The Nugget Newspaper's Partners in Real Estate & Construction 2024 // 2024-06-05

Partners 2024 in Real Estate & Construction

The dream of living in Sisters is alive and well, for people of all walks of life.

Finding the right home requires a relationship with real estate professionals with a high level of knowledge and skill — and a hometown touch. Real estate brokers have to be knowledgeable, diligent — and above all they have to know how to listen to their clients, to determine what property best fits their vision of the Sisters way of life. The men and women you will meet in these pages know Sisters intimately, in all of its surprising diversity. They have the knowledge and resources to help you find the property of your dreams, or to sell the one you’re in and start somewhere new.

Buying or selling a home is different now than it was a few years ago — tech-

nological tools make virtual touring, and staging, an essential part of the process. Sisters’ professionals are well versed in these tools, so you can count on a process that is efficient and effective with your precious time and effort.

Buying a home in Sisters is only the start of a journey for many people. Some folks want to build from scratch or remodel. And there’s always maintenance and improvement to be done. Knowledge and professional expertise — again, delivered with that all-important hometown touch — is critical in the building trades, too. Whether you are building a new home, or putting up fence, or selecting the fixtures and amenities that will make your home both beautiful and functional, Sisters’ construction professionals have

solutions for you, and the ongoing service that means your experience will be a positive one.

For many people, working to fulfill their dreams with the help of their Sisters real estate broker, and their local, familyrun businesses, becomes an important part of their life in the community. These professionals often become treasured friends — a powerful demonstration of the spirit of Sisters, a manifestation of the sense of community that truly does make this one of the best places in the world to make your home.

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief The Nugget Newspaper

Richardson Log Homes — A family business with andartistryheart

For Lance and Rebecca Richardson, building and restoring log homes is about integrity, follow-through, artistry, and caring for their clients. Richardson Log Homes (RLH) is based in Terrebonne, with a client base that spans the nation. With a thriving business, Lance and Rebecca feel blessed to work with family doing what they love.

“With skill and excellence, we partner with our customers to build the home of their dreams,” said Rebecca Richardson.

Decades of skill and artistry is apparent in every Richardson Log Home. Countless testimonials from delighted clients recount how they immediately knew they were working with exceptional professionals who were creating something truly handcrafted. No manufactured log home can compare.

“We always encourage them to come out to the log yard and meet Lance and see the houses going up,” Richardson said.

Clients immediately see that the logs are big and majestic and that the craftsmanship is extraordinary. They can also visit finished homes. The Richardsons maintain long-term friendships with many clients who are eager to show prospective log home owners what a Richardson Log Home truly looks and feels like.

“We handcraft beauty one log at a time, peeling every log by hand,” Richardson said. “No milled wood can compare to the oldworld style and warmth of hand-drawn logs. Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder. Beauty just is, and as you sit in front of your stone fireplace with a good book and a warm mug, you’ll never tire of gazing at these logs.”

Services provided by RLH include barn design and construction, building custom, energy-efficient homes, tiny house construction, and floor plans. They also offer full log home restoration. Those services include: log replacement, rot repair, media blasting, log inspections, consultation, pest control, stain and top coat, and fall log wash.

Richardson says there’s something about the wood and history of log homes that brings comfort: “There’s a secure, solid feeling in a log home. No matter the weather, you’re safe and snuggled inside.”

Lance Richardson watched his father build log homes when he was young.

“That’s our history. It gives my husband a rich past with log homes and a deep love for them. We love people and enjoy staying in relationships with the people we build homes for,” Rebecca said. “We stay connected with them, we remain available to assist them in

Customers say it best...

Richardson Log Homes completed a full exterior restoration on our log homes. These homes had not been maintained for 25 years. Lance and his crew blasted, repaired, and stained the homes. They now look like new. They didn’t linger. They worked full days and communicated through the whole project and cleaned up.

— Searl Lachausse

Richardson Log Homes did a restoration of our 40+ year-old log home. Lance did an inspection of the home and gave us recommendations explaining each step to us and why it was needed. Lance and Brandon did a fantastic job restoring our home under tough working conditions due to hot temperatures. We are extremely pleased with the finished product and would recommend Richardson Log Homes if you’re looking to breathe new life into an old log home.

