John’s Blog

"Ellixson's Tae Kwon Do Academy, located in Boyertown, collapsed in a snow blizzard February 10, 2010.  To say that myself, my family, the students, friends and families of the Dojang, are greatly looking forward to the rebuild, is a gross understatement.  The rebuild of this building to many, is more than just the rebuild of a family education center, it's more than just a martial arts academy... to many of us it's the rebuild of our home. Thank you to all who supported us through this difficult time," states Donnie Ellixson Jr., Owner. Ellixson is filled with emotion as he watches the walls go up on the new studio. Watkins Architect provided design services for the rebuild. Watch the build on our Facebook page in our project portfolio - Ellixson's Studio Re-Build.

Eastern Pennsylvania Funeral Home Client Receives State License

In 2009 Watkins Architect began working with an Eastern Pennsylvania family to transform their residence. Expanding from three sides of the original home, the design objectives included a new 3 car garage, new master bath, new kitchen with a large pantry area for canned goods, and new family room. The old hardwood floors also needed to be replaced with new engineered wood to allow for the use of radiant heat.

Although construction wrapped in 2010, the family was busy working on the interior design. When the last piece of custom furniture arrived for the entry way they invited us back to photograph the final product. Check out the complete portfolio here: Eastern PA Home Addition & Renovation Design.

Here's a sneak peak - the music lover in me could not resist featuring this room!

In the local media there have been several horror stories over the past year of homeowners being taken advantage of by contractors. Weekly in our office we hear of contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, and other vendors going out of business. The sad reality is that anyone working with these companies - consumers and other businesses alike - gets hurt.

Home construction and remodeling are some of the biggest investments families make in a lifetime. Too often homeowners have a false sense of security about their knowledge in home construction. With their defenses down, homeowners are often not thinking about protecting themselves.

Commercial construction projects have precautionary measures in place to protect the owner and quality contractor, such as certifying applications for payment (making sure the people who work on the job are receiving fair compensation), waiver of liens (requiring all companies that are working on a project to be paid to date as the project progresses), and bonding (additional insurance that will cover the costs to complete the project if the contractor is unable to do so). Residential construction projects do not have the same standards and although there are new laws in place today requiring fair and understandable contracts, most homeowners and small contractors are not aware of them. It is so easy for good intentions to result in a bad experience that today we suggest doing business on a handshake AND A CONTRACT. In addition to a written contract, we recommend:

1. Notify your municipality about the project. While you are in the office ask them about the history of the contractor in your area. The building inspector is also there to protect your health and safety, ensuring construction adheres to local codes.

2. Even if you don't need a bank loan, consider obtaining one. The bank will review the contract and guide the pay draws based on the work completed. The bank's role can be vital in contract protection.

3. Obtain construction drawings and written specifications before you bid your project to ensure that you are receiving apples to apples pricing. If you are only working with one builder this will also be to the benefit of both parties. These drawings and specifications will outline what you expect to be constructed. Quality contractors also want a clear scope of work so that they know what they are agreeing to perform at what price.  If you are told any differently this should be cause for concern.

4. Be skeptical of pricing that is more than 15-20% below other bids as this could be a warning sign that the contractor missed services, is not providing the same detail, or is in financial trouble and needs the job to stay afloat.

5. Talk to people. Even if your contractor has a good reputation, the industry continues to face challenging times. It is easy for a contractor to get in financial trouble without anyone knowing. Visit current project sites, talk with recent clients, and ask the proposed subcontractors about their relationship with your general contractor.

6. Once the project starts, keep talking! Tell the subcontractors when you make payment, ask them if they are getting paid, and keep the conversation going until the project is complete. 

Using these steps should result in happy home building and renovations. For more tips and advice – continue to visit our Facebook page and website blog.

There's something very rewarding to see buildings you've helped to design come to life. Recently we received photos of the new Chalfont Fire Company in Bucks County, Southeastern Pennsylvania from Kistler Construction. Kistler hired Watkins to provide the design of the new building for this all volunteer fire company. The new firehouse located on Hamilton Street and Main Street in Chalfont is a firefighters delight.

Watkins Architect was pleased to have the opportunity to provide design for this Bucks County Fire Station. View the complete portfolio of photos here.

SNEAK PEAK!
We are very excited to have 3 fabulous residential design projects in our office right now. Stay tuned for construction photos. Some will feature the design of an addition and renovations of an Allentown, PA farmhouse. We're also providing architectural design services for a home renovation with a second floor addition in Mertztown, PA. Finally in Fleetwood, Watkins is providing new home design and landscape design for a custom home outside of Reading, PA.

Here's a look at the bird's eye view of one of the landscape sketches we designed for the Allentown, PA farmhouse renovation.

Reading, PA Church Architect, Berks County, PA Church Renovations, Eastern PA Church Renovations, Worship Center Designers in Pennsylvania,

Watkins Architect Ltd. received a letter of recognition from Friend Inc. of Kutztown, PA for the donation of architectural design services for a new ADA ramp.  Erica Hessleson, MSW, Executive Director stated, “With this new addition to our building we will better serve the clients that come to the pantry currently, and be able to serve more families and individuals in the future. We are grateful for your continued support. This is a critical time for those we serve.” The ramp provides better access and traffic flow throughout the building. Dedication to serving the community guides the relationships of the firm, which has resulted in business excellence and success in many forms for Watkins.

Check out the new, updated look of the Boyer's Food Market in Frackville, Schuylkill County, PA. Watkins Architect provided Boyer's management with three different facade enhancement options. This design was selected to achieve the best value. Construction on the facade renovation was completed in June 2011.

To view all of our before and after pictures, visit us on Facebook - Boyer's Food Market Facade Renovations.

In February 2011, construction started on the new 2,000 sf addition and renovations to the existing 1,500 sf Bally Savings Bank building in Bally, Berks County, PA.

The project includes a new bulletproof entry vestibule, lobby, teller line, offices, board room and new finishes throughout the interior and exterior. Special design considerations were made to make the addition appear as though it was always part of the building. The project is scheduled to be completed in September 2011. Watkins Architect is providing Architecture and Landscape Architecture Services.

The picture below was taken during an early June 2011 site visit. To follow the progress visit our www.facebook.com/WatkinsArchitect