Taking a Leap

“It’s very invasive to let someone come into your house. To trust our crew to be those people means a lot.” -Mark

Until two years ago, Tom and Edith Allin had never hired a contractor. They had lived in their previous house for 18 years and had done every update and renovation themselves.  But when a move to a 1920s Northside home coincided with a busy work season that took Tom to California almost weekly, they knew they needed help getting through some big projects. The decision to hire Tower 3 certainly required trust: in their quality of work and in their character.

The Allins' first project with Tower 3: Master bathroom remodel in 2016

The Allins originally hired Tower 3 in 2016 to update three bathrooms that were original to the house. With so much experience of his own, Tom knew what he wanted, how he wanted it done, and the quality of work he expected. It turned out to be a great experience for everyone involved and they brought Tower 3 back to build a new kitchen, a major project that was completed earlier this year.

Kitchen remodel, completed in 2018

Along with the typical kitchen remodel components such as installing custom cabinetry, lighting, and accents, this particular project also required a structural component in order to expand the footprint of the room. It was a new undertaking and a learning experience for Tower 3, completely taking out a corner of the house and installing steel I-beams to carry the house load above. This addition also meant digging a new basement entrance, matching the existing siding, and extending the porch roof.

With Tom out of town for the majority of the five months of construction, there were plenty of moments when he had to trust Mark’s opinion completely. They both made their best effort to stay connected throughout the process and try to get in front of issues that would inevitably arise, knowing that ultimately they were just working together towards a goal.

From the beginning, Mark and Tom got along well, and they have developed a friendship characterized by light banter and an interest in each other’s lives. The Allins (including their dog, Addie) have loved spending time with Mark and his wife, Shaleetta, and all the guys that worked in their home. “Tom knows every person’s name on our crew and cares about each one, and Edith is a like a loving mom who wants to know about your day.” Mark is grateful that it’s not just about what Tower 3 does for them, but a mutual investment.