— Jerome and Sandy Loomis

consultation, maintenance, and long-term care of their homes.”

Learn more about RLH online at www. richardsonloghomes.com. Rebecca and Lance invite folks to email them at info@richardsonloghomes.com, or give them a call at 541-7288787. RLH’s physical address is 71330 NW Lower Bridge Way, in Terrebonne.

Lance and Rebecca are a rare and unexpected gift. There are very few companies you work with these days that you know — right from the start — you won’t have to worry about your investment... Richardson Log Homes is one of these companies.

We always knew we wanted a log home but even after we had looked at many of the log homes they all seemed to be the same. Milled logs are nice but we were looking for something special. Once we drove out to the Richardson’s property and laid our eyes on the structures that Lance was creating we knew we had found what we had been looking for. But what Lance and Rebecca have done for us completely, 100% surpassed our expectations. The quality of these log homes is amazing! Lance builds these homes by hand and is tougher and harder working than even my own husband — that’s saying a lot!

In addition to the quality, Richardson Log Homes’ customer service experience totally surpassed any expectations we had. Both Lance and Rebecca have held our hand through this process, making the decision to

build our log cabin so easy and stressfree — we can’t even fully put it into words. Replying to endless questions and texts throughout the process... they have both been truly fabulous. And, the logs they use for their homes are the best. Huge, beautiful logs... incredible. Lance hand-draws each log and his attention to detail is meticulous. He has been there for every step of this process. There are a lot of builders that show up to get paid and then disappear, but there are very few that not only follow through with what they’ve promised, but totally over-deliver. Additionally, Lance personally completes the construction process as well as the re-assembly of each home. He gave way more of his time and energy than we could have ever expected. He and Rebecca are one in a million.

If you have a dream to build a log home, please contact Lance and Rebecca first. I promise they will give you the home of your dreams! They go out of their way to make sure you get exactly what you want, while also making you feel comfortable and treating you like family.

— Tom & Shanna Snell

PHOTO BY GRACE PULVER

PHOTO BY GRACE PULVER

Ross Kennedy builds his business with trust

Ross Kennedy is in his 18th year in real estate in Sisters Country. That means he’s seen just about everything the market has done, all the highs and lows. He’s consistently ranked among the top producers in Sisters Country.

He knows every neighborhood and all the different microregions of Sisters Country — from Black Butte Ranch to town, and as far east as Redmond, Bend, and Prineville. That broad and deep knowledge translates to being able to find the right property for a buyer and the ability to act effectively when an opportunity arises. He’s also created a strong network with all of the services in Sisters that are vital to success in real estate — from contractors to inspectors to lenders.

“I have built strong, long-lasting, relationships,” he said.

All of that translates to a high degree of trust.

“The community trusts and believes in what I do,” he says.

The Tehan family — long-time Sisters residents — think highly of Kennedy’s work.

“Ross Kennedy did an amazing job for us!” they said. “Our transaction involved selling a house and buying a replacement property within a restricted time frame. With Ross’ knowledge and connections in the local real estate market, we got it done with a week to spare. Ross kept us informed throughout the process and facilitated all the moving parts necessary for a successful outcome.

“Needless to say, we will call Ross for our future Sisters real estate needs and recommend him to our friends and family.”

Kennedy is now with Stellar Realty NW, the largest boutique real estate company in Central Oregon, and he is very pleased with how the transition has improved service.

“Their back-end transaction support, their marketing and outreach to the community, and the support of (owner) Scott Besaw is incredible,” he says.

Plenty of time to get your outdoor projects underway

You have an outdoor project you really want to undertake — but you’re afraid you’re too late, that everybody is booked up. Not necessarily.

When

Dave Kelly of Everything Outdoors still has some time in his schedule — and, more importantly, he emphasizes that the project season in Sisters really runs through the fall. So go ahead and make that call and get started. Estimates are free.

to large, including water features, are a specialty, and they can build outdoor structures and outdoor kitchens.

— Dave Kelly

Licensed for both landscaping and construction, Kelly can bring any vision for your property to life. Dave brings 33 years of experience to bear — and he does the work himself.

