We recently started a project for a 12 year military veteran, who currently works as an American Airlines Pilot. Through a recommendation by her brother she enlisted the help of Tom Hamburger Builders.
Focused on finding a home nestled in the woods with a tree house feel that brings the beauty of the outside in, she called on the advise of Tom Hamburger Builders owner Tom Hamburger from the start.
Tom joined her initially to view homes in her price range that with a few renovations could deliver the vision she was looking for. The most valuable part about having Tom view the homes the client said, “was realizing that I didn’t have to find everything I wanted in one home.” Tom gave his client the ability to visualize how a home in a great location could be transformed to include the features she wanted.
Eventually, the client chose a property in Tinicum Township that needed a significant amount of renovations, but gave her the space and quiet she was longing for. Tom then looked at all the structural changes and offered to write up a plan for what the project would cost to tear down the existing property and build the client the home she really wanted. Once she saw how slight the increase in cost would be, she knew that the complete custom build option was for her.
The new custom build, a modern cottage with a tree house feel, built into a wooded hillside, adds state of the art energy efficient systems for significant insulation, and proper ventilation. The new home will be equipped with a comprehensive drainage system that protects the new walk out basement from water damage — a feature that would have been more challenging to install in a previously built structure.
One of the greatest challenges the client faced before breaking ground was getting the project approved by the local government. “Tom was incredible,” said the client, “His patience and consistent updates, assured me that everything would be okay.” Tom worked to ensure the building permits were approved; codes were met, and accompanied the client to every zoning board meeting. Since the client lives a good distance from the new build site, Tom’s sincerity and reassurance went a long way to relieving the stress of what may otherwise have been an insurmountable hurtle.
The finished project is now just months away, and the client is looking forward to sitting on the screen porch and appreciating the picturesque landscape of trees and the creek below. Throughout the process the client was most moved by the dedication of not only Tom, but all of his employees and subcontractors as well. “They are just a great group of guys,” the client said, “When this project is finished I’m going to miss being able to stop by the job and talk with all of them.”
Ready to start building your custom home? Contact Tom Hamburger of Tom Hamburger Builders thbinc@comcast.net or connect with us on LinkedIn and facebook