Thom Woglom Construction

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When AARP called...

I talk a lot about living in the moment but planning for the future.  It’s how my wife, Sally and I have raised our kids and it works.  That carries over into the business too except it’s really our customer who gets to live in the moment while we focus on the planning part - and that works too. At Woglom Construction, we ask questions to understand exactly what our customers are dreaming of for their home.  Using all of those details we carefully map out the project, create a design that incorporates years of experience, innovative ideas and up-to-date techniques -- all with an eye towards budgets, schedules, and that customers' very specific dreams. 

But sometimes, an unexpected opportunity presents itself and you just decide to go with the flow. So, when AARP invited me to be a part of their “Home Experts” article, I was happy to accept. They told me they were looking for six ideas/tips that the average consumer wouldn’t know but would benefit by having the insight from an industry pro. After 30 plus years building and renovating homes, that was an easy question to answer -- except that part about only giving them 6 tips! 

The “adventure” for me began with a phone call from the hair and makeup stylist who was assigned to get me ready on photo shoot day. Really? Hair and makeup?  What will my crew think about that? Next there were wardrobe choices to be made. A discussion of which color shirt would complement my features. Sally and my daughters still giggle at the thought of it. (Spoiler alert: a solid dark blue works best for me; apparently, I’m a “winter”). 

On the day of the shoot -- after hair and makeup were done - it was several hours of taking shots of me in my shop. I was asked to strike several poses - cut some wood, measure a doorway; just stand there; wear the toolbelt; go without the toolbelt; etc. Every so often, between the camera flashes, my stylist would come in and fix a stray hair or puff some powder on me. I found the entire process very interesting, I’m just a guy building houses and I felt like a superstar. I was enjoying being out of my comfort zone --- a chance to live in the moment!

At the end of the day, I sat down with the reporter from the AARP Bulletin and shared some insight for consumers who might be hiring someone like me. “Install blinds to lower heating costs”, I said. “Curtains hang away from the wall, and that space between the window and the curtain allows heat loss through the window. Because the blinds are right up against the window, the blinds keep the heat inside.” I’ve spent my life improving homes with low efficiency. I understand the frustration at seeing a high utility bill, and I've got some tricks up my sleeve that I always include in my builds that make a home cost-efficient. Another tip I shared: attic hatches with drop-down stairs are likely not insulated. That’s a major heat loss! I always add a lightweight movable insulated box over the opening, this keeps the heat in the house and the money in the homeowner’s pocket.

At Woglom Construction, we build homes to support the whole family for their whole lives. So, I recommended raising the height of both outlets and toilets. “Electrical outlets are typically about 16 inches from the floor. If you are remodeling, have the outlets set at 24 inches. They’ll be more convenient when you’re forty and still easy to reach when you are seventy.” What about a taller toilet? The extra height is easier on the knees! And a comfort height toilet is the same price as a standard size toilet. 

You’ll have to read the article for the rest of my ideas (and you might learn a thing or two from the other professionals they asked to participate). In the meantime, here’s the shot that will always make my wife laugh. 

Suffice it to say, I was honored to be included in this piece, I had some fun having a stylist for a day, and it was an interesting turn of events for me to be the one who was going with the flow and living in the moment. I encourage you to switch to your opposite mode every now and again; who knows you might discover that you too are a “winter!”

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Live in the moment

A lifestyle change begins with a vision and a single step ~Jeff Calloway

Throughout my 30 plus years in this business, I’ve made it a priority to understand all aspects of the project.  I work with my clients from the design phase, through the approvals with the various officials, I am usually the person who deals with the building inspector and I am always the one who schedules the various trades on a project. But my biggest responsibility, the one I regularly remind my team about, is making sure we create the least disruption as possible as we proceed through the job.  

Whether it’s your home, your office, or – our most recent renovation – your church, we understand that change can be unsettling.  Watching the demolition of the walls in a place you’ve called home can be disconcerting.

But before a hammer hits a nail on a Woglom undertaking, you can be sure I’ve spent time getting to know the intricacies of the design, the existing conditions, the specific tools and the most cost-effective supplies that will be needed. But that’s what would be expected of anyone in my field.  The difference between Woglom Construction and all of the others is that we’ve also spent that pre-construction time getting to know you, understanding your reasons for the renovation, mindful of your budget restrictions and managing your expectations. 

