Dale Koontz Builder News & Notes
Something New? Not entirely...
Cool new stuff? Everyone likes to talk about their new car, new electronic gadget or other new toy. We in the building business are no different.
As a custom home builder in the Quincy, IL area we enjoy the opportunity to be the first in our area to use some of the newest tools and products in the beautiful custom homes and remodeling projects that we do.
In the past year or so, we have been the first in Adams County to build a home using a pre-cast insulated foundation wall system. Tim Koontz has become the county’s first Certified Green Builder. We have begun the area’s first “LEED for Homes” certified custom home project.
While some of these things have a “golly-gee-whiz-bang” cool factor, we are reminded that our business is still about understanding what our clients want, and meeting their expectations with our products at a price that fits their budget.
At the end of the day, our company is still about building relationships, as much as it is about buildings. Since 1973 we have been striving to meet the needs of Quincy homeowners with integrity, professionalism and a quality product. And no matter how many houses we build or remodeling projects we complete, we understand that those timeless values are what is really worth being excited about.
We will continue to keep up with building trends, and the latest, greatest tools and techniques. Know this though: our customers trust us, not because of the newest gadgets, but because we share their time-honored values.
Thanks for reading.
February 19, 2012
Open House at 3311 Lantern Lane
Dale Koontz - Builder, Inc. will be officially holding its first "Open House" at its newest home in the Cambridge subdivison.
The 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is at 3311 Lantern Lane and will be open for tours from 1-3pm on Sunday afternoon, January 29.
This energy efficient home has a large, open floor plan with generous kitchen/dining/living space. Hardwood floors are featured in the entry, kitchen and dining area; ceramic tile covers the bathroom and laundry floors. The master suite boasts a very nice walk in closet, and the master bath has a soaking tub, plus shower and dual vanities.
Outside there is a terrific covered rear porch, and a welcoming covered front porch. The landscaping is in - this home is dressed up and ready to go!
List price for the home is $269,500. If you can't make the open house, please contact Tim Koontz at (217) 242-1081 or tim@koontzbuilder.com
January 26, 2012
Sure, we do that!
We were in a conversation recently with some people who were interested in making a modest improvement to their basement space. They had in mind to upgrade a few cosmetic features, and maybe to add a simple "bar" area with cabinets, sink and refrigerator. It came up during the meeting that the Koontz Builder team may not be the right company to do this work, because the projects we work on are "always 'over the top' kind of deals". Of course, it came as a shock to us that this particular client thought that we wouldn't or couldn't do a simple project like the one they had in mind. But it also made us think about how we are seen in our community...
"They are the BEST" We work very hard to do our best work every day, on every job. And we have been blessed to build some fantastic houses, and to receive many wonderful words of appreciation from our customers. Seemingly, though, this has left some potential clients feeling like we will only work on "champagne" projects - and that we wouldn't want the
"beer budget" job that they are considering. Nothing could be further from the truth!
"A Busy Crew is a Happy Crew" One of the things we have prided ourselves on through the years is the ability to employ our team full time, all year long. In order to keep everyone busy 52 weeks each year, we not only would like to have small jobs - we rely on them to meet this very important company goal. Whenever a friend or past client asks if we can do a little painting, or fix up an old worn-out bathroom we try to say YES as often as possible. Size and budget for the project are not reasons for us to refuse to consider a job.
"Loyalty is a 2-way Street" Once we have done work for someone, we feel a certain level of responsibility to them. They become Our Client; and we like to take care of any building or contracting needs that "Our Clients" have. Of course, for many happy customers that we have made over the years, we have become "Their Builder". This reciprocal relationship is important to us. We seek to nurture it, and it is another reason that we work on projects of all sizes. We will always strive to take care of those who have previously given us their trust.
Sometimes the first project we do for someone is a big project. Other times our first get-together is something smaller. No matter what we do for our friends and customers, we will always do our best with it...no matter the budget!
Thanks for reading - and don't hesitate to call.
January 8, 2012
"...a Legend around here!"
As I was leaving a local hardware store late in the day recently, I had a man in the parking lot notice my "Dale Koontz Builder" logo shirt. We hadn't made eye contact, but he felt compelled to holler out at me, "Hey, I just bought a Dale Koontz Builder house!" I turned around to see who it was and, not recognizing the man, I asked him where he bought this house. He gave me the name of a subdivision that our company developed in the early and mid-90's.
