Don't let the door hit you on the way out!

Saturday, I tweeted an article by the Bloomington Pantagraph about Caterpillar considering leaving Illinois as a result of the huge tax increases.  The more I thought about it, the more angry I got.  If JJSteffen Design & Build, Inc. decides to incorporate somewhere else, the State of Illinois isn't going to care.  If Jimmy Johns leaves, the State will say "that's too bad, but we need the extra revenue by raising taxes:"  If Caterpillar says they are leaving, that will change everything.  Maybe at that point our state government will figure it out.  But my question is why did it have to get to this point?  Illinois is a laughing stock.  We've had two corrupt governors in a row, dead people vote, and our legislatures are run by crooks.  The thing that just drives me absolutely crazy is we JUST had a chance to change it last November, and we as a state decided to let these jokers continue to drive our state into the financial abyss.  Guess what?  That makes it our fault, our problem. We can blame our politicians all day long, but at the end of the day, we put them in the positions to do what they do.  I think we are at a major crossroads here.  We are dangerously close to a tipping point of where it is no longer "worth it" for businesses to be in business in Illinois.  Small businesses are the engines of our society.  Can they drive our economy out of this mess with increased taxes and ridiculous regulations?  Which scenario makes more sense?  Increase tax burdens=increase prices for goods=less disposable income=job creation? I don't think so.  How about this? Decrease taxes=decrease in prices for goods=more disposable income=increased demand for goods=job creation=larger tax base.  Makes sense to me.

But what is it really?  Down deep at the core of our society's values, what motivates us to think this way?   Why are we in such a financial mess?  I believe we have an attitude problem. Why do we as a society feel so entitled to a certain way of life?  Companies are in business to make money, that is why I am in business.  I need to feed my family, just like everyone else.  The difference is I still feel like it's MY responsibility to do so, not someone else's.  When I was first starting out, it was tough. Money was always tight and when we needed a little more to pay the bills, I would go out and find the work or work harder until we got to where we needed to be.  I didn't put my 40 hours in for the week and say, "oh well, I guess we didn't make enough to pay the rent, hopefully someone will take care of us."  No, I went out there and busted my butt until the mortgage was paid.  Unfortunately, in today's society, that is not what is taught, demanded, or even asked for.  We will never fix this problem unless we take responsibility of our own actions, and stop relying on government to fix our problems.  Now before your freak out and say I'm wacky, I do realize that there are people that cannot take care of themselves.  I do feel like we as a society have an obligation to take care of those individuals in a respectful and dignified way. But don't you think there is probably a large percentage of people that take advantage of that, and therefore take advantage of me and you?   My point is that we are using this entitlement attitude as a crutch, and we are going to drive ourselves into oblivion if we keep going in this direction.

Go for it Caterpillar, make your threats.  I think it's the only way our state government, and we as a society  will even begin to figure it out.

Company Profile: J.Horn Electric

In the last couple of weeks I have vented a little bit about some of my frustrations with contractors.  Today however, I would like to profile a company that is the antithesis of what I have written in recent weeks.  I would like to highlight our electricians,  J.Horn Electric.  It is somewhat bittersweet for me as a few months ago the owner, Jerry suddenly passed, leaving the company in the hands of his grandson, Spencer.  At first, I was a little concerned how it would affect our relationship as he is a young man, hurled into the throws of running a business in a tough economy.  But in the following weeks, my fears and concerns were more than calmed.  Because of the way this young man has embraced the cards he was dealt, laced up his boot straps and "got after it",  the transition has been smooth and our relationship is even stronger. What I really appreciate more than anything however, is the "can do" attitude.  We do some pretty unconventional stuff and when there is an issue, instead of complaining and telling me this or that won't work, they work with me to find solutions. They have all the tools to be successful and I am convinced this company has huge potential.

As a company, J.Horn Electric is punctual, fair, enthusiastic, and their service is impeccable.  I would recommend them to anyone.

