplifting conversation sure to give you a better view of remodeling work! (sorry can't keep the dad jokes to myself)So let's get to it!    

An Accessary Dwelling Unit is secondary housing option.  You may recognize them by other names such as Granny Flat, Guest House, Garage Apartment, or In-Law Suite.  ADUs offer all the same characteristics of a home - kitchen, bedroom(s), bathroom - while sharing the same property as the primary house.An ADU may be attached or detached or even inside the primary house.  They can benefit families who care for loved ones in a multi-generational home. ADUs also create rental income opportunities, provide office space or might be the perfect location for a new business.Taylor Lyles, HBA of Greenville CEO, is our guest on this episode of Ready Set Renovate.  Taylor discusses the growing popularity of ADUs, as well as building and permitting them in Greenville County.  As you'll here, Taylor is pretty well versed in the ADU realm.So let's get to it!Are you considering an ADU on your property?  Tell a Daniel Builders Project Guide about your ADU ideas and start the Guide-Design-Build process today! 

At last!  The remodeling of this iconic Pendleton SC home is complete.  The home has been part of the Pendleton community for well over 100 years, and officially ready for another 100 years.  Getting to his point was no easy feat as project manager Sam Parkinson explains.  In this final installment of a year long documentary, Sam expresses the excitement of finishing and finishing strong!  His efforts culminated in a stunning home, with so much of its original character restored.  Sam shares a tinge of sadness as he talks about releasing his "baby", but its an emotion quickly eclipsed by the homeowner's joy.  This journey is well worth hearing!   

Hard to say for sure, but you likely started with a one word question every toddler throughout history has asked.  "Why?"  Pretty cool how humans are programmed to search for reason at such an early age. Turns out understanding "Why?" is vital to the remodeling process. Knowing the honest answer reduces stress, and more importantly protects you from buyers remorse. In this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! Chris Cloud talks abut finding  reason behind the renovation, as well as reason not to renovate. Which is WHY watching or listening to this episode is a good idea!Explore why clients are delighted with the Guide-Design-Build remodeling process.  Tell the Daniel Builders team about your remodeling ideas and a Project Guide will contact you soon!

How much do large purchases really cost?Large purchases require large sums of money.  Obviously.  The paying doesn't stop there though.  Ensuring your satisfaction with a large purchase requires paying attention to accurate information.  What are sources of accurate information?  Reputable businesses, people in the industry, and even publications all are great source, but once source provides the best idea of what to expect.  That's a past client.  Past clients speak from personal experience, and hold the answer to an important question.  Would you do it again, knowing what you know?  In this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate we hear from clients who renovated a significant portion of their home.  Their scope included adding a laundry room, screen porch, deck, workshop, and a new driveway with an electric gate.  Several aspects of their experience come up through the course of this conversation, ranging from how neighbors felt about the construction work happening in the neighborhood to finding inspiration for design features.  Their experience is valuable and perspective worth hearing.  So let's get to it! Are you ready to start the renovation conversation and want an opportunity to speak with references?  Contact our team at  864.506.5546.  A Project Guide can connect you to other clients with firsthand experience of our Guide-Design-Build process.

You’ve heard the stories before.  Client goes to a custom builder with a big dream.  Builder says no problem and off they go building, when seemingly out of the blue MAJOR problems arise.  Questions and fear multiply.  Will my project ever be complete?  How much added cost?  And ultimately is this going to get worse than I can imagine?  A ton of money, time and yes someone's very home is at stake. On this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! Hailey Evans shares how she worked hard to keep her custom home from turning into a contractor horror story.  She and her builder (which was not Daniel Builders) thought they had a good idea how everything would go, but a few months into build process expectations had radically changed, and not for the better. Issues surrounding COVID only added to the difficulties.  Being a “can-do” person, Hailey rolled up her sleeves and became the self-appointed project manager for her custom home.  Pretty remarkable considering she had zero experience as a builder! As she articulates, the learning process was extremely challenging, but also very rewarding.  Hailey was determined her custom home story would have happy ending.  Fortunately, the ending was happy in more ways than one.  Are you wanting to steer clear of a renovation horror story?  Tell us about your renovation aspirations at danielbuilders.com.  A Project Guide will contact you and begin moving your ideas forward.