Page 104 - Southern Oregon Magazine Spring 2019

welcome home | build

Dorris recalls. “We were flown to Florida to receive an award from The allocated each day. “Back in the day,” Dorris says, “you worked all day
National Home Builders Association for most energy efficient home in and made your phone calls at night.” But it’s a good change, he adds,
a Moderate Climate.” because “You can be in touch with your clients more.”

It was the first of many awards given Dorris Construction based Communication is at the heart of Dorris Construction’s success. Ten
on their construction projects and their business practices. While years ago, they brought Susan Kramer-Pope on board as a Project
acknowledging the awards, Dorris takes it all in stride. “We’re busy Communication Specialist, and she has proven to be an integral part
doing what we do.” And as they always do, things are turning around of each project since then. Having her as part of the team, says Dorris,
and new construction is on the rise, says Dorris, along with a return to “Sets us apart.” From the initial meeting, through finding the right
the desire for energy-efficient and eco-friendly homes. All their homes designer and the building process, Dorris has found that the transpar-
now are energy-efficient homes, a practice they have maintained for ent communication they provide their clients gives them a unique edge.
the past decade and keep verified through third-party certification.
“They say there are now over 30,000 decisions you make from design
In terms of the day-to-day operations of his business over the years, to completion,” says Dorris, and a sample client binder proves that’s
says Dorris, “The biggest change is technology.” Along with innova- true. A three-inch client binder quickly fills as they keep a comprehen-
tions in building products and how plans are developed, technology sive record of every choice of material or fixture by room so that team
has increased his clients’ vision for each new home. “I think the biggest members and subcontractors have an up-to-date record of the client’s
change I saw was when TV started playing home shows,” he says. With wishes. Dorris also credits his 18-year Superintendent Lance Adams,
a host of shows airing about house hunting, home design, eco-friendly who he describes as a great problem solver, and, “In my opinion, a
products and renovation possibilities, Dorris says, “People today know genius,” with his ability to keep clients fully updated with the progress
more what they want.” on their home and the build schedule. “A home is a huge investment,”
says Dorris, and his team is invested as well. “Our mission is to give you
Even the cell phone has substantially changed how time tends to be the house you want.”

102 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | spring 2019