What is TQM you might ask?  TQM is short for Total Quality Management.  I would like to start this 3 part series where the rubber meets the road…the job site.  This is where all of the effort, both the back end and field work, comes to fruition.  The finished product is what drives the builder; it’s what you are proud to put your name on.

Penn Homes would like to introduce Isaac Barnes, Project Superintendent.  Isaac has been with Penn Homes for 3 years and comes with over 15 years experience working his way through the home building and carpentry trade.  A proud second generation builder, Isaac has learned the trade from his dad, work ethic and by taking every opportunity to learn in the field.  With Isaac, you know what you are getting.  He just tells it like it is – good, bad or indifferent.

Isaac’s responsibilities are challenging to say the least.  His project starts with the final review of the plans and contracts prior to construction. Daily observation and direction is the object of each day.  Isaac says “without dealing with people it’s pretty easy.”  Of course with over 30 subcontractors, 45 suppliers and employees, it’s more than a job and not one for the faint at heart.  Isaac supports a rigorous lifestyle, working out to “burn off the stress” from a hard days work.  He is married and has two beautiful children which makes all this worthwhile.

Balancing the rigid construction schedule and budget is the trick, a talent that not many superintendent’s possess.  Weekly project meetings reviewing construction schedules, changes, budgets and warranty work wrap up a week with planning for the next.  It sets the expectation, one of high quality, speed and cost efficiency.

The superintendents attention to detail and communication is what puts the “quality” in Total Quality Management.  We’re proud to have Isaac on our team and his dedication to the industry exceeds our expectations.

Part II will focus on Project Management,  the key to proper communication and TQM.

One of life’s simplest pleasures is being outdoors.  Whether you are at the beach with sand between your toes, listening to the waves or riding up a ski lift with the biting cold air hitting your face hearing the crash of branches in the distance — there is just something about being outdoors that brings out the solitude and peace of God’s beautiful landscape.

Since we live in Shreveport, Louisiana, we don’t have a beach or snow-covered mountains, but we do have lush landscapes and we love to spend time outdoors.  Many of our customers do, too.  So, it is with great pride that we show you our latest outdoor living area.  This beautiful exterior garden area was a collaboration between Penn Homes and Hoogland’s Landscape.  The owner wanted an outdoor living space that was inviting, relaxing and interesting.  We think she made the right choice in choosing Penn Homes and one of our subcontractors to create this living space.

View of the outdoor living space nestled between two zero lot line homes.

Reminiscent of the Italian-styled pergola, this structure defines the outdoor space while creating inviting ambiance and shade. Just what we need to relax and rest!

Irrigation drip system was added to all containers for ease in watering. An option that should be considered in any irrigation project.

Don't forget the hanging plants! We added the irrigation system to these plants on the front porch, too.

The possibilities are endless!  You can create a living space, a dining area, outdoor fireplace, a kitchen/den area —  use your imagination…blend it with your lifestyle and give us a call!  We’d love to design an area for you, built for your lifestyle.