“When you hire my company, you get me,” he says. “You don’t get an employee.”

From paver patios (a specialty and a favorite project) to decks (composite or wood), Everything Outdoors completes projects that enhance quality of life. Landscaping projects from small

Dave will take you through every phase, from design to construction. Often clients have ideas but they can’t quite see it. Years of varied experience means Kelly has lots of ideas and can help clients realize their ideas and make the most out of the space they have available.

“This is the only thing I’ve done since I was 13 — and I’m 50 now,” he notes.

Planning ahead makes it easier to secure materials – and Kelly emphasizes that the season is long. There are actually advantages to setting up a project for the fall.

“I did a big deck for a family, and I finished just after Thanksgiving,” Kelly notes. “At the end, they said, ‘We’re so happy we planned this now. We can enjoy it the first day it’s sunny.’”

Construction company operates on spirit of partnership

The spirit of partnership is the ethic that drives Mike Dyer and forms the foundation of Dyer Construction and Renovation. Partnership with subcontractors; partnership with employees.

“Their success is my success,” Dyer says. “The end product of what we’re producing for a client is a team effort.”

Partnership in this context means supporting employees with good benefits and an appreciative environment.

“Remembering what it’s like to be an employee and being appreciated, that’s huge,” Dyer says. “As a business owner and employer you can easily get caught up in schedules and financial obligations. It is important not to lose sight of those helping you bring it all together.”

With subcontractors, that means creating a two-way conduit of loyalty. Dyer isn’t looking for the lowest cost he can get — he works with people of proven quality and capability. And he goes back to them year after year.

“When I get a job, my subs get a job,” he explains. “They know they’re my go-tos. Relationships are more important to me than trying to get the lowest numbers.”

Those relationships mean that

clients are getting a dedicated team that will go to great lengths to produce their best work.

Loyalty and a team spirit means the crew is reliable and efficient and good at working together.

For Dyer and his crew of craftsmen, “good enough” just isn’t. Every person on the crew is expected to always give their best — and that’s the way they want it.

“Building a house is not rocket science, but it requires structural integrity from dirt to roof.” Dyer says. “Every nail, every 2-by-4, every cut builds on the one before. We are not perfect but we’re always striving for excellence.”

With that commitment, Dyer has developed a reputation that has made them a go-to firm for crafting homes in Black Butte Ranch

and the Sisters area.

All of Dyer Construction and Renovation’s work is done on a cost-plus basis. Dyer recognizes that “that is not going to work for every client” — and that’s okay.

“There’s a certain client I’m looking for,” he says.

The ideal client for Dyer Construction and Renovation is one who recognizes the value of a cohesive team of workers and the quality of the product that they create. Dyer is good at helping people work through the anxieties and pressures of the building or renovation process. And he loves it when clients give him and his crew the freedom to be creative.

Dyer enjoys the “fresh slate” of a new build and the challenge of a remodel. He is involved in

both planning and management of a project as well as the physicality of putting hammer and nail to work. At any time Mike is able to put the tool belt on and solve engineering or architectural issues with expertise. As a multi-skilled contractor, his abilities allow Dyer Construction and Renovation to create structural excellence throughout each stage of the build. Mike has a professional certification in Earth Advantage Sustainable Homes. Clients looking for the highest level of quality in realizing vision for their home have learned to turn to Dyer Construction and Renovation. And a commitment to the craft keeps Mike Dyer and his crew turning out to the job site each day loving what they do.

— Dennis Abraham

— Franco L . Casiean

Susan Bird brings passion to her practice

Susan Bird loves the community that she has called home since 1990. That’s why she specializes only in real estate in Sisters and Black Butte Ranch.

“It is my passion,” she says.

Her deep knowledge helps her serve clients well, even in complicated transactions. Sisters area properties have many quirks, and it pays to have a broker who knows how to navigate them.

“To me, it’s invaluable, because I have historical knowledge on top of the market knowledge,” she says. “Weird things come up all the time in real estate — and I know them because of experiences of mine and other brokers.”

Bird brings a real personal touch to her work.

