ALBRECHT FAMILY ACTION
Sam Ewing
A Renovator Renovates
Surviving the economic storm Albrecht and Son gears up for growthIn recent years, Albrecht and Son had to make cuts within the budget and loose such luxuries as a showroom, diverse advertisement and skilled employees.
"It became so bleak that at one point, we were planning personnel layoffs so office staff could return to the field leaving myself and Tom (Albrecht) to run the office and take appointments for bids." Chuckled TJ Myres, company General Manager. "That was as close to a 'skeleton crew' as I ever want to experience again."
With company personnel increasing from 14 to 24 and 3 more just hired, Albrecht and Son can prove that the economy is recovering.
"I am contracting more large remodel projects now," explains owner Tom Albrecht, "It's due to the snowbirds selling their homes back East to save money." There have been notable increases in permanent residency in the Sun Cities communities. "And once the lady of the house realizes she is going to be staying in what has been a vacation house for good, she is demanding they upgrade. So kitchens, bathrooms and a lot of addition projects are filling our books."
Albrecht and Son for over 20 years, has been nestled in the midst of the Dell Web development communities and has serviced thousands of residents and businesses. With recent growth, Albrecht and Son has increased its personnel over 40% in the last 6 months. Additionally, they have build a showroom at the office location instead of a secondary spot. Creating space for offices, training and client targeted showcases.
"We are paced to make it out of the crunch by the end of this year. At that time, the showroom will take on another renovation, with active bathroom displays, Safety Tub models and interactive design stations. We may start to experience the need to expand and add on to our building too," Tom jokingly states.
It is certain, that at Albrecht and Son, they are doing things well and are rising above the ashes of an economic wasteland.
Investment Remodeling 
Not a "Flip It" Opportunity Anymore
Rising remodeling costs coupled with an overall slowdown in housing activity nationwide combined to extend the general downward trend in Cost vs. Value data. After several years of accelerated remodeling spending and record housing appreciation, it is not surprising to see a moderating trend in the share of cost recovered for remodeling projects. What is more difficult to peg is the extent of the downturn. As is often the case, the data tell more than one story.(www.remodeling.hw.net/Remodel Magazine/Oct 2009) Cost vs. Value Graph