A Firm Foundation

Thirty years ago, Oahu homeowner Howard Humphreys decided to have some work done on his house. He didn’t have to think long about choosing a builder.

“We were already familiar with Danny Graham’s commitment to good service, because we previously purchased a water filter from him,” Humphreys remembers.

Energetic and hardworking, Graham had already enjoyed success with a realty company and a water purification business. He’d recently become a licensed general contractor. Impressed, Humphreys hired him to renovate his living room and kitchen, and to build a new garage and bathroom.

Even now, three decades later, Humphreys marvels at the results. “Danny’s design flowed!” he says. “When it came time to relocate, interested buyers couldn’t believe how nice our home was. We were able to command the highest price in the neighborhood.”

STABLE FOUNDATION FOR YEARS OF QUALITY AND INTEGRITY

Graham Builders celebrates its 30th anniversary on Sept. 14. As Graham reviews testimonials from three decades’ worth of satisfied clients, he finds himself at a loss for words. Though he hasn’t seen Humphreys in years, he’s gratified by his client’s eager endorsement.

“Knowing Mr. Humphreys still feels the same way about the work we did in 1990 confirms that this is a two-way relationship,” Graham says. “We’re humbled by the hundreds of homeowners who have trusted us over the years, and we’re grateful for the long relationships we’ve built.”

“The longevity of a company speaks volumes,” says Eric Domingo, corporate bonding manager at Honsador. “Veteran construction companies evolve, improve over time and tend to be stable. Most importantly, they provide added value on a consistent basis — a quality product and an enhanced customer experience.”

Bradley Chang, appraiser vice-president at Territorial Savings Bank, is intimately familiar with the work of Oahu’s design and construction firms. Those that have been around for a while, he says, tend to have integrity in their practices.

“Companies with a long history of integrity do things the right way instead of guessing or taking shortcuts,” Chang observes. “Graham Builders’ integrity is high.”

DESIGNING FOR LIFE; BUILDING FOR A LIFETIME

Homeowners Michelle and Mike Naito did hours of research before choosing the team that would conceptualize and build their dream house. They researched design-build contractors online; spoke with them at the BIA home show; solicited reviews from the clients of their top choices and checked all out with the Better Business Bureau. After attending a Graham Builders seminar, they knew they had found their ideal contractor.

“We liked the fact that the contracted price was the price for the project,” the Naitos said in their testimonial. “We also liked that Graham Builders designs and builds their projects, which meant they could make changes quickly.”

The Naitos’ project was complicated, but Graham Builders’ constant efforts alleviated a great deal of stress.

“The design-build model helped simplify the project,” commented the couple. “It made the process seamless from design to the completed home.”

Kathie Taitano, who hired Graham Builders for her project in 2008, had a wholly positive experience, from the free informational seminar she attended to her final walk-through.

“Getting the most for one’s money is everyone’s goal, but ultimately you want a top-quality home at the best price,” says Taitano. “The true value in using Graham Builders was the peace of mind and trust in the work being done. I don’t think you can put a price tag on that.”

PROFESSIONALISM, QUALITY, DIVERSITY OF SERVICES

Over the years, the company has diversified to offer and coordinate services that complement its design-build business. When Bruce and Karen Miyoda decided to rebuild their 60-year-old Manoa home last year, they greatly appreciated that diversity.

“The thought of financing, designing, permitting, demolition, and building was very daunting, but Graham Builders knew how to manage the whole project — and build in a way that helped us feel we were taken care of,” comments Bruce.

Whenever he’s asked, Bruce enthusiastically recommends Graham Builders.

“From introducing us to a lender who helped us through the loan process, to designing a home to meet that budget, to managing the project, building, and follow-up afterwards — we really felt Graham Builders helped us create a memory.”

Founded in 1990, Graham Builders remains the only design-build contractor in Hawaii honored by the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Business Ethics. For more information and a library of award-winning designs, visit grahambuilders.com.

GRAHAM BUILDERS
CONTACT 593-2808
ADDRESS 1144 Young St., Honolulu
WEB grahambuilders.com