A buyer said, “In the past five years, we have worked with you on three purchases and one sale. You have helped us make excellent decisions at each step of the way. Your thorough knowledge of the local community and the real estate market, combined with your dedication to your customers and friendly demeanor, make you the best broker we have ever worked with. We are always

impressed with your patience, creativity, and attention to detail.”

Bird is now with Stellar Realty NW. She landed there because it is a top Central Oregon company.

“I met with the owner of Stellar Realty (Scott Besaw) and was so impressed. He checked every box. He had the same philosophy, passion, values, and a stellar staff that offers everything I need for my clients’ successful real estate transactions,” she says.

That philosophy comes down to a couple of simple principles: Being client-centric and doing the right thing. And that has always been how Bird does her work.

A seller noted, “This was the second time that you have assisted us with a sale and reminded us why we requested your help the second time around. You bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, coupled with good common sense and reflection. You tell us what we need to hear as opposed to what we may want to hear. Your promptness and attention to detail are remarkable. Your integrity provides a great level of comfort, as we know we are in good hands.”

Robinson & Owen has shaped Sisters

Anywhere you look in Sisters, you see the work of Robinson & Owen Heavy Construction.

From the runways at Sisters Airport to the new Woodlands subdivision to the new site of Sisters Elementary School, their work is fundamental to the workings of our town. When the City of Sisters needed to install a sewer main under Whychus Creek, Robinson & Owen was the selected contractor. They completed the infrastructure work on the FivePine campus and the three industrial parks in Sisters, along with many other projects.

Their footprint is literally everywhere. With a synergistic partnership with Pat and Heidi Thompson of Sisters Rental, they have done extraordinary work in shaping the Sisters we know.

Robinson & Owen Heavy Construction is a full-service excavation, grading, and rock-production company based in Sisters. The company was started in 1996 by Rod Robinson and Michael Owen and has a 28-year history of com pleting private and public projects throughout Oregon.

Rod and Mike started working

together in logging operations in 1986. As the logging industry declined, they decided to turn their experience and expertise in operating heavy equipment into their own business. And they took their ethic with them. As Mike puts it: “If we’re honest, fair, and follow through with everything we say we’re going to do, everything will be good.”

With the experience of longterm employees, company-owned material sources, and a wide range of equipment, Robinson & Owen has a history of finishing projects, large and small, on time and on budget.

They earned an excellent reputation working in environments that involve a multitude of restoration projects, where the protection of the surrounding ecosystems is of utmost importance.

The company has also given back to the community, grading and trenching Sisters’ Little League fields, providing work and materials for Sisters Park & Recreation District’s (SPRD) bike park, excavating SPRD’s skate park, and sponsoring Sisters’

Craftsman loves working in stone and brick

If a project involves masonry work — fireplaces, interior and exterior stone or brick work, perhaps a barbecue or a paved walk — Cesar Alvarez will not only get the job done, he’ll revel in it.

The lead craftsman for Lara’s Construction & Cleaning absolutely loves stonework. And he loves pleasing his clients.

“When you’re done and the house looks different and they’re happy, that makes me happy,” Cesar said.

Jonathan Hicks, a Sisters resident and real estate professional, is one of the happy ones. He had Lara’s Construction & Cleaning build a fireplace in his home and lay pavers outside.

“Ruth and Cesar have been a pleasure to work with through multiple projects,” Hicks reported. “They offer the highest-quality

craftsmanship with reasonable price points. I regularly recommend their services.”

Cesar came to his passion for masonry on a winding path.

Eighteen years ago, he was working in the restaurant business in California. A friend in Oregon urged him to move here and join him in the construction industry.

Cesar and his wife, Ruth, talked about it — but there was a concern: Cesar had no construction experience.

They decided to take the plunge anyway, and in 2005 they moved to Oregon, where Cesar went to work and Ruth worked in residential cleaning. And it turned out that it was the right move.

Almost immediately, Cesar discovered that he had a knack for masonry — and he loved the craft.

There is a certain satisfaction

in laboring in such an elemental medium, and there is an almost endless variety to the work.

“There’s nothing the same, there’s always something different,” Ruth said.