Then he said to me to me, "Yeah, that guy's a LEGEND around here!!" He went on to share how he was getting positive feedback from everyone he knew about his purchase of this home. Friends, relatives and his new neighbors were apparently singing the praises of Dale Koontz and his houses; and it left a big impression on this guy.
He made that comment about Dale being a "legend" with such enthusiasm that it just really tickled me. It was a real blessing to have a person that I've never met share with me the positive vibe about our company and about our founder, my dad. It makes me think also about all of the guys on our crew and the many subcontractor partners we work with - those names don't mean anything to this new homeowner, but those people that labored on that house (and every Dale Koontz Builder house since) are the people who have helped build and protect our company's reputation over all these years.
So, to all of you who know Dale, don't be afraid to let him know that he's now recognized as a "legend" in this area. To all our Koontz team members: thanks for all your work during the years that have left our customers and those that come behind them with such a great feeling. And to that guy in the parking lot - thanks for the enthusiastic words of support... it means more than you may ever know!
Thanks for reading,
Scott Koontz
December 2, 2011
New Project Underway!
Quincy, IL home builder Dale Koontz Builder has begun construction on its newest home in the Cambridge subdivision at 3311 Lantern Lane.
In response to the success of the NAHB Certified Green Built home in the Tuscany development, the Koontz team is now bringing a new, energy efficient home to the Cambridge subdivision. This home is slated to be an Energy Star qualified home - one that will save the prospective homeowner 30% or more in energy costs to operate compared to a standard, built-to-code home.
The new home on Lantern Lane will have 1972 square feet of finished space on the main level. There will be 3 bedrooms with 2 and 1/2 baths; the master bedroom will feature a trey ceiling and a spacious walk in closet. The open floor plan calls for a kitchen/dining/living area with fireplace and terrific back porch accessible from this space with a sliding door. The basement is generously sized and would be well suited for finishing at a later date. This home features a 2 car garage.
The exterior of the home will be covered with a combination of brick and vinyl siding; inside the new owners will discover ceramic tile floors in the baths and laundry, with warm wood flooring in the kitchen, dining area and entry.
The list price for this beautiful and efficient new home is $269,500. To arrange an appointment to see this home, please contact Tim Koontz at (217) 242-1081, or email us at tim@koontzbuilder.com
November 3, 2011
Paul Tieman celebrates 35th anniversary with DKB!
In the fall of 1976, Paul Tieman decided that maybe he
should try getting a job with the small Quincy, IL contractor that had hired
his brother a few years before…
35 years later Paul is still hard at work for that same
contractor!
Dale Koontz Builder is proud to recognize Paul as he
celebrates his 35th service anniversary. “Nobody works harder, day in and day out,
than Paul does” says Scott Koontz, one of the company owners. Tieman has developed a variety of skills over
the years – doing framing work, being trained as a lift operator and backhoe
operator and installing hardwood flooring.
Paul’s claim to fame, though, is in the area of
concrete. Over the years Paul has
formed, graded, poured and finished thousands of yards of concrete. From driveways to patios to basement floors,
Paul has seen and dealt with most every issue that could face a concrete
contractor. Tim Koontz says, “We are blessed as a company to have a person like
Paul – with the experience and dedication he brings to the job, we know every
driveway or sidewalk will be done as well as it can be”.
Dale Koontz Builder congratulates Paul Tieman on 35th
years of service!
October 11, 2011
Koontz's attend Fall Meeting of Association
The Professional Builders Alliance recently held its 2011 Fall
meeting in Vancouver, Canada. Quincy,
IL custom home builder Dale Koontz – Builder was represented at this meeting by
Timothy Koontz, company President, and Scott Koontz, Treasurer and Secretary.
The group toured homes in the Vancouver area built by award
winning builder, G.D. Nielsen, and also reviewed a presentation by Luke
Howard of Washington State University’s Extension Energy Program. Builders were educated on energy efficiency,
energy conservation and indoor air quality in the construction of new homes.
“It’s always great to spend some time hearing about the ‘latest
and greatest’ in the business” says Scott.
The Professional Builders Alliance is part of the National
Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the NAHB’s 20 Club program. The PBA meets twice annually to educate their members on building practices and products and to discuss optimal business practices for custom home builders.
