Produced by TaMeka Marshall & Written by Kellie Ducharme
From the Canadian Executive Journal
The saying “built to last” is not an unusual mantra for a construction company when speaking of its work in the field. But with CarShacks Garage Builders the saying also applies to the firm, itself. CarShacks, located in southern Alberta and incorporated in 1999, is based off of a top-to-bottom,
previously untapped business model, which is why despite the economy the multimillion dollar firm has expanded to three new locations in the past four years.
Steve Martin, the designbuild company’s founder and current owner, originally owned Calgary’s Anchor Concrete. He would often lay the concrete foundations for garages (called garage pads) and customers would frequently ask him if they knew anyone who could build standalone garages. After some research, Martin realized that there was no one in the Calgary area that specialized in building standalone garages. The transition became inevitable. Along with his father, Wayne Martin, and his business associate, Rolly Ashdown, the younger Martin launched CarShacks, a construction firm that specializes in building residential detached garages. Though they expected to construct 30 garages at most during their first year, they built more than 60.
With the addition of James Lavigne, a construction professional with more 20 years of extensive knowledge, CarShacks production doubled its production from 2000 to 2001. Lavigne is vice president of operations and manages the construction process and develops procedures to make it timelier. Currently, the company can build more than 200 garages a year. Eventually, the company would like to be at the capacity where it could make twice that, says Lavigne.
From Baseline to Build Out
Once someone calls inquiring about a garage, CarShacks sends a team of trained consultant estimators to determine the specific needs of the client and discuss steps the company will take if moving forward. Af
ter a plan for a garage is sold, a project manager guides that project to completion. First, the project manager inspects the site, locates the underground utilities and then obtains the necessary building permits at the municipal level. “We don’t build anything without all the required permits,” explains Lavigne. “We apply for them on behalf of the homeowner, so we are basically a one-stop shop; the customer doesn’t have to do anything on the project.”
Next, the excavation process begins and the concrete footings are poured, then the curb wall is cribbed and poured, followed by a gravel base installation. Steel rebar is then installed at the base to reinforce the structure, the concrete pad is poured and “finished,” and then it is sealed. Once the foundation is finished, the structure is assembled in five stages. The sill is placed, the wall sections are erected, leveled and aligned, the trusses are placed and attached, the sheet roof is installed, after which the doors, windows, and overhead car door are installed. Next, the exterior work is done – including the protection of the framing materials using Tyvek or building paper then covered with siding or stucco, to match the homeowners existing dwelling. Finally, the exterior is completed with the installation of soffit, facia and eavestrough.
After the exterior work is finished, the roof is finished. Shingles are loaded onto the roof, a felt base and starter strips are then set up, followed by the installation of the shingles. After this, the venting and roof cap are installed. The electrical fitting is the final stage of building the garage (though it can be completed earlier in the process) and consists of digging a sizable trench, and then running conduit and wiring from the source to the garage. Next, boxes for switches and plugs are put in place, and wiring is attached to the breaker.
From Initial Anchors to Long-term Advantages
According to CarShacks’ research, most customers get a 100-percent return on their investment when selling their home. Also, all garages come with a five-year warranty. Lavigne says an overwhelming majority of customers are extremely satisfied with the finished product because CarShacks does “whatever it takes to make them happy.” In those rare situations where something needs correction, a CarShacks executive will contact a client within 24 hours of the filed complaint, and then fix the problem within days to no cost to the customer. “Our customers are confident knowing that their experience is hassle- and worry-free,” explains the company’s Web site. Lavigne says the key to this experience is communication and responsibility. “When you say you are going to be there, you’re there,” explains Lavigne. “That’s why the construction manager actually meets with the customer, because it defines expectations.”
CarShacks has a very loyal base of 10 full-time employees who pass this enthusiasm to clients. “It’s a positive atmosphere,” explains Lavigne, adding that because CarShacks has a good balance of labor force and projects, employees don’t feel overworked, a common side effect of the construction industry. “We’re careful not to overwork ourselves and put too much on one person.” All employees receive a comprehensive benefits package and the company encourages and compensates regular training. Every employee has taken a first aid course and almost all attend monthly safety breakfast seminars hosted by the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA), of which CarShacks is a member. “We don’t have a huge amount of employee turnover rate,” says Lavigne, adding that much of the company’s success is due to its long-term employees.
From Getting the Word Out to Getting More Work In
CarShacks has an extensive advertising program. “We do radio, our Web site is quite extensive and features online quotes, plus we do local advertising, newspapers, community-focused newsletters and home and garden shows,” explains Lavigne, who says that CarShacks runs about three percent of its annual gross on advertising each year. CarShacks also has a fleet of vehicles decorated with the company logo, puts a sign on each property they build while the project is underway. In addition, the company’s involvement in the CHBA, with Lavigne sitting on the renovation council and the company supporting its local Renomark program, helps the Alberta community find a
reliable, trustworthy contractor.
“The construction industry has been booming here in Alberta,” explains Lavigne, who adds the company is “looking at neighboring provinces to … expand our dealership network.” Having gained momentum so quickly over the past few years, with its additions in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer, CarShacks is bound to continue expansion as its experience and reputation continues to last throughout the province.