Design of the Week "Lakeside"

We're off to the beach!  This week's design is all about making use of and enjoying the water and surrounding scenery.  One of the challenges we were presented with was to design a 6 bedroom home, but to keep the footprint small for budget and space reasons. The home is to overlook a private lake and the owners wanted a craftsman bungalow that looked true to the period, but had modern amenities.  In this particular layout, the kitchen, dining room, and office are located in the front of the house so the owners
can keep an eye on kids out at the lake, but keep productive in the kitchen and home office.  The master suite is tucked away in the rear to create it's own little private retreat.  Coupled with a huge walk in closet, large walk in shower, and long double vanity, this master truly is "Suite."  Notice  there is no whirlpool tub.  I really feel like we will be putting fewer and fewer of them in the future. They just don't get used, so why spend the money?  The great room is just that.....great.  Great for a Super Bowl party, watching a movie, or just relaxing by the fire, all while providing lots of natural light and easy access the back yard.  The Kitchen and Dining room combo has to be one my favorites.  It flows together very naturally, light just pours through, but at the same time feels cozy.  Some of the amenities include a china hutch area, a buffet, walk in pantry, and a built in booth for informal dinners. The dining room table overlaps the built in cabinetry on each side providing lots of storage, but more than adequate light.  The three stall garage includes a secondary access to the basement, and tons of storage.  Entering the house from the garage, you can drop your stuff in your locker, plop down at the desk for homework, or head into the kitchen with your groceries (Or head straight to the lieu if need be!)

The second floor provides an additional 3 good sized bedrooms, a bathroom, and an additional laundry area.  There is a large open space to let the kids have their own personal space.  We used a steeper pitched roof (10/12) to accommodate more space but are able to use the roof as the ceiling to keep costs down and give the house a smaller appearance.  On the exterior, we are using a full red brick with cement board siding, carriage doors, craftsman style windows,  and cedar accents to truly make it a period home.  Hope you like it!

The Much Maligned Kitchen Soffit

Kitchen soffits get a bad rap.  Those seemingly wasteful boxes above your kitchen cabinets.  Yeah, the ones with the flowery/paisley wallpaper on it.  Now you know what I'm talking about.  Why in the world did people put those crazy things in homes back in the old days?

Good question.  Basically back in the day, people built homes with 8' ceilings.  The cabinets usually topped off at about 7', leaving an awkward space above them that was thought to collect dust and create a place for husbands to hide things.  They tend to make the room feel smaller and the ceilings shorter.  Tradesman would also use these soffits to make their jobs just a little bit easier as well.  We've found plumbing lines, electrical wires, a deck of playing cards, unused nails and even beer bottles.  In general, people today just hate soffits.  In fact, one time when we found plumbing lines in the soffits, the homeowner looked at plumbing running through her otherwise unobstructed ceiling, collapsed onto the kitchen island, and began to sob because she thought she wasn't going to be able to get rid of them.  Seriously, she didn't think she was going to have the strength to go on another minute with them there.  After a brief counseling session, we calmed her down and told here that we could redirect the plumbing so she didn't have to live with those pesky eyesores anymore. Are they that bad?  No, obviously not.....of course, if they are wallpapered with a vintage flower print from 1970....... then well, yes. 

So lets bring them back...retooled a bit of course!  Nowadays we generally build 9' ceilings so bringing a soffit down 12" isn't going to affect the height too much.  Use 42" cabinets and bring them up to the bottom of your soffit.  Secondly, never build them to stand out on their own (i.e. outside corners).  Always enclose them between two walls so they don't jut out and create boxy corners.  Put lighting in them or under them.  Rather than painting them the wall color, choose and accent color or even a different material like wood to amplify the cabinetry. Either that or completely mute the soffit and let the cabinets do all the talking.

So just like those bell bottom jeans, soffits are coming back!  Let's just hope the peg leg tight rolled jeans are gone forever!

JJ

Design of the Week: "The Sanctuary"

Welcome to the first in a series of designs we are rolling out for 2011.  I will be posting a new design every week.  They vary in styles, but you will probably notice that each one will have our own unique spin applied to them.  I'm calling our first house design the "The Sanctuary", because it has so many places to just curl up and relax.  Enjoy the tour and let us know what you think!

