Georgia Builder Magzine April/March 2010 Issue
Terry Channing of Channing Contracts Services Inc. is committed to being his clients’ contractor for the long run.
Terry Channing learned the remodeling business from his father, who remodeled as a secondary job. After learning the basics, Channing continued to gain experience and knowledge about the industry with continuing education and made the remodeling business his career.
In 1968, Channing started a residential kitchen and bath remodeling business. Over time, Channing added commercial projects to the company as well. In 1999, Channing started Channing Contracts Services, Inc. The company offers a full range of residential services, commercial build-out services, selective demolition for other builders, and new construction for residential and light commercial projects.
Over the years, Channing Contracts Services Inc. has had the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects, including historic structures. One historic project involved the remodeling and renovation of the Athenaeum Hotel, located in Chautauqua, NY. The Athenaeum is the oldest continually operated hotel in the U.S.
Channing Contracts Services Inc. is truly a family company. Terry Channing learned the business from his father, and his son has grown up in the business, too. Kevin, Channing’s son, owns and operates the business with his father. Kevin has his own business license and is the qualifying agent for the company. He is also pursuing the continuing education he needs to be a project supervisor in the future. “It’s really gratifying to be able to work with your own son in your own business, and own it together with him,” Channing said.
Responding to the Challenges of Remodeling
The challenge of hands-on remodeling and restoring is what Channing enjoys most. As a remodeler, the biggest challenge is to create something that looks like it has been there from the very beginning. Channing said, “We won’t do a project if it looks like it was added on.”
The remodeling field is a specialization in the construction industry, and it presents its own unique challenges. “Building is a stepped process when an owner isn’t right there,” Channing said. “But we work in a finished environment and have to pay attention to occupants and belongings.” Channing insists on only using highly trustworthy, skilled subcontractors. “I won’t deviate from that,” he said. High standards are all part of Channing’s commitment to providing his customers with a high quality finished product.
“The biggest challenge for us is being able to compete on a higher level of expectation than what other contractors offer, whether its unlicensed competitors because of the licensing laws in Georgia or a contractor that really just doesn’t provide the level of attention that we do,” Channing said. Channing takes pride in giving his full attention to each and every job. Learning about the client and making an effort to protect client property with dust control, floor protection and site cleanup are ways Channing Contracts Services delivers its customers with the attention to detail they wouldn’t get from other contractors.
“We’re committed to being our client’s contractor for as long as they own their property,” Channing said. “We aren’t here for just one big job. Once we work with a client, we’re making ourselves available for everything they could possibly need for their home for as long as they live here.” As an example of Channing’s dedication to being there for his customers, the company offers a 24-hour emergency service in case any problems arise outside of business hours.
The company has built a customer base of about 250, many of whom Channing Contracts Services has completed multiple projects for. “We’re fortunate to have a working relationship with business owners and stores. When they take on new locations, we do the majority of the remodeling for them.” Because of the strong relationships Channing builds with his clients, 95 percent of the company’s new customers are based on referrals.
“Giving the customers what they expect is the key to being successful,” Channing said. For Channing Contracts, that means delivering exactly what was promised on each and every job. Since 1999, Channing Contracts Services has been doing just that. “We don’t take shortcuts or make compromises,” Channing said.
Keeping things small helps Channing provide customers with high quality work on every project. “Bigger is not always better. We started out and quickly grew, putting one, two and three crews. To focus on quality, we cut back on size.”
Being a Part of the Solution
“Involvement in the builder’s association on any level is important because it’s the industry we work in,” Channing said. He believes that involvement in the industry gives building professionals the voice they need to be heard on legislative and regulatory issues, and is also necessary in order to keep up on what’s going on in the industry. “If you aren’t involved, you’re part of the problem instead of part of the solution,” Channing said.
Channing has served on the Lake Oconee Area Builders Association board of directors for the past eight years, has been an officer for the past four years, and is a past president. “During my presidency, I made continuing education the main focus of our local association, which now helps all of us keep up on changes with code changes class, OSHA classes and a wide variety of other courses on almost every aspect of our industry,” Channing said. As president of the LOABA, Channing initiated and supported several educational programs.
Channing said, “The construction industry requires continual education. It’s the most important part of keeping up with code changes, material innovations and the industry as a whole.” Channing focuses on continual education in order to keep up with a constantly changing industry in order to be able to offer the latest products and techniques to his clients.
Channing is also involved with the Redeemer Episcopal Church in Greensboro, helping to put on a tour of homes every year for the past 10 years. Last year, the event raised approximately $35,000 that was distributed to charities throughout the area. The tour of homes sponsored by the church highlights many of the newer homes built in and around the local area.