Dan's Papers - May 15, 2009 - Builders Help Homeowners Remake Dream Houses

Are more people building onto their homes or upgrading their homes for themselves instead of to resell? In this market, the builders are seeing the changes and adjusting their business to it as well. We spoke to a few Hamptons building experts to find out how building customers have changed in terms of what they want to build, and whether or not they're focusing more on themselves and their own enjoyment.

Doug Castaldo, of East End Fence & Gate, agrees. "Yes, I would say that it is correct [that people are building for their own enjoyment.] It seems to be that way at the moment," he said.

From an electrician's perspective, interestingly enough, the customer hasn't changed all that much, but there still is a change. Bill Shea, of William J. Shea Electric, said, "There is no rhyme nor reason for who does what when it comes to electrical repairs or installations. Within the past two years, cosmetic installations such as upgrading lighting fixtures, installation of landscape lighting, replacement of switches and outlets have virtually stopped. This seems to be the case all over Suffolk County except for the larger homes east of the Shinnecock Canal, where we have been doing a very steady business. We have even added an additional service truck to accommodate my East End clients. It appears to me that people are holding out till a problem arises or they are tired of [something.] We get calls about that nagging switch, light or outlet that hasn't worked in a while or worse yet, they start to smell something burning. I've been doing electrical work for 33 years and have seen the economy in its cyclical swings and it seems the majority of electrical consumers will wait till a problem arises."

Jay Jinks, of JGJ Contracting, Inc., explains his perspective. "I have found if a customer wants something special, like a virtual golf room or an elaborate media room, they do it because it is what they want. Some home comforts have a limited appeal and the total cost might not be able to add to the worth of the house. Yes, I feel more customers are doing what they want, not what others want. They want their home to be their home. I think most people are staying put until we see a lot more confidence in the economy."

Steve Metal, of LaPolla, a high-end painting and artistic finish business agrees. "I think they are doing what they want to do for their home. It's for their own taste so I think it is more satisfying for them."

Andy Rego, of Hampton Brick Works Pool and Spa, said, "The spec housing business is extremely slow but I am seeing more people building custom homes for themselves or doing additions for themselves, making what they got bigger and better. Right now this spring is better than last spring."

Howard Kaye, of East End Decks, is finding that more people are focusing on higher quality rather than just having him get something up that is new quickly. "It is absolutely right to say people are building more for themselves to enjoy. This season people are definitely more interested in aesthetic and high quality work rather than quick work to make a quick sale."

Creative Craftsman Inc.'s Bob Lorenzo said, "I would certainly agree that most people are upgrading their homes for their own enjoyment. If they are fixing up their houses it isn't to fix it up and flip it because that market is dead. I'd say that ninety percent of my customers are doing things for themselves today. However, the people that still have real money are still doing what they want to do and they always have."

Contractor Bryan Downey of Bryan Downey Restorations said, "I think people are beginning to realize they have nice houses and want to do improvements more so than buying new. They know what they are in for financially and can adapt from bigger, better, new home seekers to preferring renovation and restoration. This is not only good economically, but for the environment as well, because there are less trees to cut, holes to dig and so on."