The Concrete Network

Within 5 minutes Nicholas Vandergrift can explain to a prospective buyer why his method of homebuilding is superior - he just has them step inside one of the homes he has under construction on Ocean View beach in Norfolk, Virginia, along Chesapeake Bay.

Potential buyers can immediately tell his home is quieter, doesn't move or rattle in the ocean breezes, and just plain feels solid- like concrete, which it is. "I don't have to say a thing, notes Vandergrift, the customer can simply stand in the house and sell themselves. It is what they don't hear that sells them."

Vandergrift believes he is successfully merging some of the best practices of residential and commercial construction. For instance, his second story decks and even third story decks are poured concrete using the same techniques used in building commercial parking structures. The supporting piers and columns are solid concrete too. So not only are all the exterior walls concrete (using Reward Walls ICF walls system), but so are the attached piers and porches. In effect, he creates a concrete superstructure. Vandergrift is also moving into using steel studs for framing interior walls- another commercial construction practice.

Solid concrete decks allow the owner to tile the deck or to even have it be stamped concrete. "Wood decks require coming back and wrapping everything, then providing a surface- I can build decks out of solid concrete just as cost effectively".

Speaking of costs, Vandergrift's home buyers typically spend $400,000 to $600,000 (not including land costs and permits) to build on the shoreline- he does all his work on a seven-mile stretch of beach. He can build his "superstructure", energy efficient homes with all "creature comforts" for 10-12% more than the cost of a stick built home. "But some of the other builders are selling a particleboard house here on the beach for the same price I can build a customer a concrete home. I don't know why someone would want particleboard when they can buy a concrete home that could be handed down over the generations. They can literally build themselves a castle".

What are creature comforts?

Vandergrift notes his home buyers all want smart wiring (customers can control their homes even when they are away), home offices, monitored security systems, Granite or Corian countertops, hardwood floors, surround sound, music systems that pipe into every room, central vacuum cleaners, designer tiles, and various other amenities. He is also now starting to use radiant floor heating.

The homes also get hurricane shutters and Tamco storm fighter roof shingles which come with a 135 mph wind rating to withstand category 3 storms. When vinyl siding is chosen, the siding has a 200 mph wind rating. He is going to be moving toward low pitch concrete roofs also. The intent: a solid concrete, energy efficient, quiet, storm battle-ready home.

Who are these buyers?

Who are the folks who have $400,000 to $600,000 to spend on a home- not even including the lot, permits, landscaping, and furnishings? According to Vandergrift, many people fit the bill for these homes these days. Some are retirees; others are two-income professional families- many are self-employed. While they work in a variety of occupations, he does know that most are very independent and usually not limited to having to be at an office- they can work anytime and anywhere. Almost all the homes have home offices. "These people didn't get where they are at by not being smart, says Vandergrift, and the slight premium for a "superstructure" is very appealing to many people. This is the type of customer Vandergrift seeks out.

Knowing your market

Vandergrift had one fellow approach him on the job to bid his set of crudely hand-drawn plans. The fellow commented, "I'm looking for the cheapest home possible". Vandergrift handed him back his plans and politely informed him he was not the builder for him. "You mean you don't want to build my house?", the fellow asked quizzically. No sir, that is not the type of house we build.

You can reach Vandergrift at:

Nicholas and Company Construction
1976 East Ocean View Avenue, Unit B4
Norfolk, Virginia 23503
757-480-1855
Class A Contractor #2705 009469A
http://www.americanbuilders.com/Nicholas/

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