NANAIMO – Who remembers the story of the “Three Little Pigs”?
The one where three little pigs try and hide from the Big Bad Wolf in the shelters they make. The Big Bad Wolf huffs and puffs and blows the house down. Except for the house built with an exceptional foundation. It stays standing and protects the Three Little Pigs.
This childhood story is reminiscent of the foundation built by Alair Homes, a leading North American construction management company with roots and its head office in Nanaimo.
The key to any home surviving a storm is being built on a solid foundation. And in this uncertain time, Alair Homes’ business model is the concrete that can uphold any structure.
Stu Hopewell, Chief Operating Officer and Regional Officer of Alair Homes, says “We’re built for this.”
This Alair Homes house in Nanoose features multiple large sliding glass doors used in lieu of traditional windows offering inside/outside living
Hopewell is not only referring to the current COVID-19 pandemic that has affected brands big and small globally. He is also referring to nearly any threat that could be similar to the Big Bad Wolf trying to huff and puff and blow the house down.
“The Alair Homes model is unique in that it’s designed to not only enable our team across North America to build or renovate premium projects while giving the client the best experience possible, but also comes with many safeguards that we implement right here from Nanaimo to support and protect our 120 locations,” says Hopewell.
While many construction businesses are deemed essential and still allowed to remain working, Hopewell says that Alair has seen impressive growth during this uncertain time, and he attributes the growth to the model he helped create, and the approximately 600 people across North America who make up “Team Alair”.
Alair Homes grew by 19 per cent in 2019, and the company has become the largest custom home contractor and renovator in North America with 120 locations serving five Canadian provinces and 14 states in the U.S. over the last six years.
Hopewell says that although the COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact, as it is everywhere, Alair is still busy building new homes and consulting with prospective homeowners about their plans.
A simple, open format allows for maximum natural light exposure, with hidden cupboards offering a large amount of storage
“For decades, the construction industry has done things the same way: take a deposit, start the project, finish the project,” Hopewell remarks. “Our focus, however, is on getting the consulting side of the project done before we even start. This means that a lot of the challenges and surprises that emerge during a typical construction process are dealt with ahead of time.”
It’s this proprietary system that has enabled the company to continue its growth during a time when many other construction companies have had to take a step back.
Hopewell says while construction is still taking place, he suggests there is no better time than right now to plan a home improvement project or build a new home.
“An entire Alair project is broken into multiple phases and the majority of the work is decided and done before a shovel hits the ground,” he says. “The first phase is complimentary. In this phase we determine all of the constraints and what will be required, ie. plans, interior design, projected budget, timeline and permit documentation to execute your vision. Our second phase we call Project Planning and is where we dive deep into each aspect of the project. This segment of the process requires small financial investments as required.”
He says this situation has also opened a big door to opportunity for those looking to build or renovate their homes now, or in the near future.
The Oak Leaf home features natural cedar highlights combined with stained cedar siding as well as a massive wrap around concrete deck for entertaining
“Not only can we start planning now, we can leverage the fact that our trades and suppliers are working from home-based offices and can provide education and pricing more efficiently. Finalizing plans now will help streamline projects into construction as soon as restrictions are lifted,” adds Hopewell.
The Alair model is also designed to help those who are looking to save or conserve during this time while still accomplishing their home improvement goals. Every aspect of the Alair planning and construction phases are broken down into small financial milestones.
“For decades, the construction industry has done things the same way: take a deposit, start the project, finish the project,” Hopewell remarks. “Our focus, however, is on getting the consulting side of the project done before we even start. This means that a lot of the challenges and surprises that emerge during a typical construction process are dealt with ahead of time.”
This approach reduces risk, provides more certainty and can mitigate expensive errors that are often dramatized on home improvement reality TV shows.
However, even with their established and proven systems and process, Alair Homes has adapted to social distancing like most everyone else, and virtual planning or design meetings has replaced the typical face-to-face meetings.
Hopewell says the ability for Team Alair to connect with clients, market partners and trades has helped increase productivity in the planning and design stages, and has opened up more time for Alair partners across North America to help educate people and help them while they are spending more time at home.
“It’s incredible to see our team step up and invest more time in educating people in their respective cities, and really take a lead on getting people through a situation most of us have never been in before. The situation changes daily, and affects each of our regions in different ways, and with that comes a lot of questions from not only our stakeholders, but the average person who is spending a lot more time at home right now,” he says.
An Alair Homes modern West Coast style home nestled on a Gary Oak and Arbutus filled bluff with 180-degree views of Georgia Straight
Hopewell says social media is chock full of educational and inspiration videos right now designed to help others as they are trying to navigate a whole new world. From the “Alair at Home” Show in Alberta—a social media series designed to help people with their small DIY projects, to a handmade charcutier board online auction in Belleville, Ontario raising money for local charities, Hopewell is proud to see his team living and breathing their core value—help others.
Alair Homes is well known for its community support even before the COVID-19 situation. For example, in Nanaimo, Hopewell states “whether it’s Silly Boats, The Great Pumpkin Toss, The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive or the various other events we participate in, we have fun with the community while lending a helping hand.
“We have the best staff, and without their dedication, we couldn’t do what we do both from a business, industry leadership and/or a community contribution perspective,” he says.
Hopewell is pleased that Nanaimo remains ground zero for Alair Homes.
“We’re proud to tell people that Alair was born in Nanaimo,” he adds. “Albeit we have offices across North America our headquarters is here in Nanaimo. We’re a Nanaimo business through and through.”
A foundation built to last and built on excellence, and it all started right here in Nanaimo. If the Big Bad Wolf ever comes to pay a visit, you may want to place your bet on Alair Homes.