September 16, 2011
Another first for Koontz Builder team
Earlier in this space, we were excited to share with our friends that Tim Koontz had earned the Certified Green Professional (CGP)designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In doing so, he was the first CGP in Adams county.
The trend continues with the Koontz team leading the way in its market in regard to green building...We have just received notice that our new home at 1427 Tuscany Drive has been given the designation of "Green Certified Home" from the NAHB Research Center. This is the first Green Certified Home built by anyone in Adams county!
Through this national program the NAHB Research Center is providing objective, third party assessment, verification and certification for builders and homebuyers for the environmentally-sensitive products they build. According to the NAHB Research Center, consumers will see the following benefits from owning a Green Certified Home:
NAHB Research Center Green Certified Homes:
Are ENERGY EFFICIENT Heating/cooling systems, insulation, and appliances designed for efficiency and comfort
Are WATER EFFICIENT Designed to use less water inside and out
Are RESOURCE EFFICIENT Designed to reduce construction waste and optimize the use of natural resources
Have IMPROVED INDOOR AIR QUALITY Interior materials selected and installed to minimize indoor air pollutants
Have IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE Site design and development practices help reduce environmental impact
Dale Koontz Builder is committed to being a leader in our market in products and education - and our efforts in the area of Green building are a reflection of that commitment. If you have questions about energy efficiency and environmental performance in building, please contact us at (217) 242-1081 or tim@koontzbuilder.com
August 19, 2011
Open House!
On Sunday, August 7, the team from Dale Koontz Builder will host an open house at 1427 Tuscany Drive, the company's newest home for sale in the Tuscany subdivision in Quincy, IL. The open house will run from 1pm to 3pm.
This will be the community's chance to get an up-close look at the area's first "Superior Wall" foundation system - and to see the other features built into the Koontz's newest home for sale. "We are excited to be hosting the open house" says Tim Koontz, company President, "we really think the floor plan and features of this home will be well received in our market."
The 2293 square foot ranch features 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. The master suite has a walk in shower with tiled walls and Onyx base, as well as a generously sized master closet. The kitchen boasts granite counter tops and an open layout to a hearth area and dining area.
The lower level of the home features 1251 square feet of finished space - which includes a bedroom and bathroom, plus 2 very large family living spaces. This still allows for ample storage in the unfinished part of the lower level; this storage can be accessed directly from the garage by a separate staircase going from the garage to the lower level.
The exterior of 1427 Tuscany features a very durable James Hardie siding, combined with stone on some feature walls and accented with real wood shutters on the front of the home.
We hope that many of our friends and customers will join us at this event!
August 2, 2011
The Great Quincy Storm
If you live in the Quincy area you know all about the massive windstorm that knocked down hundreds of trees and caused power outages for tens of thousands of Adams county residents. This has certainly been the talk of the town - and coupled with the 22" one-day snow that we had in February, it has been the 2nd "once in a lifetime" weather event to hit our town in less than 6 months.
After tree trimming businesses, I imagine that contractors are getting as many phone calls as any other kind of business... we certainly are having the phone ring here. Many of our past customers need a little help to clean up a tree or replace a damaged gutter or soffit. Some people had damage to homes from falling trees or flying debris, and some found that there was water infiltrating their house in a way that never happened before under "regular" conditions.
As always we are trying to reach people as quickly as we can with help to repair their homes, while we continue work on all the projects that were underway at the time of the storm. We have already made a few new friends in these difficult times, as we work to help them put their homes back together, too. We hope that all our readers are safe and sound and ready to enjoy the celebration of our nation's independence.
Make it a great long weekend!
July 1, 2011
Summer time and the livin' is....
Summer time and the livin' is....HECTIC!
One of the most common questions we get asked at the store, out for dinner or after church is: How's business? Everyone who reads the papers knows that the building business has gotten a ton of bad news in the last few years. Those people that we are in contact with are often interested in how this national news is playing out in the Quincy, IL market.
What we see: For us the answer to the question is that the market has changed the opportunities available. There are not as many new homes being built in Quincy, and that goes for Dale Koontz Builder as well as most local builders. Even though our current project is coming along nicely in the Tuscany subdivision, and later this year we will likely be breaking ground on a home in the Cambridge development, we are not as active in the new home market as we were 3 or 4 years ago.
