Rhett Bonner of Bonner Buchanan Custom Homes is certainly no stranger to new home construction. In fact, he is a third generation homebuilder that has built some of the most prestigious houses in Atlanta.
Coming from a background steeped in homebuilding, you would think Rhett would have been an automatic shoe-in to become the next builder in his family. However, that’s not what he initially planned for himself. Rhett decided to try his hand in med school and studied to become a doctor. It wasn’t until he came home from college after taking his MCAT that he rediscovered his love for homebuilding. His father, Jerry Bonner, owner of Bonner Custom Homes, has taught his son everything he knows.
Wes Buchanan has been with Bonner Custom Homes for over 10 years. He is a graduate of Georgia Tech and holds a degree in Building Construction. A mutual acquaintance and former real estate professor at Georgia Tech introduced Wes to Jerry, and over the last 10 years, Wes has become an integral part of the Bonner team. So much so, that over the next couple of years Bonner Custom Homes will be transitioning to Bonner Buchanan Custom Homes with Rhett and Wes taking the reins.
We were able to sit down recently and speak with Rhett and Wes about some of their thoughts regarding this change and what they envision for the future of Bonner Buchanan Custom Homes.
Herbert Const. Co.: What makes Bonner Buchanan Homes different than other homes in the same price range?
Rhett: It is our ability to suit the needs of each one of our clients. We have a reputation for walking our clients through the whole building process. Sort of like a Quarterback that leads the whole team. This is a service industry and we are good at making their dreams a reality.
Wes: It is our job to make the whole process as easy on our clients as possible. It is really important that they don’t become stressed over things. We honestly want them to enjoy the process and cherish the experience. There is no room for regret when building a home and we want each of them to know that.
HCC: What is your number one source of leads right now and why is it working?
Rhett: Most of our client’s come in either from our architect partners or simply through word of mouth. We really don’t advertise; word of mouth alone is very powerful.
Wes: We work with our client’s from the beginning of each project and through completion. Afterwards, we follow up to make sure they are still happy. We stick with these homeowners and they continuously refer us. Word of mouth is the most important thing in any economy.
HCC: What products and features are your customers asking for in their homes?
Rhett: It varies, but some of the big things right now are foam insulation in the attic, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Also, geothermal HVAC in the bigger houses, which is a “greener” way to heat and cool your home.
Wes: There is a lot of interest right now in white marble countertops for kitchens and bathrooms, it goes well with the white/grey color trend that is popular at the moment. There has also been a lot of recent interest in implementing wood on the walls and ceilings.
HCC: In what areas do you primarily build?
Rhett: Right now a lot of our work is in Buckhead, Virginia Highlands and inside the perimeter. We have had several projects in the Lake Rabun and Lake Burton areas as well. And, of course, Marietta since we live there. We will build were our clients want to be and right now 90 percent of them want to be in Buckhead.
HCC: As you gradually make the transition from Bonner Custom Homes to Bonner Buchanan Custom homes, do you anticipate any differences in your building style or a change in your philosophy towards building?
Rhett: I don’t see where any changes should be made in either of those areas. My Dad and his uncle have always had the philosophy that quality and reputation are the building blocks of good business. For the last 30 years that philosophy has worked really well. We work hard to create and maintain good relationships with our clients. My dad has always been a good example of how to treat people and do things right and I don’t want to see that change.
Wes: Bonner Custom homes has always had a reputation for quality. We don’t cut corners, we use higher quality subcontractors and we walk each client through the whole process to make sure that they have an exceptional experience. We want to change the idea that they have to “watch out for contractors.” That’s the way the Bonner’s have always been and I wouldn’t change any of it.
HCC: What is your favorite thing about homebuilding?
Rhett: I get a lot of satisfaction when the home is complete and our clients are happy. This project is something that they have spent a lot of time thinking about and a lot of money to make it become a reality. It’s just really rewarding to watch them see it all come together and be completed.
Wes: Giving the homeowner the ability to let us worry about all the stress that goes into homebuilding so that they can enjoy watching their house become a real thing with their family. I have a servant’s heart and it really does make me happy when they are satisfied with what we helped them create.
HCC: How does your company benefit from using Herbert Construction?
Rhett: The foundation stage is so critical, and it is so important that it goes in correctly for the subs that will be coming in after it is poured. You guys care about that and I am always impressed with the quality of your work. Other subcontractors really benefit from a good start in the foundation.
Wes: You guys are extremely professional. I’ve worked with a lot of foundation companies and you guys have been different. I wasn’t expecting that level of expertise from a subcontractor and was really surprised.
HCC: Thank you both, Rhett and Wes, for your time. We really hope that your transition from Bonner Custom Homes to Bonner Buchanan Custom Homes goes as smoothly as possible. We certainly look forward to helping you with many more foundations in the future.