Sure, it's got a lot going on, but that's the point.  The heavy horizontal overtones, wide eaves are sure to set it apart from the rest on the block, yet the vertical elements invite you in for a closer look.  The Prairie Style elements definitely shine through here, but the use of more modern materials give this popular style a subtle upgrade and makes it stand out in a crowd.

As you travel from the front porch through the 2-story foyer, it becomes evident that the inside is very much a continuation of the exterior.  Warm soft undertones, accented with harsh elements such as stone, and ceramic tile set the mood for an evening of entertaining.  These days it seems like everything is happening in the kitchen right?  Well, we just went ahead and slapped the kitchen smack dab in the center of the house.  No sense in fighting it, I suppose.  The great room naturally flows off the kitchen.  While open and connected to the great room, the dining room also has a cozy charm to it.  The mudroom is located just off the garage, so bring in your groceries, kick off your shoes in your locker and proceed to the island.  The main floor is also home to the master suite.  We strive to create a spa like feel in our master bedrooms and this home is no exception.  Light tones and sleek lines keep it fresh and clean feeling while the continuous hardwood brings it all together.  Built in's abound, making it easy to keep organized.  The final room is my favorite, the Garden Room.  With, lots of stone, a fireplace,  exposed wood beams, and a water feature, it's a perfect place to relax and read a book.. Natural light pours in from all directions including two skylights making this 11/2 story garden room a favorite destination for relaxation.  The second floor includes two bedrooms and another meditation/homework area overlooking the Garden Room.  At under 2300 sq. ft., this home creates an open and airy feel, yet a relatively small footprint.  Hope you like it!


JJ

Buy this plan....contact me at jeff@jjsteffen.com

Does anyone enjoy what they do anymore?

Does anyone enjoy what they do anymore?  It seems like wherever I go, people are either in a hurry, tired, or just have an unlovable disposition.  If we woke up in the morning and couldn’t wait to get the day started and had smiles on our face from door to door, wouldn’t the world be a sweeter place?

It’s really quite simple…..on paper anyway.

Step 1….Explore your limitations, your imagination, and discover what you’re passionate about.

Step 2….Find something that you love to do (It helps if your good at it.)

Step 3….Do what you love.  Do it well, do it with enthusiasm and have fun.

Step 4….Don’t let what you do own you, bog you down, and wear you out. 

Step 5….See Step 1

Variety is the spice of life!

JJ

Fired Up In Denver (Part II)

    Here you are at the point of no return.  It's either going to come to blows, you're gonna cave, or he is.  You've hired a contractor to remodel your kitchen.  He told you it was going to cost $50,000 at the time you signed the contract.  Now, you are washing your dishes in the bathtub, microwaving food in your basement, and or eating out for the 51st time, and then, and then.........the bomb drops.  "Yeah, it's gonna be another $25,000 for us to get this wrapped up for you."  "What, how did this happen?" You stand there in shock and awe, half listening, half trembling as your contractor proceeds to tell you that he didn't have this figured, or that wasn't in our scope.  You are stuck, completely at his mercy, you have to bite the bullet, pay the extra money and finish your project.

     So, how can we as consumers keep this from happening?  And how can we as contractors dissolve this stereotype?  Things happen, complications arise, there is no doubt about that, remodeling is a messy business, both figuratively and literally.   With that being said, we feel there is a process that can help prevent scope creep and add-ons from your contractor.