So, our goal is that by the time the equipment arrives and the tools are in the hands of our team, we have instilled your confidence in our high standards because we feel certain that that will help you embrace the process. Our team understands that your home, office or place of worship is your sanctuary and is undergoing a major transformation. Your haven is an extension of who you are and who you are becoming. Throughout this evolution our time is yours.

There’s a place for everything

Building onto an established structure is challenging. The objective is to blend the existing elements with the new and ensure that they continue to be as functional as possible. Because our team operates with highest integrity, we go the extra mile. Nothing is left to chance. Whether the reputation of our subcontractors, the quality of our equipment and tools or the prepping and moving of your most precious possessions - -we take care of you as if you were family. We keep you notified of schedules to lessen frustration and assist in the coordinating and planning of scheduling your everyday life, helping to soothe the disruption.

Nothing is left to chance. Whether the reputation of our subcontractors, the quality of our equipment and tools or the prepping and moving of your most precious possessions -- we take care of you like we would our own family

Honor the space between no longer and not yet

~Nancy Levin

If allowed, the transition will naturally evolve. As one of my clients recently wrote: “You remember how I insisted that we not lose any counter space, or storage space in the new layout? Well, not only did we not lose space, but your design team created more space, more areas where we can prep, and gave us more storage space than we had before. In other words, the old layout underutilized the space, and TWC’S team maximized it…Thank you for all you have done, and especially your efforts to make us as comfortable as humanly possible throughout the process. You promised on that, Thom, and you delivered. We appreciate it.”

A final thought from Socrates: “The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

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Getting Back to Basics

My last few blogs laid the groundwork for efficiently utilizing alternative energies and creating home and landscape design that meld with ecosystems. But let’s step back for a bit; let’s talk about getting back to basics…the simple, practical, consistent steps in renovating or building your new home. It’s not only about skill and product choice, it’s also about integrity. 

Ours is a family business and I’ve found that what works in my family carries over really nicely to my business. My wife, Sally and I raised our children using basic building blocks – eat well, sleep well, treat others with respect, and follow through on that which has been asked of you.  We instilled in them the importance of morals and honest employment, and embracing the discipline of hard work. Of course, we’ve also encouraged them to have some fun along the way. Thom Woglom Construction utilizes the same code of excellence: nothing worth having comes easily. 

Strategic planning

My favorite client plans for a project. If the market doesn’t offer you the opportunity to sell right now, maybe you are getting ready for when the market is right. You might be interested in adding extra living space.  Do you need to make room for elder family members or younger ones who are coming home after college? Or, are you looking to build your dream home?

All of these projects can be successful if, together, we have a solid plan in place. At the beginning, it’s about communication, scheduling, and planning. There will be lots of talk later about the professionals that will be hired, the products that will work best, the applications and approvals that are needed, ordering supplies and dealing with any weather surprises. Even after the last nail is in place and the walls are painted, we’ll recommend a tailored maintenance plan because this is a priority too.   

An Envelope Design

Our success is a combination of years of studying and understanding building science.  We take the time and energy for plotting the building envelope – the combination of design and engineering that allows for outside elements, foundation and the exterior shell working together to create an interior that is a comfortable and affordable place to live – for a long time.

Over the years, we’ve learned about products that we know work well. We choose the ones that fit in your ‘envelope’.  Our selection process looks to length of service and durability but we also want the manufacturer who has been open to questions and challenges.  Trust me – we’ve put them through the gauntlet!  We don’t choose what’s on sale or what’s cheapest – although we often benefit from better pricing (and we pass that along to our customer) – for us it’s about choosing the product that works for your project. Our confidence is built by the warranties that are offered as well.  And you can be sure that we’ve learned about the product, we know how to install it, and we will be back when/if there’s a need for a repair and can take advantage of that warranty.

Professional Integrity

I’ve also dedicated a lot of energy over the years getting to know the professionals in my industry.  Just as I’ve researched a variety of products that I know will work well for your project, I’ve also built a rapport with contractors who I will bring to the party.  As your general contractor, my job is multi-faceted. Apart from keeping to the budget, time schedule and intricacies of the job, I need to make sure it all gets done well.  The professionals I hire have been vetted for their commitment to those same goals.  I don’t work well with folks who don’t have the same integrity as me.