Over the years, Cesar gained a wide range of experience and a mastery of the craft he loves. A couple of years ago, they decided to start their own company, and Lara’s Construction & Cleaning was born. Part of the motivation was a desire to work directly with clients to realize their visions for

their home.

Cesar remains the hands and the passion behind the work, even when he has others working with him on the job.

“Cesar is always there,” Ruth said. “He’s always making sure the job is good.”

Reliability, craftsmanship, and a fair price are the hallmarks of Lara’s Construction & Cleaning’s work. That commitment, along with a pure love for the work, leaves everybody happy and satisfied.

Artistry comes in many forms and we are proud to create home accents, fireplaces, patios, walkways, and more that give your home a personality all its own.

Stonework adds one-of-a-kind texture, richness and color to any project.

Masonry is energy saving, mold and fire resistant, and a ordable. WHAT CAN WE DESIGN FOR

Sisters is known for its vibrant arts community. Hayden Homes is known for giving back to each community it builds in. For six years, those elements have come together in a unique Hayden Homes art scholarship.

Supporting the arts seemed like the natural thing to Hayden Homes.

“(The arts community) is just one of those things that makes Sisters special and unique, and we want to honor that,” says Hayden Homes Regional Director Brett Swanson.

The $2,500 scholarship can be applied toward college expenses or toward art supplies, Swanson noted.

“It’s $2,500. That’s substantial,” says Sisters arts advocate Kit Stafford, who serves on the scholarship committee that selects the artist and their project. “It’s a delicious amount. I think more people need to know about it.”

But the scholarship offers more than financial support.

“It stands out from any other scholarship,” Stafford says.

The scholarship is open to both juniors and seniors in high school. In order to apply for the scholarship, the artist submits a proposal, just as they might for a professional commission.

Hayden Homes supports the arts in Sisters

committee on the artist’s submission. A committee comprised of a representative of Hayden Homes, Sisters High School art teacher Bethany Gunnarson, and Sisters Arts Association members and artists of note, Kit Stafford and Paul Bennett, select the awardee.

“It gives them some real-life design experience in the way that you would for a commission for any company, really,” says Gunnarson.

“When awarded, they get all the supplies that they need to make the piece,” Stafford says.

“It gives them some real-life display in Hayden Homes’ model

“It really gets a lot of interest,” Stafford says.

The recognition is vital to students who don’t always get the limelight.

The scholarship art is placed on display in Hayden Homes’ model home in Sisters for a year, after which it is returned to the artist. The work always makes an impression.

in those (art) classes are not in

“A lot of those kids who are in those (art) classes are not in sports,” Stafford says. “They’re not celebrated as much…. We’re telling you that you have talent, that you’ve been chosen, and we want to support you.”

The artist says, “It’s always nice to help someone who doesn’t have other support. It’s through

dawn upon the artist that they and their work are truly honored and appreciated.

a career.

The scholarship pieces usually evoke the landscape of the region.

Swanson concurs.

“Seeing the talent that lives within the community we serve, and how creative these young artists are — it’s very rewarding to see that,” he said.

“They (Hayden Homes) really want to celebrate Central Oregon,” Stafford says.

see that,” he said.

“The generosity of Hayden Homes is definitely appreciated,” Gunnarson says, noting that the scholarship offers a real material and morale boost to students who are considering the visual arts

scholarship offers a real material and morale boost to students who

Through their unique scholarship, Hayden Homes celebrates Central Oregon and Sisters’ vibrant arts culture in a variety of ways, investing in individual artists and the Sisters High School arts program, and building lasting relationships within the community they serve.

Daniel Schmidt.

A business centered around family values

When Lakeview Millworks describes itself as a family business, they mean it. It’s familyowned by Brad and Kelly King, but the sense of family runs deeper. For Brad King, there’s not much distinction between family and employees. “They’re the same in many respects,” he says.

Many employees of Lakeview Millworks have been there for years and are like family to each other — and to the Kings. That means decisions are made the way a family makes them — around the table. “Choices to move a business in any direction are best decided as a collective,” King says.

Lakeview Millworks has moved strongly into the commercial window coverings field, delivering its trademark quality product with top-drawer, committed customer service. Those fundamental principles have always guided Lakeview Millworks: a commitment to provide quality doors, windows, and window coverings at a fair price — with the best service in the field.