        From a consumer standpoint, one of the best things you can do is research.  Research what you want to do, the products you want to use and research the companies you are interested in doing business with.  This will help you get a feel for what is going to be involved in your particular project.  Secondly, check out your potential contractors.  One of the easiest ways to do this is to see if they are listed in the Better Business Bureau.  If they are, check out their score.  If not, then although they may be a great company, buyer beware. References are another way to investigate how your potential contractor handles customer relations.  However, do you think he is going to give you three names of clients that had projects he messed up, or is he going to give you three names of friends he worked for and knows will give him a glowing review.  References are good, but just remember that they probably are not objective.  Interview your contractor.  Yes, that's right, sit down with them and get to know them a little bit.  Present some scenarios to him and see how he would deal with them.  Let's face it, this person and or company is going to be a big part of your life for the next couple of months, so it makes sense to find out if you're going to get along.  On a side note, if any contractor comes to your house and tells you that you need to sign this contract today, or the price or sale will change, kick them out of your house immediately.  They have no interest in working with you, and if you do business with them, you will either get ripped off or it will end in disaster.

      Now, what can we as a company do to make this process more simple, transparent, and FUN!?  What? Fun?  That's right, remodeling can be an enjoyable process.  Consider a marriage for a moment......Which couple is happier? - the pair that does their own thing, deceives one another, blames other people and doesn't take responsibility....or the couple that communicates, owns up to their own mistakes, and is honest with one another?  It's a no-brainer, right, and I bet they have fun too!  That, in a nutshell, is how we approach our relationships with our clients.  We try to be good listeners, we are transparent with our bookkeeping, and we don't cut corners.  We try to work off of a cost plus percentage, or cost plus fee program.  Change orders are eliminated, communication flows freely, and underlying questions are always brought to the forefront.  One of the additional benefits to working this way is that changing things doesn’t become the mess it usually is.  Remodeling is tough. It's tough to design, execute, and cost out.  So, if we find a better way of building a soffit, or add a design element here or there, but it doesn't affect the progress, it's a win-win for everyone.  You can read further about our open book accounting practices by following the link http://www.jjsteffen.com/open_book_accounting.php 

     What I'm trying to say is that it's all about the relationship.  If your client thinks you're trying to rip them off from day one, then the process probably isn't going to be enjoyable for anyone.  If we all lay our cards on the table and build a relationship, chances are the project will go a lot smoother.  And the next time you're at Walmart and you see your contractor, he won't have to dive into the next aisle to avoid a confrontation.

JJ

Fired Up in Denver!

       Okay, I am about to my limit today.  I am fed up with people who are out to take advantage of me, my company, or my clients.  Why can’t we have good communication, work out details and be transparent with each other?  Our clients don’t expect us to work for free - and I don’t expect anyone who works for our company to give away their services. I simply want quality work at a fair price. I want honesty, I want integrity, and I want responsibility.  We've all been there right?  From siding companies to home builders, we've probably all had to deal with ugly situations during home improvement projects.  Yes, unexpected things arise, especially in remodeling, that require either more time or more money, but do we as contractors need to salivate every time they arise?  I say no!  I say it’s a perfect opportunity to come along side our clients, and strengthen the relationship with them by working through the situation with cordial, but honest communication on how to resolve the situation the right way - at minimal cost to the homeowner.

 

        We as consumers don’t have the time nor the energy to deal with companies that woo us with low prices and then pirate our pocketbooks with change orders, or mark up a product at least 50% because they know we aren’t going to switch contractors or fire them mid project.  There are countless contractors, from landscapers to painters, who model their business this way.  It’s ridiculous, and it needs to stop.  We must eliminate the stereotype that says all contractors are out to get whoever they weasel into signing a contract with them.  Don’t they realize they are shooting themselves in the foot?  Don’t they know that it only takes one piece of negative publicity to take them down……permanently?  I don’t get it, I really don’t get it.  It’s like the old adage, “Fool me once, shame on you - fool me twice, shame on me”, or “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  Companies are only as good as the people within their network of employees, subcontractors, or vendors.  Nobody is asking them to work for free.  Nobody is trying to rip them off.  All I’m asking is that businesses be straight with me, our company, and our clients.

 

      So where do we go from here?  Well, check out my next blog for ways to hire and work with your next contractor and find out how we as a company have created the model for proper interaction with clients.
JJ

Do you think in 3D?

