BUILDER/ARCHITECT

Quality from Start to Finish
By Vivian Fransen

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When home buyers select Wheeler Homes to build their house, they receive more than a state-of-the-art home with splendid features. They also receive extraordinary customer service every step of the way, according to scores of families throughout the region. Every home built through Wheeler Homes receives the personal attention and hands-on care of a father and son team that takes the time to truly understand the needs and preferences of each home buyer. Not only are they dedicated to building quality homes, but they take pride in the way they approach their work and the relationships they build with their homeowners. 'They are in constant communication with each home buyer and invite them to visit the work site as often as they wish. And, they make service calls after the home is finished to be sure every detail meets their expectations. "People appreciate the way we do business," said John Wheeler, the father of two boys who founded Wheeler Homes in 1960 and prefers that customers call him by his first name, Jack. "Our basis for the entire business is ethics. We will not cut corners under any circumstances. For us, our reputation for being open and honest with our customers is very important."

Wheeler Homes specializes in building traditional two-story Colonial homes that cost in the range of $200,000 to $400,000. In addition to the dozens of homes they have built in the Albany, NY, area, as well as Westchester and Ulster counties, they now focus their work in Orange and Dutchess counties. They prefer to build between eight and 10 homes each year, which allows them to work closely with homeowners on a one-to-one basis and listen carefully to implement any modifications desired by each homeowner. They also work closely with their subcontractors, who are handpicked based on their professional skills and attitude. "All I ever wanted to do is build houses," said Jerold Wheeler, co-owner of Wheeler Homes, who also prefers to be called by his first name, Jerry. "For me, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the finished product-a nice home with appealing features-that now appears on a piece of land that was only a clump of trees and grass three months earlier." A visit to their Web site at www.wheelerhomes.com will pro vide a sampling of their work, including detailed specifications on the standard features of their homes. (By the way, the Wheelers are delighted with the responses they receive from Web site visitors, which number 200 to 300 hits each week. "Every builder must have a Web site," says Jack Wheeler.) Among the features valued most by today's home buyers are their dramatic two-story foyer with a curved railing balcony, which customers refer to as "the Wheeler foyer." "We incorporated the look found in much larger and more expensive homes into our design, which our home buyers find so appealing," said Jerry. "And when you open the front door and step into our homes, this feature really sets the tone. It makes a statement in a silent way that says you have entered a home with quality that is something special," added Jack.

Other popular features that home buyers request today include gourmet kitchens, kitchen islands, hydro heating systems (which make the home very comfortable), and a preference for oak in many rooms for its added richness and warmth. Quotes from satisfied customers: "It is a great experience to build a home through Jack and Jerry Wheeler," said Judy Gallagher, who has been living with her husband, Kevin, and two teenage boys in their new Dutchess County home for two years. "Wheeler Homes has the most organized people. They anticipate what needs to be ordered at the right time. At first we were nervous about building our home, after hearing nightmare stories about time lags and delays in our community, which is exploding with new development. But it was smooth sailing with Wheeler Homes (who came in 10 days shy of their target date) because they are so organized. They are wonderful people. And we really admire their workmanship, including the 20 foot x 40 foot inground pool that we thoroughly enjoy." "We love our new home; no complaints here," said Joe Gareri of Dutchess County, who moved into his new home with his wife and chocolate Labrador dog, named Chip, in January 2000. "It is such a pleasure to have Jerry and Jack as our builders because they are honest and so accommodating." Among the Gareris' favorite features is the kitchen, which has a bump-out with bay window, and the cathedral ceiling foyer with curved oak railings. "We appreciate the design of our home where every square foot is utilized, with no wasted space. And requesting add-ons is no problem, as shown by Jerry's willingness to put a fireplace in our family room as soon as we asked for it." "Our plans for the future are to continue doing what we are doing now," said Jerry, who takes primary responsibility for the workflow details of each home.

"We encounter more educated consumers these days and enjoy the challenge of keeping on top of the latest developments that may be of benefit to them." Born and raised in Albany, NY, both Jack and Jerry were exposed to the world of the building trades at an early age. For Jack, his uncle (who was a builder) inspired him as a young boy by giving him after-school opportunities to help in such tasks as mixing cement, cleaning up, and eventually pounding nails, as well as taking rides every Saturday in his uncle's pick-up truck to check on the progress of various projects. For Jerry, his father encouraged his early interest in all phases of home building. (Jerry's brother later chose to become a real estate broker.) In addition to growing up in the trades, both Jack and Jerry went on for advanced training and majored in building construction, with Jack graduating from Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute and Jerry completing his formal studies at Delhi University. Both men also value their active participation in the National Home Builders Association, which they consider to be "a good, solid organization" that helps them keep abreast on new developments in the industry. "We are two guys who really love what we're doing," said this father-and-son team. "We work hard and take great pride in our work. And we want our home buyers to enjoy the entire home building experience, from day one to the finish."

A view from the foyer showing a simple yet elegant stairway with a view of the family room. Stairway created by Danbury Stairs. Photo by Bill Smith