Hi everyone! We are well underway in our second week of July and officially more than half way through 2013! It’s crazy to think how fast this year has flown by. In January we started a new initiative where we interviewed one Designer for a whole month. This new idea was brought to life so we could conquer two things: one is to allow the general public gets to know our staff a little better and the other reason is to provide a more personal insight on various topics within the industry. This month we have decided to expand this idea to include not just our Designers, but also our Project Managers, Field Guys, and Office Team. Hopefully with such a broad scope of input you will get the most information in one place.
So without further ado, let us introduce one of our Project Managers… Bill Braniff!
Bill brings to Castle over 15 years of experience in the construction industry as a framing carpenter, lead remodeling carpenter, and in various roles of construction management.
Bill, why don’t you tell us a little more about yourself?
B: I’ve worked for Castle for about eight years now, first as a carpenter, and then as a project manager. My kids keep me busy with all of their activities and surprises, as does my 1940’s south Minneapolis home. Backpacking and woodworking are interests of mine, so it only seems natural that an upcoming project be building a woodstrip canoe.
Why did you get into remodeling, Bill?
B: I spent quite a few years framing new houses in the suburbs, but there’s a maintenance aspect of remodeling older homes in the city that is satisfying.
It seems like your experience and natural talent make you a perfect fit for the job. Can you tell me more about life day-to-day as a Project Manager? How many projects are you currently working on?
B: Currently, I have four projects in production, with two more finishing up, and a handful in warranty or additional scope of work. Many are kitchens, but also a basement and an exterior remodel.
What design type of projects are they? Complete Remodel vs. Makeover?
B: Most of the projects include structural modifications, so we go backwards quite a ways with demo before we start moving forward again.
Those types of projects must take more time versus other more makeover based projects.
B: 8-10 weeks is pretty typical for the current projects. Bigger projects that include adding on to the foundation or a dormer addition will take longer, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
That seems to make sense, the more difficulty a project the more time to plan and execute. When working with a client, no matter the size of the project, what tips do you share with them as they plan their remodeling project?
B: Daily production can seem pretty dramatic some days, and others not so much, so it’s good to keep the big picture in mind, and after project completion, hopefully consider it time and money well-spent, and enjoy the new space.
I love it when my client considers their finished project better than they anticipated. Drawings and samples are one thing, but experiencing all of those elements brought together in their home successfully is satisfying for client and builder alike.
Stay tuned as we talk about budgeting for your remodeling and kitchen and ½ story remodeling trends later this week.
In the meantime if you have a question for our designers, project managers or field guys, email hannah@castlebri.com and she will post the answers on Facebook on Tuesdays!!