The building industry is changing so fast these days that even when we make a conscious effort to keep up, new and innovative ideas still seem to slip through the cracks.  For me, 3D modeling was one of those things.  I had tried it once before, but it didn't stick.  Then after bringing in a new hire for our bookwork side of things, she reintroduced the concept to me.  This time I was determined to learn it, and though I knew it was going to be a painful process, I also knew that it was the future of home design.  This time it clicked and each and every day, I am learning more and more ways to make it work for our company as well as our clients. 

Most people don't think in 3 dimensions...it's the depth aspect we have trouble with.  In my opinion, depth is just as important as the height and width, but unfortunately it gets overlooked.  With 3D modeling, we have been able to show our clients almost exactly how their home or remodel project will look before a single permit is pulled or any concrete is poured.  They are able to walk through the design, pick out interior wall colors, hardwood or tile colors, all upfront.  It has truly been an amazing way to connect with our clients.

As a designer, it has been an invaluable tool, and a lot of frustration has been averted.  I can't tell you how many times, I've gotten "This guy's an idiot" look, when I try to explain what my vision was for a particular area.  Actually, I would prefer to have our people do the framing conventionally, and then I would go in for a day and do my little tweaks....a soffit here, a built in there, a cloud, an accent wall.  Yes, I said soffit, we're bringing them back!  Anyway, that way the design elements would get accomplished with little aggravation from employees.  Now, all I have to do is draw it in 3D, slap a few dimensions on it and they can run with it.

From landscaping to foundations, our ability to showcase our design work in height and width and now in that elusive depth has been incredibly helpful in in working with clients as well on our own designs.  Builders, designers, you better jump on board, because 3D is here to stay!

Settling In

Hey.  It's been a crazy couple of weeks but things are starting to settle down a little bit.  We haven't got our stuff from the moving company yet, which means sleeping on air mattresses and wearing a lot of same clothes.  All in all we're doing really well.  Jaden is settling in to his school which he loves and we have gone on 3-4 hikes already (I don't recommend flip-flops, but that's all I have right now).  I have been working in the Harvest Bible Chapel Denver office in Denver, and the attached picture is a view from one of the offices.  I have been doing a lot of designing and estimating over the past 2 weeks.  Things are going great back in Illinois as work is getting done, and more leads keep popping up everyday.  I am very blessed to have a great team there.  We've got a great weekend lined up.  The church launches this weekend and we are very excited to be involved in that.  Have a great weekend everybody.  Talk soon.

JJ

Kitchen Layout Designs

I ran across this article about kitchen design and thought I would pass it along.  It seems to capture most of the standard layouts that today's kitchens are designed around.  The only thing that I would add is try to think about the lighting as well....and by that I mean both natural and artificial light.  I am a big believer that light can have a great deal of affect on the moods of the inhabitants of the space.  In my opinion, the more lighting options, the better.   Great article.....see how your kitchen stacks up.http://freshome.com/2010/10/03/how-to-layout-an-efficient-kitchen-floor-plan/

JJ's Big Experiment (Part II)

Many have been asking when we will be building our next unconventional house.  With those types of questions being posed, it is safe to assume that JJ's Big Experiment has been successful.  I have been very pleasantly surprised at the response we've gotten from our Prairie Style home.  So we are going to do it again.  This time, we're building a ranch, about 2200 sq. ft.  I am going to try to incorperate some of the Prairie Style elements into the design, but this time I would like to push the envelope even further.  We are going to eliminate the formal dining room concept, opting for an open area with a half wall for a more relaxed feel.  We are still making the kitchen the central hub of the home and inviting to guests, as well as creating a spa like feel in the Master Bedroom.  I would like to continue to bring the outside in with textures and colors, but also keep it crisp and clean for a more contemporary look.  I am very excited to see how it turns out and what everyone thinks of it.  We start digging the foundation next week, and by the way, it's for sale!

