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Home buyers usually search for valued characteristics to identify reputable contractors to build their new homes. Competence and experience are among these characteristics, but more important, people look for builders who are personally involved in their construction projects, and who demonstrate strong professional integrity in serving their customers. Randall Shirley Builders of Raleigh, North Carolina is one company that exemplifies all these essential qualities.

A native of Wake County who was born and raised in Raleigh, Randall Shirley has founded his company on solid principles that have established him as an award- winning builder in the North Raleigh and Wake Forest areas. These principles include personal supervision of all construction projects, commitment to family, a deep sense of community, financial stability, and a trustworthy reputation.

Randall proudly proclaims, "I am a field builder. I stay on job sites all day. By keeping close contact throughout each project with the home buyer, we reduce any problems that may arise during and after the sale."

Randall started in the construction business in 1978 as an interior trim subcontractor, and for 10 years worked exclusively for one builder, doing all the interior trim and decks. During the last two years of that period, he worked closely with the builder to learn construction procedures, finance, and business communication. In 1988, Randall built his first custom home, and pledged never to build a "predictable house." Since that time, he has kept his pledge by always putting in "some type of special feature, whether it is arch motifs, various faux techniques, or unique moldings," to give each home a particular highlight. One feature for which his company is known is its "signature hardwood floors." Each house by Randall Shirley Builders has an original hardwood design.

As he explains, "I still do much of my own interior trim, and enjoy surprising our home buyers with special touches. Our customers enjoy the individuality we put into their homes."

A relatively small company, Randall Shirley Builders limits its contracts to six to eight houses at a time, so "each customer receives unquestionable service and attention." During construction, each project is inspected twice a day. This attention complements the excellent subcontractors Randall hires to deliver high-quality workmanship. He notes that, in addition to constant communication with buyers, he uses the same subcontractors on a regular basis.

Randall maintains, "By using the same subcontractors over and over, it simplifies the scheduling process," and the subcontractors "know their company's name is labeled with each home we build, and proudly so."

Randall acknowledges that he is "a stickler on scheduling the entire home building process. Scheduling is critical." To assist customers, he provides a "Home Buyer's Package," which includes a suppliers' list, dated construction schedule, a decorating schedule, and detailed specifications. According to Randall, "All to Randall, "All our owners say that the building process was easy and fun." Every buyer also receeives a reference list of all company's homeowners, and Randall insists that new clients call them. He also believes in having at least four walk-throughs with buyers during the construction process.

Randall Shirley Builders has constructed more than 70 pre-sale homes, and according to Randall, the homeowners' reference list "has probably been our best sales tool, along with the annual Parade of Homes of the Home Builders Association in Wake County." He has built six consecutive Parade of Homes' winners since 1989, including a 1992 Gold Award with a perfect score, and in October 1994, he again received a Gold Award. The Home Builders Association, through its Parade of Homes, "offers a great advertising tool that enables the public to get a firsthand view of your product," says Randall. He adds that the HBA allows him the opportunity to attend workshops and stay abreast of building trends.

Randall is assisted in the business by his wife, Yvonne, who manages the office and also "decorates any spec homes we build, as well as all of our Parade of Homes entries."His formula for keeping the company small, building only single-family homes. using the same reputable subcontractors, and maintaining a solid financial base has helped Randall Shirley establish himself as a leading phome builder. Home buyers searching for a builder who exemplifies the highest standards of craftsmanship and professional integrity will find these qualities in Randall and his company. They are the ingredients that have helped him create a successful formula for home building, and will continue to guide his relationship with customers in the future.

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