| Name: Bob Rash |
Bob Rash: I’ve been building homes since 2003. Prior to incorporating in 2005, I enjoyed a 15 year career as a project engineer / project manager and was working at GE Power Systems in Atlanta. I also earned an MBA from the Terry College of Business (UGA) in 1999.
The experience and education really helps me manage my clients’ projects - the costs, budget tracking, schedule constraints, and a true understanding of proper assembly methods for a solid, well-built home. But more than just the “project mechanics”, I’ve learned that I have an eye for, and enjoy, the design and aesthetic side of building homes. And, I really like the friendly communication and interaction with my clients…I’m a people person.
HCC: How have you been affected by this recession?
Bob: Like many home builders, I had a few spec. homes at the peak of the market. Fortunately, I didn’t lose any to the bank and I have been blessed to make it through these tough times. I am thankful to have had clients and projects throughout the past five years.
I am finding that banks are referring work to me because of my financial strength and stability. While custom homes have been my primary focus, I have taken on some large additions and renovations for a few projects inside the perimeter.
HCC: How do you typically get new clients?
Bob: Wow, a lot of ways, really. Leads have come from past clients’ referrals, architects, business associates, my banker. Hmmm…I have formed friendships with my clients that last long after I am finished with their home.
They have invited my wife and me to social events and we continue to stay in touch. Lately I’ve had a past client open their home to a prospective customer to showcase my work, which was really great. (I will often look at and fix minor issues in my clients’ homes well past the standard one year house warranty because it is the right thing to do…but I do this before they invite us out to social events!) All of this creates an atmosphere of referrals.
Homeowners More Particular With Their Options
HCC: What products are your clients asking for in their homes?
Bob: Well, since I am building them a custom home, they have asked for almost anything. There are some typical custom features like steam showers, whole house (central) vacuum systems, tank-less water heaters, and exposed beams on the interior. But I have also installed a one third mile go-kart track with banked corners as well as a half acre of NFL quality Astroturf!
Many clients are interested in green upgrades such as better insulation, high efficiency HVAC systems, etc. and I am able to speak to them in layman’s terms explaining the pros and cons, return on investment, and offer them informed, intelligent choices. I’m always being challenged with a new request, but I’m able to get them what they want – it can always be done.
HCC: What architects and design people do you often work with?
Bob: Dale Peek of Peek Design Group has been very good to work with. I’ve also enjoyed working with Chip Murrah, Architect, and designer Jannis Vann of Jannis Vann and Associates. Of course I would be honored to work with any excellent architect in Atlanta even if they just need an alternative quote for their clients.
Changes in Atlanta Homebuilding
HCC: What have you seen in Atlanta homebuilding throughout the past year?
Bob: For the price range of homes that I build, there seems to be a trend. That is, for the most part, people who have planned well and are financially strong have continued to pursue their dream home. They have a long-term outlook and realize that this is a great time to build, so they do build.
HCC: What activity do you see in the Atlanta homebuilding sector?
Bob: Over the past three months my builder and subcontractor friends have seen an increase in bidding and building activity. As I drive through the Paces Ferry Rd. and Chastain Park areas I see more building permits posted than I have seen in quite a while. Sandy Springs was recently listed in Forbes as one of the 20 most stable housing markets in the US, with average home appreciation of 2.5% in 2010. These seem to be positive indicators for us here in Atlanta.
A Pro at Building “Yankee Basements”
Bob: Yeah, two out of the last three homes that I have built have had full basements. The homeowners were familiar with full basements – from growing up with one or living in other parts of the country where they are common.
Homeowners want the storage space, additional conditioned living space at a reduced square footage price, security from storms and tornadoes, and the privacy that a full basement provides.
HCC: Tell us about your tall basement project.
Bob: The homeowners wanted a year-round sports area and play place. They designed a 16’-0” tall, 30’-0” X 50’-0” open space – no bearing walls or posts. This is a big house and the entire first floor is supported by three large steel I-beams. We put a putting green turf on the epoxy sealed concrete floor. They use it for riding bikes, practicing their golf swing, playing volleyball and Frisbee. They love the big, tall, open space that we created. Best of all, no leaks in 4 years even though the basement goes straight into the ground!
HCC: What do you think are the critical pieces of a building a full basement?
Bob: I believe a high quality waterproofing and drainage system is very important. For very large full basements, special consideration should be given to proper lighting as well as moisture control and air circulation. We have created effective solutions to all of those areas. Full basements do not have to be expensive to build. They can be a very good way to add comfortable, livable square footage to the house. Lastly, it is important to make sure the foundation contractor is capable and experienced in full basement construction.
A Good Foundation Contractor Is Critical
Bob: Professional and scientific. That’s how I would describe them. They think about what they are doing. And, they know why they do what they do. They are the experts at foundations, and they are continually improving and learning their craft. That’s why I use them for all of my foundations. I recommend them to everyone.
HCC: How do you benefit from utilizing Herbert Construction Company?
Bob: The foundation is the most important part of building the house. I don’t have to worry about it when Herbert Construction does the work. They make the foundations one of the easiest parts of my house construction. I like to get very involved in every aspect of my homes to make sure everything goes like I want. I don’t have to babysit or worry about Herbert Construction Company. I trust them. They save me a lot of time, which allows me to take care of other things. The project runs smoother and faster. I get the peace of mind that they will take care of any problems and will still be around if there are ever any call-backs in the future. The great news is, we have not had any call backs with Herbert!
HCC: What do you like to do when you are not working?
Bob: My wife and I try to go on one big trip each year. We went to China during the Summer Olympics and had a great time. I enjoy hiking and camping – though I don’t do it nearly as often as I’d like. Most of all, I really enjoy getting together with friends or family and spending time with them.
HCC: Thanks for chatting with us, Bob: Thank you for your business. We appreciate working with you and hope you see continued success in 2011 and beyond.
Doug’s Note: For a great video on how Bob encountered thieves at one of his jobsites (including a high-speed car chase), go to his website at http://www.shepardsonhomes.com/index.php?page=48.