Pumpkin Fest Wrap Up

Just a quick shout out to everyone who stopped in at the booth over the P-fest.  I really felt like it was received well.  Of course there were a few people who didn't care for the more contemporary stuff we do, but by in large, folks are just glad to see something a little bit different.  It was also great to catch up with old friends and meet new ones along the way.  A special thanks to the Kelso's for all their hard work in the Merchant's Tent, however, they were not able to keep the smell of rotting grass away like I had requested.  All in all, I feel like it was a great investment.....continued branding of our name, meeting new folks, and maybe we will even land a couple jobs.

Branching Out!

It was in 2003 when JJSteffen Design & Build, Inc. was born. At the time, Jeff Steffen, president of JJSteffen Design & Build, Inc., was working as a foreman for another local contractor when he felt led to begin the journey of being self-employed. From the outside, timing could have been better. He was just married in 2001 to his wife Cara, and had their first child in October of 2002, not to mention beginning an extensive remodel of his own home. Over the next seven years, JJSteffen has been blessed with steady growth due heavily to Terry Kern, co-owner, and an amazing staff of carpenters, book-keepers and laborers. The goal of JJSteffen is to provide quality craftsmanship, timely service, and outstanding customer relations.  Now fast forwarding to the present, Jeff and his wife, Cara, have both felt led to start on another exciting journey.  In February of this year, Harvest Bible Chapel, where they attend, announced they would be planting a church in Denver, CO.  After much seeking and prayer,  Jeff and Cara are planning to be a part of the church plant in November.  Obviously, timing could be better with this economy.  However, part of what has kept JJSteffen Design & Build, Inc. afloat during the tough economic times has been the artistic vision and craftsmanship, attention to detail, and being clockwork efficient.  Jeff has been traveling back and forth for the past few weeks now talking to potential clients and consulting with people that are already part of the plant team.  He will continue to be an integral part of the operations in Morton and will be traveling back and forth on a regular basis.  He will also begin to brand JJSteffen in Denver as well as build a clientele base.  Jeff and Cara will also be helping out as much as they can with the church plant.  They are scared, they are nervous, but are both excited to see what God is doing in their lives as well as their family.  JJSteffen Design & Build, Inc. is here to stay in the Peoria area, and we will continue to try to grow our company.  Jeff and Cara would like to thank all of their friends, family, and clients that have been so supportive towards them during this journey.  Please continue to pray for them. If you have friends in the Denver area, tell them about JJSteffen Design & Build, Inc., and let them know there is a great church coming their way.

  

5 tips to a sucessful remodeling project

Remodeling today can be a very exciting and rewarding process.  But more than likely it comes at a price...both financially and emotionally.  With so many unknowns and variables, remodeling can be burdensome, emotionally draining, and just plain infuriating.  Here are some things that we have learned to make the process rewarding and to meet or exceed the expectations of our customers.

1.  Redistribute.  The idea behind remodeling is to redistrubute the space you already have.  Eliminate unnecessary walls and doors, creating the feel of larger spaces without actually adding square footage.

2.  Modernize the space.  This can be as simple as removing wall paper or as elaborate as ripping out the kitchen and starting over. By doing this you can make your home a haven, more desireable to be in as well as more marketable when the time comes to sell.

3.  Plan on things changing.  There might be an old plumbing line in a wall that was just demolished.  Okay, now what?  Well, it's going to be okay, let's get creative and find some solutions.  With any remodeling project, there will always be a few unforeseen issues, but having a proactive approach to dealing with them will minimize the impact they will have on the project as a whole.

4.  Be consistant.  Some people don't love the style of the home they live in.  They would love to change it if they could.  That is fine if you are willing to change the whole thing, but to change a room or two here and there will have a negative impact on the marketability of the house.  As far as basements go, change it.  There is enough seperation that as long as it is not a radical change, it will flow just fine.

5.  Planning....This is by far the most important aspect to your remodeling project.  Take the time to meet with designers and contractors in advance of the project so you know what you are getting into.  I suggest starting a binder full of magazine pages or an electronic folder that you can show your contractor what you envision.  If everyone is on the same page from the beginning, your project will go a lot smoother.