Ovid Serrano of Serrano Roofing is one of those professionals…he’s going to be the topic of my next blog.  I look forward to sharing his experiences and wisdom with you.  Once you’ve read it, you’ll understand why we work together so well.

For now, I’ll sign off with some food for thought…

It's important to keep your largest asset in good shape. I agree whole-heartedly with the "back to basics" approach and as William F. Buckley said: “The more complicated and powerful the job, the more rudimentary the preparation for it.”

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Build Your Forever Home

As an environmental advocate and home designer, I am inherently passionate about both. Creating home and landscape design that meld with ecosystems is priority. My team and I plan each construction project with a resolve to maintain a cooperative balance with the environment. We integrate building design into the natural surroundings, utilizing green technology and complementing architectural elements. We work to eliminate pollutants and to add as many self-sustaining functions as possible, especially in the areas of utilities and landscaping. With vigilance we build the homes of the future with materials from the earth, and materials good for the Earth.

You’ve got to start young

My clients, like all of humanity, are moving through the stages of life. As people grow, develop and mature, my habitats are designed to anticipate and accommodate natural and sometimes unexpected life-changes. I am a universal design artist, meaning, planning homes from “cradle to grave”. I like Fred Astaire's statement: “old age is like everything else, to make a success of it, you’ve got to start young." I encourage my clients to build or remodel their first home like their forever home. What a comfort it has been for many of my customers to age and still be able to efficiently and effectively live in their own home. Not to worry if you’ve missed that step when you bought your first home; there’s no time the like the present to start planning; and hey – youth is in the eye of the beholder!

Replacing the myth of scarcity with a mission of abundance

One of the great concerns in America is to, one day, find yourself without enough. This is the reason that I design homes and remodels on the principle of self-sustaining life. Landscaping and construction include edible plants, water sources, and natural power. I know it almost sounds as futuristic as science fiction, but the technology is now and the cost is reasonable. Thom Woglom Construction is a member of The Certified Green Professional™. As such, we are recognized as industry professionals who incorporate green and sustainable building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction. Together we can, from the ground up, build or remodel, your forever home.

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Net Zero Homes

“The future ain't what it used to be”. Yogi Berra

Have you ever dreamed of a net-zero home? How about never receiving another utility bill or better yet, PROCURING payments and sharing your alternate generated energy with the local power company? It is not a dream, but a practicing reality. It begins with a designer/contractor who has explored the world of alternative energy and green construction techniques. It becomes achievable when single homes or whole communities leave a very small or even a zero carbon footprint on the Earth.

The future is now

Innovative minds have created numerous ways to construct or remodel homes that efficiently utilize alternative energies: solar, wind and water. The entire process is measured with careful analyses and attention to detail. The topography of the land, placement of the building in relationship to the sun and the prevailing wind patterns present a starting point. Then, affordable and durable earth-friendly building materials must be purchased. Through each phase, precise energy demonstration is a must.  As construction continues, proper insulation and sealing become as important as tapping natural sources of energy.

Cost effective

Computer technicians have designed software that allow green-minded contractors to perfect the productivity of each alternative fuel component before it is incorporated into the design, resulting in maximum energy creation with minimal financial expenditure. There are also tax incentives together with savings generated from very low or non-existent utility bills. To ensure the cost of living does not gradually intrude on projected savings, energy monitoring systems can be installed keeping your home on track for years to come.

The technology and construction know-how are right here at Thom Woglom Construction. Your dream of a net-zero home can be realized. Eleanor Roosevelt said it well, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

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Key Considerations to Help Businesses Hire the ‘Right’ Commercial Construction Developer and Design/Builder

In today’s economy, any business or organization looking to start a new commercial construction project faces certain challenges. Choosing the right construction manager and design/builder using criterion based on individualized, industry-specific needs can make the difference between a successful project and a bona fide disaster. With the glut of service providers floundering in this space and willing to cut deals – and corners in kind, it’s imperative to take even a few fundamental considerations into account before signing on the dotted line.

