Construction Outlook 2021: Mark Boling Construction, Inc.

Current low-interest rates are a boon for individuals wanting to build a custom home or remodel one. Mark Boling, owner of Mark Boling Construction, Inc., is getting inquiries for both options, despite costs and manufacturing delays caused in part by COVID-19.

"When the pandemic hit, a lot of lumber mills shut down because they thought our industry would slow down, but instead it's thrived," said Boling. "Lumber availability has also been impacted by the wildfires in California, which hit large mills hard, and tariffs on Canadian lumber, all of which moved the cost of lumber up about 20 percent. We're hoping that in the next few months inventory will be back up and tariff issues with Canada will be resolved."

The pandemic's impact on manufacturers has also affected the availability of windows, appliances, appliance parts, lighting and other materials.

Despite increased lumber costs and infrastructure hurdles often associated with rural settings, some prospective homeowners prefer to have a Boling-built custom home on acreage even with additional expenses for clearing trees, creating longer driveways, running underground electrical and plumbing lines, and installing septic systems.

EVOLVING PRIORITIES

Boling, who has been in the construction business for more than 35 years, said the home plans he builds range from 1,400 square feet on up and typically have three bedrooms or more. Popular floor plans include two bedrooms on the main floor and two in the basement, although Boling said there's growing willingness among some clients to pay more to have four first- floor bedrooms.

Boling said customers are also interested in structural wiring and technology enhancements to complement the rapid growth of wireless products used by multiple family members.

"Consumers are really savvy about the features they're looking for," he said. "We're also seeing new family configurations that need to be considered in floor plans, like a bedroom, sitting room and bathroom for an aging parent who's moving in with the family."

Boling said most of his new construction clients have tended to be 40 and older, but last year he worked with several clients in their early 30s.

"They have good jobs, they know what they want and they're willing to go ahead and build a nicer home now rather than wait to do it later," he said.

Boling said older clients pursuing a custom-built home are often looking for a smaller space with high-end finishes, including custom cabinetry, flooring and zero-entry/ADA features.

"They're often willing to sacrifice square footage for those amenities," he said.

Other clients are interested in adding value to their residences by remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, finishing basements and/or adding new rooms for greater functionality.

From inception to completion, Boling said a new home's construction could take up to a year. With major renovations, a project could take six to 10 weeks or more depending on the scope.

BE AN INVOLVED CLIENT

Boling said individuals interested in building orremodeling a home are undertaking a substantial investment in money and time and should thoroughly vet contractors before signing a contract.

“Check references and check with the homebuilders’ association to make sure the person is licensed," said Boling. "If something sounds too good to be true, there may be a reason. The team you hire is going to be in your home daily for an extended period of time and you have to be able to cultivate trust. Trust is major because there may be a hiccup or two in a project, and you want to be comfortable that your contractor can make things right."

Once a project is underway, Boling said, “Individuals should check out the job site as much as they want to. I tell clients they're welcome to see what's going on any time and I encourage them to ask questions. I have great trade partners, and we take good care of each other and our clients. We encourage open communication throughout the process so our clients know what we're doing and why."

GRATIFYING WORK

Growing up, Boling's father was a carpenter who taught him the value of hard work and the skills he’s carried with him from the time he was old enough to lift a hammer. Around the age of 20, after getting married and starting a family, Boling began building his construction business.

"I've always enjoyed working with my hands and I discovered that I enjoy working with clients too," he said. “That’s what got me engaged with the industry on a larger scale and what's kept me interested all these years later. It's gratifying when people tell you how much they love their new home or new space. There aren't too many things outside of this industry where you can see what you’ve bought from start to finish."