Alair Homes, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Constructing the best Custom and Remodeling Options
With a plethora of home options constructed with the homeowner in mind, this home builder has much to boast about
If there is one thing that the home construction and remodeling sector can bank on, it is the reality that the market is always changing. Keeping up with these changes and constructing the very best home and remodeling solutions tailored to the homeowner in mind is what separates successful home builders from the rest of the construction pack.
For Alair Homes, embracing these market changes with the flexibility to provide a broad range of home construction expertise is all in a day’s work. Serving the Northeast Wisconsin housing market, including Green Bay and the Fox Cities, Door County, and the lakeshores, Alair Homes Green Bay also has the geographical footprint to continue to lead its local competitors.
Boasting a cross-section of custom homes and providing remodeling services that cover a host of possibilities for its homeowners, Alair Homes Green Bay has mastered the art of putting its homeowners first while always viewing the business as one of fostering lasting relationships.
A Relationship Business Approach
Rather than approaching each project as a transaction to be completed, Alair Homes Green Bay has nurtured relationships with its valued homeowners, trade partners, and suppliers that last long after the job is done.
Regional Partner with Alair Homes, Andy Selner, sums up the philosophy that grounds this successful home builder and guides their work every day.
“We help busy people live better lives,” he states. “This is what we are known for.”
As part of the remarkably successful Alair Homes brand that is present across key markets throughout North America, Andy Selner and his wife and business partner Nicole Selner have been growing their regional brand in the Wisconsin market. Acutely aware of the uniqueness of the midwestern housing market and taking into account the specific needs of their customer base, the Selner duo have built a home construction company to be envied.
“Our niche is not a particular product or size of home. It is finding the right homeowner and the right fit for us and them,” Selner describes. “The individuals who hire us are wanting to partner with us for a specific purpose. They know what we bring to the table, and we are helping them through the entire process whether it is a primary bathroom remodel or a multi-million dollar home,” he continues.
A Diverse Portfolio
Selner brings over 20 years of experience in the home building sector. This hard-earned experience is evident when he speaks about the types of projects that his company is currently working on.
“We keep a diverse portfolio of projects. We engage with all different sizes and investments, styles from traditional to modern, and project types ranging from primary bathrooms to custom homes. The diversity of projects helps us to maintain a constant growth and learning mindset. It allows us to be creative and bring our best to homeowners who want a home that truly functions and is unique to them,” Selner reflects.
When referencing some of the company’s current larger-scale projects, Selner points to some of the custom homes on the books.
“Some of our current builds are very architecturally driven with lots of details and features that require us to have an offensive mindset to bring it all together. It’s the fun part of working with homeowners, architects, designers and our team in crafting that shared vision and collaborating to bring it to life,” he notes.
“No two families are alike, nor should any two homes be – we are having fun currently with modern, traditional and even a nod to a mountain vibe,” Selner adds.
The Alair Building Process
“It is a relationship-building process,” Selner states when asked what is the basis of their homeowner and design process.
Selner notes that from the very first meeting with a homeowner, Alair Homes makes it a priority to get to know the homeowner as well as let the homeowner become familiar with them.
“We need to focus on active communication, trust, and confirming that we are on the same page with goals and vision for the home.”
“Every industry has an expert and we like to serve in that role for our homeowners. They might have some ideas of what they are looking for, but don’t know how to articulate it. We have learned to ask questions, find inspiration to help create the ah-hah moments that get us started in the right direction,” Selner relays.
Alair Homes further helps in the overall design process by recognizing that it takes considerable time to figure out what a homeowner needs and therefore makes it a priority to allocate the necessary number of meetings that is required to ensure the specific homeowner vision is carried out.
“It takes time when figuring out layout and plans and adjustments, and in the process you need to be very flexible and realize that we are there to guide the homeowner and we are there to be their trusted advisor,” Selner elaborates.
Deconstructing Technology
Communicating with the homeowner throughout the custom home build or renovation process is also paramount, Selner highlights. He notes that it begins with being able to recognize the method of communication that best suits the homeowner.
“We adapt our communication methods to fit our homeowners’ preferences.”
“Some prefer text messaging for quick updates or receiving pictures and progress reports, and other homeowners, such as busy professionals, might opt for email to keep everything consolidated in one place.”
As for the company’s internal technology and communication platform, Selner points to Alair Homes’ own proprietary software that not only organizes elements of the construction steps but also streamlines efficiencies and aids in the communication requirements at the administrative and business levels.
Beyond the use of technology, Selner draws attention to the ultimate goal that Alair Homes focuses on: homeowner relations.
“We are not just building homes, we are building relationships,” he summarizes. “That is the true way to create a custom-built home for the homeowners. We have to know them. We have to have mutual trust.”
“We want to make sure that we are giving them the option and the knowledge to make the educated decision of what they want; it is the hospitality that we provide,” he adds.
“When we are brought ideas or challenges, we start with yes. The mechanics of how to execute and costing can be handled in a seamless and transparent way,” Selner notes.
“It begins with setting the expectation up front and clearly communicating how costing will go throughout the project. This is clearly communicated before signing a contract with us so homeowners know how the pricing structure works and they are aware of when invoices come in and various project costs as they come up. As I said, communication is key to it all,” Selner outlines.
The Market Dictates
When asked what the local housing market demands currently may be, Selner points to the effects of higher interest rates over the last few years that have played a role in determining local housing direction.
“We are still seeing the same demand in the areas of remodels and construction, however the interest rates have affected the market for others in our area. Depending on what niche of the market you are building in, you are feeling the different effects of it.”
Homeowners, Selner points out, may also be reluctant to give up current mortgages when they are enjoying rates from five or six years ago.
Selner explains that available land also plays a role in dictating housing directions locally and this leads to a trend in homeowners remaining in their current homes and to an uptick in the demand for home renovations.
“We are not seeing the big, beautiful lots that we used to that people are wanting to build their second or third home on. Instead, they may stick with that lower interest rate and stay where they are because they also love the location and choose to invest in their property.”
For the larger projects at the higher price points, Selner acknowledges that interest rates and current market conditions have lesser effects on homeowner’s plans to build their dream custom home.
Partnering for Future Success
As the new year beckons Selner has turned his thoughts to what the immediate future may look like for Alair Homes over the next one to two years.
“We have our new partner location in the Milwaukee area which can help us build a bigger brand image in Wisconsin and our growth strategy is to bring our Alair reputation across Wisconsin.”
“We are also looking to bring in the right individuals to our team as we have the opportunity to grow in our markets and in our region. It takes a great team to build a great product, so we want the right individuals in place,” Selner relays.
Selner emphasizes that Alair Homes is not promoting a quick growth strategy but rather a methodic and steady growth.
“We want to do what we do well and not cut corners.” “It is in our tagline; Living better starts here.”
“It is true in many areas. Whether it is focusing on our homeowners and how we are helping them live better. It is also in our businesses, in our employees, our trade partners and in our lives,” he concludes.
AT A GLANCE
Alair Homes, Green Bay, Wisconsin
What: Leading home construction and remodeling company serving the key Mid-Western market
Where: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Website: www.alairhomes.com/green-bay
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