A commercial construction project usually involves one overriding factor above all others: the bottom line.  While certainly a critical factor in the decision making process, budget should not be the only one.  When cost alone is the primary focus of a project, serious repercussions are likely to follow - poor service, time delays, hidden costs, changes orders, and non-existent follow up to name just a few. When vetting construction managers and design/builders, it’s important to consider each and every aspect of the project “life cycle,” from the company’s own vision to the post-project completion period. Here are a few key life cycle-based hiring considerations from Ryan Regina, co-founder of Big Sky Enterprises (www.bigskyllc.com): 

Budget: Understanding precisely how financial limitations will impact the related financing process at large is far easier when partnering with an organization knowledgeable about commercial construction finance and can walk the customer through each and every step. While most developers and design/builders will simply refer their customers to a bank or other lenders for financial advice, its best to seek a higher caliber, full-service firm that provides such financial planning consultation in-house. 

Service Scope:  The construction manager and design/builder industry is fragmented and there is little service standardization.  The majority of companies offer only a portion of services required in the entire project life cycle and do not provide the comprehensive oversight that allows clients to disengage from the construction project and maintain focus on their other business development and growth initiatives.  It’s optimal to retain a construction manager and design/builder with a full solutions, end-to-end project management approach, which offers the benefit of single contact-point project control and accountability.  

Image: If the proposed project is out of reach due to image reasons, a reputable developer and design build organization should be willing and able to help resolve. This may involve the need to table the project for as long as necessary and assist the organization in corrective measures, such as an image change. Presenting lenders with the right image as a borrower can be facilitated by an experienced developer and design/builder that provides financing procurement as a service. Additionally, appearance is everything with local and regional authorities who can also impact a project. To best ensure necessary municipal approvals are granted, hire a developer and design/builder that can position and project your image in a way that’s accurate and a benefit to the community.

Industry Experience:  Whether a medical office, a church, an office park or any type of commercial property, each type of business has specific needs that not all construction managers and design/builders are prepared to meet. It is essential to hire a company with the ability, experience, and expertise necessary to plan and execute the project so that it meets both the vision of the client and realistic financial restraints.  Companies that are suited for a given project will not only have the technical expertise to build a new facility to the desired specifications, but will also have the client’s best interests in mind throughout the entire process.

Development: Many times organizations attempt to serve as project developer only to learn it takes a specialized skill set and years of development experience to do the job effectively. While development is viewed as exciting and challenging, it’s usually underestimated from a time and experience perspective.  When developing in the commercial realm it’s important to hire a firm that has a demonstrated track record of working in partnership with high caliber architects, engineers and subcontractors with synergistic philosophies and culture to deliver a high quality product.

Land/Property Acquisition: The most critical step to a successful land acquisition is a properly structured agreement.  While this may sound elementary, all too often organizations forego consultation and enter into a land agreement that doesn’t provide them the protection they need when faced with unforeseen circumstances. This can include land that ultimately does not meet their needs, more time is required to complete governing approvals or, worse, the project fails all together.  Ensure the construction manager and design/build firm you hire has direct experience formulating land agreement documentation and be sure to cover a variety of “what if” scenarios as the paperwork is being prepared. 

Architecture: The architecture aspect of a project can make or break the budget if clarity is not achieved in the organizational phase.  Problems arise when organizations circumvent organizational and financial assessments and go right to the architect, which can lead to multiple plan changes throughout the design phase or a floor plan that does not meet organizational needs.   A qualified construction manager and design/builder will work very closely with the architect, along with professional subcontractors who will be performing the work, to ensure project parameters are crystal clear and maximize the chance of the project being completed to spec, on time and on budget.

Engineering:  A veteran construction manager and design/builder will partner with an engineering firm based on three criterion: The first is an exceptional relationship with town, borough or city personnel to better ensure required township approvals are secured.  The second is firm size. Usually the bigger the firm, the higher the cost and longer the work turnaround time.  While this isn’t true with all large firms it does happen more often than not.  Third, an engineering firm must have an in-depth understanding of state, county and local agency requirements. A well rounded engineer understands the black, the white and the grey of a projects interpretation.   