Instead of multiple opportunities for new homes to be built, today's consumer seems to be more willing to spend money to update their existing home. Many people are contacting us to add porches, remodel kitchens and baths or otherwise update their existing living areas. This change in the market has us changing, too. Instead of having all our staff at 1 or 2 jobs, we find ourselves working at 3 or 4 or 5 different places in a day. It just means a bit more planning and a little more running to keep all those jobs moving along!
So that's why we say that this summer the livin' is HECTIC! We are very grateful to those people who have put their trust in us for their projects. It is especially gratifying that many of our current "remodel" customers are people for whom we built a house. It's nice to know that we are getting invited back.
Hope everyone has a great start to their summer. Until next time...
June 16, 2011
Update on 1427 Tuscany Drive
As the Memorial Day weekend passes and summer gets under way, the team at Dale Koontz Builder continues to make progress on the newest home in the Tuscany subdivision. Crews have finished all the framing and mechanical rough-in work as well as the extensive insulation package. Drywall contractors are now hanging and finishing the drywall panels in preparation for the balance of the finish work.
The design team has made selections for cabinetry with rich wood tones complimented with quartz countertops; tile and hardwood floors have been selected and the classic 2-panel painted doors are being pre-finished at our paint shop. Everything is coming together for what will be a beautiful new home on Quincy's southeast side!
We will soon be announcing our first open house, which will be held later this summer. If you can't wait to see this new home, give us a call and we will arrange a tour at your convenience. We hope that your summer will be a great one!
May 31, 2011
Spotlight on our team: Chris Cornwell
Chris Cornwell recently passed his 5 year anniversary with
Dale Koontz Builder. Chris has been a
valuable member of the Koontz team, helping especially in the area of framing,
concrete and demolition on remodel projects.
Chris joined our team after a stint at a local home store
where he did deliveries. Having been
around equipment and working on farms, Chris was right at home working with our
dump truck, lift trucks and backhoe.
Chris’s easygoing attitude and willingness to learn new things have made
him a welcome addition to the crew.
Outside of work Chris is very involved in the local Quincy
music scene. He is part of several local
bands, runs sound for shows as needed and plays a role in providing music for
his church, too! Chris and his wife
Jessica recently purchased their own home and they continue to fix it up –
using the skills Chris has learned at Dale Koontz Builder, and getting a little
help from his coworkers along the way.
We congratulate Chris on passing his 5 year service
anniversary with the Koontz crew – we look forward to many more years working
with Chris.
May 15, 2011
What kind of company?
When we go to trade shows or meet people for the first time, a common question we get is: “What kind of company do you run?”. The answer that the questioner is looking for is “Custom Home Builder in Quincy” or “Remodeler in Adams County” or “General Contractor”. They tend to think of the product that we produce as being the same thing as the kind of company we run.
To us, the answer to the question of “What kind of company do you run?” comes from an entirely different angle.
We run a company that answers phone calls and returns messages.
We run a company that tells you when to expect us; then we show up when we said that we would.
We run a company that puts things in writing for the sake of clarification and documentation, but we also still believe that a person’s word stands for something - because we stand behind our word.
We run a company that will spend extra time on a project to make sure it’s done correctly.
We run a company that takes care of its employees.
We run a company that supports local churches and schools.
We run a company that keeps learning and keeps improving its product and process - because that’s a job that never ends.
If you have met our company before, we hope that you will agree that this IS the kind of company that we run. If you have never met our company before and you need a new home, a new kitchen or bath - or any other work done...well, we have to ask: “What kind of company are you looking for?”
April 30, 2011
Professional Builders Alliance meets in Quincy, IL
The Professional Builders Alliance will hold its semi-annual meeting in Quincy, IL during the second week of April.
Members of this group are all home builders with membership in the National Association of Homebuilders (www.nahb.org) who meet to compare notes on the building business and critique the operations of participating members of the Alliance.
Dale Koontz Builder of Quincy will host members from cities such as Washington DC, Grand Rapids, State College and Albuquerque. Visiting builders will discuss current local and national conditions in the building business and share best practices learned during the recent economic downturn. Hosts Tim and Scott Koontz will take their guests on a tour of homes in the Tuscany and Cambridge subdivisions, as well as treating them to a stop in the historic east end district to view a renovation that was completed there.
Wendy Cohen of PowerHouse Advisors will be making a presentation to the group of builders, seeking to assist with strategies to define their companies and communicate with their clients and potential customers. Representatives of Lowe’s, Lutron and Thermador will also be offering their insights to the group - as those companies are official sponsors of the Professional Builders Alliance’s umbrella organization, the Builder 20 Clubs.
