Turning a House into Our Homebase
Let’s take another trip down memory lane, shall we?
In the early 2000’s Denise and I had been using our office space in our home to run our growing business. As we took on more projects and expanded our team, we knew it was time to find a space that could grow with us and reflect what we stand for. We looked around and waited until the perfect place came on the market — a sweet little house in downtown Boulder Junction that was previously a retail store. It became ours on December 31st 2009.
We didn’t just want to move into the new space — we wanted to transform it into a living example of sustainable design. We wanted the remodel to prioritize principles we apply to every home we build, such as reclaimed materials, energy efficiency, and healthy indoor air quality. We insulated thoroughly, upgraded windows for better thermal performance, installed efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and chose Zero-VOC paints (which were hard to find in Northern Wisconsin in early 2010) and finishes throughout the new space. We even did a blower door test to quantify the energy improvements we made on the building. An aspect of the new office space that we love is the concrete countertops that incorporate recycled glass from the Oneida County Landfill.
The task of redesigning the building was a favorite of mine. It gave me the chance to bring to life a completely different architectural style than the original building, as well as having the added benefit of updating the curb appeal. I also want to shout out Potlicker Sculptures, the chainsaw artist from Rhinelander, who took a dead tree in our front lawn that would have been taken down, and transformed it into a beautiful sculpture and bench. We have enjoyed the sculpture for 15 years now, and will continue to enjoy it for many, many more.
In June of 2010, we were finally ready to move into the new space. This move marked our transition from a home-based operation to a fully staffed business presence on Main Street. It gave us room to collaborate, meet with clients, and support our growing field crews. Being in the heart of the community allowed us to be more visible and accessible. It helped establish our brand not only as builders, but as advocates for smarter, healthier homes. The office space has transformed over the years (and will continue to transform) from office and storefront, to office with living space to accommodate the ever-changing needs that we encounter.
Fifteen years later, we still walk into that office in the morning, proud of what it represents. It's more than just a workplace—it’s a reflection of our roots, our values, and the kind of future we’re helping to build.
Peace,
-Charlie