“We’re never the price of the big-box store,” King says.

What they will be is on the spot when you need them, long after

the fact. They want their customers to be satisfied.

“Whatever it takes, we always work it through,” King says. “That comes from our great staff.”

Lakeview Millworks always stays abreast of the latest developments in technology, particularly in the window field, where advancements have made both windows and window coverings exceptionally efficient and easy to operate with app-based programing that is way ahead of “old” remote control technology.

Their showroom features some of the best products in the field, and staff can help determine what is the best fit for any application.

For King, ownership of a small business is as much a calling as an enterprise. He sees business owners as stewards of community, people who work hard to stay in business through thick and thin, to provide a valued product and/ or service to the community, and keep people employed.

That is the ethic that has kept Lakeview Millworks in the forefront of the Sisters business community for decades, and it will guide them into the future.

Deep knowledge and hard work mean success

Khiva Beckwith is a down-toearth professional with Coldwell Banker Mayfield, born and raised in Central Oregon with a deep knowledge of “every nook and cranny” of the region.

As a self-described “hardworking go-getter,” Beckwith is the kind of agent both buyers and sellers want in their corner. That’s why many of her clients become friends.

Beckwith is so deeply rooted in the Sisters and Central Oregon community that being “networked” is just a natural outgrowth of her life.

Beckwith has been through every twist and turn of the Sisters market, and she knows how to navigate it under a variety of conditions. The limited supply and high demand have contributed to significant price appreciation in Central Oregon’s real estate market. Home prices have risen steadily, making affordability a concern for some buyers, particularly first-time homebuyers. Sisters’ scenic beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and schools attract home buyers seeking a high quality of life.

She believes that success depends on working closely with your agent to know the market and to research financing options. Interest rates can have a significant impact on monthly mortgage payments, so it pays to be savvy about those financing options.

The best evidence of Beckwith’s diligence and skill comes from satisfied clients.

“Words cannot express how awesome Khiva is,” one client says. “We relocated from Tacoma, Washington, and she was on it the minute we were ready to purchase a home. Khiva was extremely genuine and made a difficult purchase happen. She never quit and worked tirelessly getting myself and family to Central Oregon.”

Khiva knows the Central Oregon market inside and out, can provide valuable insights into neighborhoods, housing trends, schools, amenities, and recreational opportunities. If you’ve found the home of your dreams and you’re in a solid financial position to make the purchase, it can be an excellent time to buy!

There no Place like Home in Central Oregon!

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, you need a real estate professional in your corner to help navigate today’s rapidly changing real estate market.

“5 Stars in every category! We have bought and sold many homes over the years and when you’re looking for the BEST of the BEST then Khiva is your person. She is a savvy negotiator, mindful of your wishes, stays with you day and night (throughout the entire transaction). She is always present for the important milestones and is an amazing broker to have on your side.”

— Kendra H.

Sisters company expands its capabilities

Sisters Fence Company has established a reputation for locally owned, craftsman built work, and for constantly adding to their capabilities. Their commitment to quality and constant additions to service are reflected in a new name: Sisters Fence and Deck.

In addition to providing a wide range of fencing options, the company is now offering deck refurbishing. Good prep work is key to a successful, long-lasting painting or staining project. That can mean hours of sanding — or you can contact Sisters Fence and Deck and turn them loose with their recently acquired sandblasting equipment. Their sandblasting services get the job done safely and effectively — and far more quickly than anyone can do it with a sander.

“It’s just a more thorough job,” says owner Pat Burke. “You get into all those nooks and crannies. It opens up the pores of the wood itself, so it takes in more of the stain.”

The abrasive product is EPA approved and environmentally safe. It’s crushed, recycled, and sifted glass — like really fine beach sand. The sand safe for the soil — in fact, it helps retain moisture. Cleanup is easy.

Burke is happy to offer a maintenance aspect into the capabilities of his outfit — but they can build a deck for you from scratch if that’s what you need. And they offer the full range of fencing options that are popular and functional in Sisters Country: cedar; lodgepole; metal; agricultural fencing — you name it, they do it, and they have lots of experience with it. Additionally, Sisters Fence and Deck can build your custom gates and automated entryways. Singlearm, double-arm, solar-powered, the Sisters Fence and Deck crew has done all types of work and can work with whatever configuration is desired.