April 10, 2011
Groundbreaking held on new project
Dale Koontz Builder is pleased to announce that it has begun construction on its newest home in the Tuscany Fields subdivision at 38th and Harrison Street.
This 2293 square feet home will feature 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths on the main floor, with an additional bedroom, bathroom and bonus rooms in the finished lower level. The home will be an Energy Star home and NAHB Green certified – the first NAHB green certified home in Adams County! This brand new home also features a top quality custom kitchen, walk in Master Bath shower and family friendly open floor plan.
The Koontz team will be using the Superior Wall foundation system for superior energy efficiency in the entire basement . The home will have a beautiful combination of stone and James Hardie siding, for a long-lasting and low maintenance exterior.
Interested parties are invited to contact Tim Koontz at (217) 242-1081 to schedule an appointment to visit the site or review details on this new project.
March 24, 2011
Above Average!
Dale Koontz Builder has been blessed with a solid group of talented people. Reading some local news brought into focus something for me about longevity of our staff:
A recent Quincy Chamber of Commerce survey was given to
attendees at a certain chamber function.
Among those responding it was found that the people there averaged 9
years employment in their current position.
I just ran down our list of staff…if my math is correct our full time
employees have an average of 16 ½ years of service!
We always have considered our guys well above average!
March 17, 2011
38th Anniversary for Dale Koontz Builder!
Dale Koontz Builder celebrates its 38th anniversary on March 1, 2011.
Founder Dale Koontz began his own custom home building company in 1973 with a truck, some tools and his first employee - Dave Tieman. Having had experience as a foreman for several other Quincy area builders, Dale decided that he should strike out on his own.
38 years later Dale still employs Dave Tieman, and Dale's sons Tim and Scott lead a crew that has grown to have 11 full time employees, plus a part time office person. "The houses have changed over the years, and there are always new products and ways of doing things;" shares Dale "but the most important thing is to be willing and able to do what you say you are going to do. Keep your promise to those you work with - customer, subcontractor or supplier"
Koontz has been responsible for numerous Quincy subdivisions and developments, including Wildhorse, Cambridge, Knollwood, Gardendale, apartments at Hickory Pointe and Forestdale, and the new Tuscany Fields subdivision.
February 25, 2011
Hickory Pointe project nears completion
Snow Fun or Snow Problem?
Crews from Dale Koontz Builder and their partner subcontractors continue to move along with work on the 7th and final building at the Hickory Pointe apartment complex at 45th and State in Quincy. Recent snowfall of nearly 20" proved to be only a minor delay to the work that has been going on since the start of the year. When the current 6 unit building is complete, the complex will be home to 46 units - each with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and an attached 1 car garage.
"Our tenants have been very happy with their places" reports Scott Koontz, Managing Member for Koontz Properties and co-owner of Dale Koontz Builder. "They tell us all the time how pleased they are with the utility bills - very reasonable in both winter and summer".
The Koontz Builder crew has been responsible for the construction of 82 rental units that are owned and managed by sister company Koontz Properties. More information is available about rentals at www.koontzproperties.com.
February 11, 2011
Enduring Quality or something else?
The difference a
gallon of paint makes
Every business has water cooler talk, and ours is no
different. Recently a few of the guys
were talking about a practice that some builders have regarding painting their
doors and woodwork. It is not unheard of
for some builders to load up a spray paint rig with flat latex paint and
quickly paint all the doors and woodwork in a house with a coat of “flat” paint
– the same that they are using on their walls and ceilings.
Why is this a topic of conversation? Because it’s not what we do.
Why not? A gallon of
flat paint is relatively inexpensive – maybe $15-20 per gallon. Frankly, the
cost is the reason that some builders use it for so many different surfaces;
there is no cheaper way to finish off your doors and woodwork than the method
described above.
We typically use a high gloss paint that costs almost $50
per gallon. We carefully pre-finish our
doors and millwork off-site, and then apply a final coat of paint by hand to
all woodwork after installation on the job.
Undoubtedly this costs us more money.
So why do we do that?
