Partners in Fort Worth, Texas magazine Dream Home projects may find themselves hooked.
For Ferguson Enterprises, a nationwide wholesale distributor of plumbing and other building supplies, participation in the Fort Worth, Texas magazine's Dream Home projects has become a tradition.
The company is involved for the seventh time. The 2012 Dream Home, which benefits the American Heart Association-Tarrant County, is under construction at 3824 Riverhills View Drive on land owned by the 150-year-old Edwards Ranch.
"Ferguson has partnered with the American Heart Association for many years," says local manager Victor Hernandez. "We are extremely happy to be contributing in this way to such a worthy cause."
As with virtually everything in life involving more than one person, communication is important because coordination and on-time delivery are critical in construction.
"As each phase of the project is reached, we work closely with the contractors to ensure that everything they need arrives at the exact time they need it," Hernandez said. "Keeping in touch with the contractors allows us to plan the delivery of their materials at the time it is required to be on the job."
It isn't all altruism. It is also a chance to expand knowledge of Ferguson's services to people who are unaware.
"Our company has a unique culture and a tradition of supporting civic, cultural, educational and environmental activities. We are committed to the highest standards of ethics, from helping our customers select green product solutions to providing a safe and secure workplace environment," he said.
Events have to happen in sequence for a successful Dream Home. While all home construction projects face deadlines, they generally aren't public. But this house has tours scheduled to begin Sept. 26.
Interior designers often are brought into the process late, but that's not true in Dream Homes. That means investing a great deal of time and resources, says Susan Semmelmann of Grandeur Design, the partner involved in design.
"This project is multi-faceted," says Grandeur's Brenda Blaylock. "We have to create a full design concept along with making sure that every room flows comfortably throughout the home. You have to take into account the budgets for construction, the lifestyle of the targeted buyer and final concept of style for the home."
It starts in the company's fabric library from mills all over the world, she says.
"This is the most important step in creating the perfect home," Blaylock said. "This is where we create the perfect palette of color and texture for the home."
Many decisions devolve from that initial one.
Partner Arrowhead Stairs and Trim says it is one of the few Texas providers of turnkey solutions to stairs and trim.
The company formed in 2006 when Dave Harrison, CEO and founder of Arrowhead Stairs, and Ronnie James, founder of WRJ Custom Trim, merged their companies. They have worked with high profile custom builders in Southlake, Colleyville, Keller and elsewhere in the Metroplex.
Their expertise?
"All finish work," Ingram says.
Underlying it all is the charity aspect.
Tammy McKinney, executive director of AHA-Tarrant County, cites some chilling statistics.
"Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of adults in America and the No. 2 killer of children. Due to increasing obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles and lack of understanding about one's heart health, it is a growing problem in Texas," she says.
Maybe the Dream Home can drive a nail into that problem.
Where: 3824 Riverhills View Drive
Benefiting: American Heart Association Tarrant County
Tour Dates: Sept. 26 - Oct. 28
Times: Wednesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon - 5 p.m.
Admission: $10