Rock drilling and mobile welding are part of the Sisters Fence

and Deck arsenal.

“We manage and operate a lot in-house,” Burke says. “With my experienced and knowledgeable crew, we run a tight schedule to get the job done.”

Speaking of schedule — it’s not too late to get your summer project lined up. Because the company operates so efficiently through the spring they’re only two to four weeks out on projects. Give them a call soon, though, because summer does get busy.

Sisters Fence and Deck strives always to take a customer’s vision and make it a working reality.

“It’s best if the customer finds an example of what they like and says, ‘This is what we want,’ and we can build it,” Burke said.

Burke notes that Sisters Fence

and Deck always strives to maximize the value the customer gets out of their investment. Clear communication with clients on costs, scope of work, materials, and the desired end product is key to a successful project.

Burke says his crew “will figure out what the client wants and how we can build it, so when the project is complete, they say, ‘This is what I envisioned, and thank you.’”

Committed to supporting the local economy, Sisters Fence and Deck strives at every opportunity to buy materials and supplies in Sisters and Central Oregon. Burke grew up in Sisters and wants his company to continue to be integrated into the life of the community.

of Steel construction: strong, functional, and stylish

There are many advantages to steel construction: you can build on a large scale and create a strong, stable, functional space. Warehouse, agricultural facilities, and industrial plants are a natural fit for steel construction. What may not be immediately apparent is that steel buildings can be downright stylish — with all the functional benefits you need and all the aesthetics you want.

“Sometimes people look at steel buildings and think they’re just steel buildings,” says Rob Boaz, owner of Web Steel Buildings Northwest, who specializes

in pre-manufactured steel building systems.

A steel-frame building can incorporate brick, wood, glass, stucco, stone — and it looks like something more than an industrial building.

“Anything that you can put on a house as a wallcovering you can put on these buildings,” Boaz says.

Web Steel recently worked with Centrex Construction of Tigard, Oregon, on a 40,000square-foot facility on Barclay Drive and Pine Street in Sisters that offers much more in the way of aesthetics than the

stereotype of a light industrial structure.

“You look at that building and think that’s not a steel building — but it is,” Boaz says.

Steel buildings can be downright livable — as exemplified by the trend toward “barndominiums” — which combine the living space of a home with the work space of a shop.

“Barndominiums are kind of a big deal these days,” Boaz says.

Web Steel was launched in 1989, in Sandy, Oregon, and has done work across the nation. One of their signature projects is the Oregon State University Wave Lab.

“It’s a feather in our cap because it’s so revolutionary,” Boaz says.

Web Steel manufactures the buildings, and a contractor or customer builds them.

They got an early start in Sisters, crafting the municipal recycling center. Boaz said he is interested in developing relationships with Sisters contractors.

Web Steel offers a range

of steel framing systems. The Delta was designed for do-it-yourself installers. The Vaulted Clearspan Truss, and Rigid Frame, are for larger applications (the Sisters Recycling Center is a Rigid Frame). A hybrid of the Vaulted and Rigid System has proved to be the best design for the barndominium, offering a clean design that maximizes interior space.

“That thing’s really, really advantageous, because it’s so easy to make a really cool building,” Boaz says. “That’s the main frame for the barndominium.”

Homeowners or business people who are

interested in a Web Steel building are welcome to contact the company.

“If they’ve got a contractor they love and trust, that’s a good way to go,” Boaz says. “We speak the same language as contractors.”

Direct contact works, too. A staff with years of experience under their belts helps clients determine exactly what they want and need, and the best system to meet those wants and needs.

“Just give us a call and tell us what you want and we’ll help you figure it out — and we’ll figure out an economical way to do it,” Boaz says.

Longplay Winery, one of Web Steel Buildings Northwest’s projects.

PHOTO COURTESY MATT SWAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Hybrid-frame buildings by Web Steel Buildings Northwest are a great option for people creating multi-use spaces.

PHOTO PROVIDED