Because there is a huge difference between initial cost and lifetime
cost. If you only care about getting
the cheapest price for your project, definitely take the lowest initial
cost. However, that flat paint won’t
last very well, or very long. Before you
know it, every handprint and smudge will be all over that door to the bathroom
and that piece of woodwork next to the light switch. You probably will want to repaint those doors
and that woodwork. That may be
time-consuming, disruptive and expensive.
That repainting will need to be done every couple years as long as you
are using the cheapest paint available.
Of course, when you use quality paint, those smudges will
wipe right off. Those doors can shine
brightly for years and years without repainting. No extra time, no disruption, no further
expense.
Dale Koontz Builder believes that looking at your lifetime
costs is the right way to look at it. So
we will keep using that more expensive paint – in the long run it really is a
better VALUE for our customers.
January 31, 2011
Reflections on the Building Industry - IBS 2011
Having just returned from the industry's largest annual trade show, I wanted to share some thoughts about the things that we saw...
Getting Greener - the industry continues to embrace more and more products and processes that promote energy efficiency and sustainability in materials. Many different vendors were touting the benefits of their spray foam insulation and its vast superiority to fiberglass and even cellulose. SIPS panels (Structural Insulated Panels) are available from a number of different sources, and also are promoted for their high energy efficiency and ease of use. Emphasis on renewable materials, recycled materials and efficient use of materials is seen across the show floor. It is apparent that the industry recognizes the value to the consumer of an energy efficient home, built of renewable materials and built to fit the family that will live there.
Generation "Y" in view - several seminar presenters were pushing builders to prepare for the next generation of buyers: Generation Y, also called the Millenials. In terms of pure numbers, Gen Y will be bigger than the renowned Baby Boom generation. Builders are happy to hear that there is a large pool of potential homeowners on the way. However, builders are being cautioned to understand what this new generation of buyers will want - probably less square footage in their homes, but with nicer finishes throughout. Millenial buyers also seem to value flexibility in their floorplans... leading builders to re-examine old plans to see if they still "fit" with these upcoming buyers.
Is this the bottom of the market? - The burst of the housing bubble was well documented; the numbers of show attendees and vendor exhibitors at the show is almost 50% of what it was 3-4 years ago. So what happens now? There are threads of optimism running throughout the industry. Some people think that the pent up demand of the last few years will finally lead to some activity in housing starts. Interest rates remain low and industry figures show that we are not currently building enough houses to satisfy the needs of new households being formed. Those builders who have weathered the storms of the last few years are positioning themselves to meet the needs of homeowners in 2011.
Everybody at Dale Koontz Builder is poised for a good year. Stay tuned....
January 19, 2011
2011 International Builders Show
The staff of Dale Koontz Builder will be taking a trip to
Orlando, FL for the upcoming 2011 International Builders’ Show. This show is the largest trade show of the
year for builders to meet suppliers and check out products that are new to the
market. In addition to the many vendors,
builders can take advantage of informational seminars and other peer networking
opportunities.
The “Koontz Crew” will be visiting Orlando not only for the
IBS show, but also in order to enjoy the Florida sunshine and see a few of the
Disney sights, too. Previously the Dale
Koontz Builder team visited IBS in Las Vegas – a trip that was also enjoyed by
all the team members.
“This is a reward for our guys, and it also is a great way
for them to find new tools or learn new tricks of the trade from people in the industry,”
says Scott Koontz. Tim Koontz describes
the upcoming trip as a terrific “team-building experience” that he is looking
forward to.
December 31, 2010
Thoughts on Home Appraisals
There has been a lot of chatter in
the news lately regarding home appraisals. In many areas of the country,
the appraised value of homes has dropped significantly.
This drop is due in large part to
the number of foreclosed properties that have sold at very depressed
prices. These new “comparables” have a significant impact on other
similar properties. In the Quincy
area, we have been fortunate to avoid many of the big swings (up or down) in
the appraised value of homes.
However, we do struggle with the limited
number of comparables available, especially in the market above
$400,000. When a property sells at a significant discount, whether
due to a corporate move or a foreclosure sale, that single comparable can have
a large impact on other similar valued homes. This “comparable” has an
impact on those selling a home, but also on those building a home.
Banks
have become more discriminating with their lending, often loaning 10-20% less
than the full appraised value of a property. If the home an
individual is about to buy or build is undervalued through the appraisal
process, the amount of cash needed to make the deal happen can be
significant. Again, the Quincy
market has been fortunate, and currently there are some good comparables for
higher valued properties. Right now might be a great time to move forward
with a project you have been considering, especially in view of the record low
interest rates available. Understanding the role that your banker plays, and how appraisals and comparable sales factor in can prepare you to make the most of this process.
