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Pewaukee - David & Builders of Pewaukee recently added another 'first' to its homebuilding operations. Already recognized as one of the area's first - and only - custom home builders to employee their own carpenters, masons and landscapers, owners David & Ann Rodrigues added Lisa Docter to head up a remodeling division. "There isn't a builder that I know of who offers a remodeling service," David Rodrigues said. "We only did remodeling on homes that we had already built, or for friends that twisted our arms." "We brought Lisa on board to not only help with new custom homes," Ann Rodrigues said. "That was an area of business that we always had to turn away in the past." Docter, who holds a degree from the University of Michigan's College of Architecture, came to the David & Goliath team after being with Winters Design Group in Wauwatosa. Docter's inquisitive approach to project planning enables her to 'draw out' exactly what a homeowner wants. By walking through the 'function' of one's home and life, and having a thorough understanding of home construction, Docter is able to piece together the best options. "I do what most clients can't do - give them a visual - and that's when they really start getting excited," Docter said. "I use a combination of hand sketches and computer drawings. Sometimes I have to draw as quick as the thoughts are coming out of a client's head. You have to have that immediacy." Docter said remodeling trends include updating homes to today's lifetstyle, while maintaining architectural integrity. "It's important to be stylistically consistent throughout the house with proportions, finish materials and details," Docter said. "The remodeling is treated appropriately, whether the home is Victorian, Craftsman or clean and contemporary. Occasionally, clients have done a whole house remodel that completely changes the home, taking a non-descript style to something stunning." "It's unfortunate when I see a home that hasn't had time put into the planning stages of design." Docter said. "There's nothing more disheartening than going into a home that's had an insensitive remodel. And then the client has to make decisions about whether to try to work with it or redo a former remodel that someone spent their good money on. That is the basis for everything-do it right the first time." "The biggest misconception in the industry is that it will cost more to have what you want," Ann Rodrigues said. "You can custom design and build while staying within our budget for a new home or remodeling project." For more information, contact David & Goliath Builders at
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