Legal: Hiring legal help is very similar to engineering with respect to relationships and understanding requirements of state, county and local agencies, including laws and ordinances. Legal counsel that knows the players within a particular township can make a project much less turbulent. It’s also important that legal representatives have adequate experience in Land Use Law, as the right counsel will know when a governing body is operating outside its jurisdiction. As a course of businesses, a full service construction manager and design/builder will identify and manage such legal aspects of project to readily work through the red tape.  

Construction: Once the design, development and other front-end aspects of a project are approved, it’s time to build!  Having a construction manager and design/builder on board from the vision stage through project completion means that you don’t have to go through the bid process yet again when it’s time to break ground.  As goes without saying, the construction manager and design/build firm you hire should have extensive experience serving as project manager and general contractor for commercial construction projects of similar size, scale, scope and complexity – optimally in the same industry. Be sure to take on-site tours of buildings the company has helped design, develop and build, both new and old, as you’ll want to ensure the buildings stand the test of time.

Client Service: Construction management and design/build companies, like any other organization, operate for profit. The most desirable of these, however, are aware that their own success hinges upon that of their clients.  Be sure to assess a firm beyond photographs in a project portfolio. Look for a company that has verifiable examples of how they provided solutions when unexpected problems that arose.  Experienced firms will have a well honed protocol to minimize surprises and to keep a client duly informed.   Much is also said about providing outstanding client service throughout the course of a project, but what about after final payment has been rendered and a project is complete? Will the level of service change?  It’s important to thoroughly interview past clients of the development and design/build firm under consideration, and to specifically ask about post-project interactions. Stellar referrals in this regard will speak volumes about a company’s integrity and character.

Use this project life cycle-based check list when hiring a commercial developer and design/builder and you’ll be well on your way to a successful outcome that not only meets, but may very well exceed, expectations. Ryan Regina is the co- founder and owner of BIG SKY Enterprises (www.bigskyllc.com) – an industry leading construction manager, design/builder and finance firm that strategizes, executes and oversees every aspect of a project development life cycle to provide clients with single professional contact-point control.  ____________________________________________________________

About the Expert – Long Form: Ryan and Michael Regina are Co-Founders and Owners of Big Sky Enterprises, a design, build and finance company that strategizes, executes and oversees every aspect of the project development life cycle, including land acquisition, funding, architecture, engineering, development and construction. The company’s full solutions project management approach benefits its commercial and church construction clients with single contact-point project control, uniquely allowing them to maintain focus on other business development and growth initiatives.  Reach the Regina’s online at http://bigskyllc.com. “In line with the trends and best practices listed above, and others, our own company takes a holistic approach to every project,” notes Michael. “We strategize, execute and oversee every single aspect of the project development life cycle, including land acquisition; financing; architecture, engineering and approval process management; and all construction activity. Our company’s 360-degree project management methodology benefits our church and other commercial construction clients with single contact-point project control, uniquely allowing them to maintain focus on their business development and growth initiatives. In addition, our financial services division provides clients with financing strategies that reduce time, foster cost savings, and ensure a successful loan program.” It’s clear that operating in line with the above trends is paying off for Big Sky. Due to notable revenue growth and other key operational benchmarks, in 2015 the company realized an array of coveted industry honors, including being named among the Inc. 5000®, the SmartCEO Circle of Excellence®, the Philadelphia 100® and as a SmartCEO Marcum Innovator ®.  Recently Completed & Currently Underway Projects: www.kerncomm.com/BSEProjectBrief.pdf “While many other commercial construction companies continue to struggle and scramble for lucrative projects, our success this year ‘building with a sure foundation,’ as is our motto, is direct validation of our unique faith-focused business model that takes the project management burden off of our clients and allows it to rest solely with us—proven field experts in all facets of the small- and large-scale project design, development, financing and execution,” Ryan said.  “Our one-stop, full-service professional oversight approach saves our clients’ time, resources and money, also allowing them to tend to other business matters integral to their own corporate growth.” Ryan continued, “I’m confident that as the church building industry continues to flourish and other facility construction verticals follow suit, we are extraordinarily well positioned to continue our sales and revenue growth.  In fact, for 2015 we are forecasting a landmark year with multiple large-scale projects either coming to fruition or under construction, and with our burgeoning financing company continuing national expansion.”