December 7, 2010
2nd video released
In this video, brothers and 2nd generation builders Tim and Scott Koontz discuss the process of working with homeowners to bring a vision to reality. Dale Koontz Builder's goal is to listen to their clients and learn about what's important to them. Merging the client's dreams with the Koontz's experience is the beginning of the process. Tim and Scott also discuss in the video some of the milestones along the way and the excitement that comes with a new project.
November 22, 2010
20th Service Anniversary
Quincy, IL custom home builder and remodeler Dale Koontz Builder is pleased to announce that Roger Baker has recently completed his 20th year of service with the company. Baker, of Quincy, works as a framing carpenter and heavy equipment operator.
"Roger is a tremendous asset to our team," says Tim Koontz, President; "Our homeowners enjoy working with him on their projects and Roger is an easy guy to be around on the job site for all his fellow employees and our subcontractors"
With Roger's 20th anniversary, the Dale Koontz Builder team now boasts 5 current employees with 20 or more years of service. Scott Koontz notes that "we try hard to be a good place to work; to treat our people fairly and keep them working year-round...the fact that we now have 5 people who have stuck with us for more than 20 years is a testament to the working environment we have"
November 15, 2010
Builder Meeting
The Professional Builders Alliance (PBA)recently held their Fall 2010 meeting in Grand Rapids, MI. Tim and Scott Koontz of Dale Koontz Builder attended the 3 day conference of some of the country's top custom builders.
Members of the group were treated to presentations by nationally known architect Wayne Visbeen and also from Meredith Communication's Meredith Oliver. (www.creatingwow.com)
"It's always beneficial to step back from the day to day operation of our business and take time to learn about the newest trends in building," shared Tim Koontz, President. The PBA meets twice annually at different locations around the country - affording members of the group the opportunity to see different products and learning about the industry's best practices and trends.
October 29, 2010
New Video Released
Recently Tim and Scott Koontz sat down to share some of their thoughts and feelings about their company, their staff and the building business in general. The goal of these sessions was to produce video vignettes that will help tell the story of this company to people who don't yet know about Dale Koontz Builder. In this first video release, the brothers discuss the beginnings of the company and the ongoing value of the "Koontz" brand in today's market.
October 20, 2010
Longevity. Consistency. Experience
Longevity.
Experience. Consistency. Or,
“How a 37 year old company still employs a carpenter that started with
it on day 1.”
On the Dale Koontz Builder team we are proud to say that we
have 6 people working for us that have 15 or more years of service with our
company. We think it says something
about our company, and about the
kind of people that work for us. We
think it shows that we value our employees and that they feel valued by their
employer – a cycle of mutual benefit.
What do we offer our staff that entices them to stay? We offer a competitive wage and top-notch
benefits including paid vacation, company health insurance and a 401K
plan. Perhaps more importantly, though,
we offer our employees the chance to work for 52 weeks each year. This is not a given in the construction
industry – but at Dale Koontz Builder we make every effort to keep all of our
staff busy all year round.
In the company’s history we have not ever had to lay off
staff due to lack of work.
The kind of people that are working for us are honest,
hardworking people. The kind of guys
that pride themselves in putting in serious effort. Day after day. Year after year. Their commitment to consistent effort and
continuous improvement compels us to keep rewarding them.
And the cycle continues.
October 11, 2010
Dale Koontz Builder announces new partnership with Pella Windows and Doors
We are pleased to announce that Dale Koontz Builder has officially become a “Pella Certified Contractor”. For many years our company has installed Pella windows in our custom homes and additions. We have also worked with numerous homeowners to install Pella replacement windows in homes in the Quincy area.
Today we are formalizing what has already been a healthy long-term relationship. Pella will be providing our crews with the most current training in products and services and Dale Koontz Builder has committed to continue using the best practices in installation and finish – as well as continuing to offer top notch customer service to all our clients.
Great companies with quality products installed by skilled craftsmen…more of what you expect from Pella and Dale Koontz Builder!
September 27, 2010
Web updates and new features at koontzbuilder.com
We are excited to make out initial post to our new "News and Notes" blog at koontzbuilder.com. Our new feature will allow us to update the website with fresh pictures, articles and information about our company and the home building industry in general. We will also update our Facebook friends each time that we post new material.
