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Article: Builder/Architect Magazine Steve Pryne grew up in the construction business. He was born into the business established by his grandfather in the 1920's and passed down to his father and uncle. Each generation learned and improved upon the previous. The Pryne family business built their homes near the Pennsylvania border in upstate New York's Broome County, where IBM got its start and which was home to many defense contractors. Business was booming in the area when Pryne was growing up. From the time he was old enough, Pryne worked in the family business-mostly doing odd jobs that his father didn't want to hire out. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from State University of New York, in 1974, he rejoined the family business for a few years before moving to Houston. Pryne credits his Psychology degree in helping him understand and communicate with customers and the trades. In Houston, he worked as a superintendent of Special Projects for an apartment developer. This led to project manager/superintendent jobs in Florida. He incorporated as Pryne Custom Homes, Inc. in 1987 and, for eight years before moving to Austin, built quality custom homes in and around his home town. After a short time working for two area home builders to familiarize himself with Central Texas building practices, Pryne decided to strike out again on his own in 1995 as Steve Pryne Builder. "I've kept my father's advice to keep my business small and under control" says Pryne. "When a home building firm becomes large enough to require superintendents and office staff, the builder becomes less a builder and more an administrator." Pryne is comfortable building three or four houses per year, mostly on Austin's south side, in the 360 and 620 corridor and Lakeway area. This volume allows him to keep his "hands on" each project. The homes turn out better and he has less problems. It is this personal touch that instills confidence and that his clients love about their relationship with him. Most of Pryne's typical day is spent on sites. "I hate to see a house sitting (with no work being done) for even a day.: Pryne explains. "In fact, there's something going on every day on all my sites" This is one reason he is able to build homes in less time than other comparable builders. Pryne's relationship with his suppliers' and subcontractors is yet another reason why his quality custom homes are built quicker and with less stress. He has built a solid working relationship with his subs. They know what he expects and he knows what he can expect of them. It's a personal, as well as professional, relationship that has been mutually developed over the years. Quality is built into every house Pryne builds. Construction techniques learned from his grandfather, father, uncle, and his own career experience have all contributed to his skills as a premier custom builder. But, he doesn't rest there. He will embrace new building technologies or use recycled materials when appropriate. He encourages the most energy-efficient building products. For example, Pryne says, "In Austin, you want to put your (insulation) money in the ceiling or rafters. Protection from radiant heat is more important than anything. A product like TechShield adds an R8 rating, particularly in the summer. I also use only quality low-E windows and doors." Pryne is not afraid of trying new technologies. He's about ready to start a 4,300 square foot home built with structural insulated panels. the panels consist of a foam core laminated on both sides to sheeting, and are manufactured to specifications and chased for electrical, plumbing, etc. They are delivered to the site, erected and bolted together, providing one of the tightest, most energy-efficient systems on the market today. In fact, the specifications call for only a four-ton air conditioning unit to cool the house. The house is so tight that fresh outside air hast to be brought in through air conditioning and the heat exchanger. Another feature Pryne encourages is "rain water harvesting." He recently built a home with two 10,000 gall on cisterns which supply a family of four with all the water they need, even during the dry periods. "We had the water tested by the county and the results show that it's better quality than municipal water and it's soft water." Pryne noted. He keeps on top of new developments in the building industry. Coming down the pike will be energy cells which convert propane or natural gas to provide enough electricity to power a home. He also encourages solar water heating and water cooled air conditioning systems where sites are appropriately located near a water source. Pryne works on a unique "cost plus" pricing system. Before he developed his pricing method he would have as many as 80 change orders on a house with the accompanying paperwork, etc. Material costs and subcontractor bids are presented to the client. A contingency factor, refundable to the owner, for changes which may or may not be used is included in each cost breakdown. During the construction, the budget is periodically reviewed with the client. If the home is under budget then the client has the option to upgrade of save the money. The costs that are presented are net cost, not marked up. Pryne ads his builder's fee based on a percentage of the net cost. The client is basically getting a house at cost, plus Pryne's builder's fee which normally ranges between 15-18 percent, depending on the location, complexity of the construction and travel time he must allocate. He is able to keep his overhead down by working from his home office. The system works out well for everyone. To his credit, Pryne is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, Texas Capitol Area Builders Association and Building Officials Association of the Southern Tier. He is also a Certified Construction Inspector, a Texas licensed Realtor and is Certified for Energy-Efficient Homes (NYSTAR). When a client hires Steve Pryne Builder, they get a progressive builder with three generations of experience behind him. |