Our thanks to John and Kia at pyrographics.com for their help with the web site updates!
Our other big news of the day: "world premiere" video will be coming out soon!! Susan and the talented staff at Media Development have helped us to put together some video pieces to share some of our thoughts. We will be releasing the first video soon. We look forward to hearing from you when you see it.
Stay in touch and make it a great week.
September 14, 2010
As a custom home builder in the Quincy, IL area we enjoy the opportunity to be the first in our area to use some of the newest tools and products in the beautiful custom homes and remodeling projects that we do.
In the past year or so, we have been the first in Adams County to build a home using a pre-cast insulated foundation wall system. Tim Koontz has become the county’s first Certified Green Builder. We have begun the area’s first “LEED for Homes” certified custom home project.
While some of these things have a “golly-gee-whiz-bang” cool factor, we are reminded that our business is still about understanding what our clients want, and meeting their expectations with our products at a price that fits their budget.
At the end of the day, our company is still about building relationships, as much as it is about buildings. Since 1973 we have been striving to meet the needs of Quincy homeowners with integrity, professionalism and a quality product. And no matter how many houses we build or remodeling projects we complete, we understand that those timeless values are what is really worth being excited about.
We will continue to keep up with building trends, and the latest, greatest tools and techniques. Know this though: our customers trust us, not because of the newest gadgets, but because we share their time-honored values.
Thanks for reading.
"beer budget" job that they are considering. Nothing could be further from the truth!
To us, the answer to the question of “What kind of company do you run?” comes from an entirely different angle.
We run a company that answers phone calls and returns messages.
We run a company that tells you when to expect us; then we show up when we said that we would.
We run a company that puts things in writing for the sake of clarification and documentation, but we also still believe that a person’s word stands for something - because we stand behind our word.
We run a company that will spend extra time on a project to make sure it’s done correctly.
We run a company that takes care of its employees.
We run a company that supports local churches and schools.
We run a company that keeps learning and keeps improving its product and process - because that’s a job that never ends.
If you have met our company before, we hope that you will agree that this IS the kind of company that we run. If you have never met our company before and you need a new home, a new kitchen or bath - or any other work done...well, we have to ask: “What kind of company are you looking for?”
Members of this group are all home builders with membership in the National Association of Homebuilders (www.nahb.org) who meet to compare notes on the building business and critique the operations of participating members of the Alliance.
Dale Koontz Builder of Quincy will host members from cities such as Washington DC, Grand Rapids, State College and Albuquerque. Visiting builders will discuss current local and national conditions in the building business and share best practices learned during the recent economic downturn. Hosts Tim and Scott Koontz will take their guests on a tour of homes in the Tuscany and Cambridge subdivisions, as well as treating them to a stop in the historic east end district to view a renovation that was completed there.
Wendy Cohen of PowerHouse Advisors will be making a presentation to the group of builders, seeking to assist with strategies to define their companies and communicate with their clients and potential customers. Representatives of Lowe’s, Lutron and Thermador will also be offering their insights to the group - as those companies are official sponsors of the Professional Builders Alliance’s umbrella organization, the Builder 20 Clubs.
We are pleased to announce that Dale Koontz Builder has officially become a “Pella Certified Contractor”. For many years our company has installed Pella windows in our custom homes and additions. We have also worked with numerous homeowners to install Pella replacement windows in homes in the Quincy area.
Today we are formalizing what has already been a healthy long-term relationship. Pella will be providing our crews with the most current training in products and services and Dale Koontz Builder has committed to continue using the best practices in installation and finish – as well as continuing to offer top notch customer service to all our clients.
Great companies with quality products installed by skilled craftsmen…more of what you expect from Pella and Dale Koontz Builder!
We are excited to make out initial post to our new "News and Notes" blog at koontzbuilder.com. Our new feature will allow us to update the website with fresh pictures, articles and information about our company and the home building industry in general. We will also update our Facebook friends each time that we post new material.
Our thanks to John and Kia at pyrographics.com for their help with the web site updates!
Our other big news of the day: "world premiere" video will be coming out soon!! Susan and the talented staff at Media Development have helped us to put together some video pieces to share some of our thoughts. We will be releasing the first video soon. We look forward to hearing from you when you see it.
Stay in touch and make it a great week.
