Addition to match the existing house and deck completed by Kirk Enterprises. (Photo submitted by Phil Kirk)Everyone who owns a home will likely need to do a renovation at some point. When that time comes, it is easy to get taken in by the wrong contractor.
Kirk Enterprises, Inc. is one contracting business that has passed the test of time. Owner and contractor Phil Kirk entered the industry in 1978, and by 1988, he had started his own business, making this year Kirk Enterprises' 25th anniversary.
Kirk's experience means he can find out more and anticipate what renovations need to be done and can take the proper precautions in a remodel, renovation or addition, so there are fewer surprises along the way for the homeowner or property manager.
“I started out in foundation work. I certainly know that your structure is only as good as the foundation you build it on. All the years I’ve been in construction, I know the house from the bottom of the floor to the peak of the roof,” Kirk said.
While he admits to not be an expert on everything, he does know when he needs to seek an expert, and he only works with people he trusts.
Phil Kirk, owner of Kirk Enterprises, Inc., started his business in 1988, and he is still involved in every renovation. (Photo: Stacy Shaw)“ many years of ‘having been there, done that,’ I can advise people; I can recommend things that will save money,” Kirk said.
While Kirk Enterprises is versatile, renovating kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, Kirk said that basements, main deck and additions are really his specialties.
“At top of the list [of renovations] are finishing basements. I’ve literally done hundreds in the past 25 years,” said Kirk.
Second on the his list is remodeling and adding additional rooms to a house, including screened-in porches and decks. In his business, he has also participated in many renovations of kitchens and bathrooms closely followed only by opening up rooms and installing French doors and windows.
Kirk Enterprises finishes kitchens with granite countertops and quality wood cabinets with tools from Ryker. (Photo: Phil Kirk)Kirk believes it is best to work within his area of expertise. For instance, Kirk said, “I don’t do a lot of custom high-end cabinetry work,” so instead he will subcontract that out or refer a client to someone who does.
He also works with subcontractors who have proven themselves to him in the past, people like carpenters, electricians, dry-wall companies, painters, siders and roofers. Kirk, however, does most of his own plumbing, since the plumbing work involved in a renovation is typically installation.
He said that in addition to his experience, there are many other reasons his clients appreciate the way he conducts business.
“I’m an excellent communicator. I return phone calls, evenings weekends. I place my customers on a pedestal,” Kirk said.
Basement construction is a specialty for Phil Kirk. Basement remodeled by Kirk Enterprises. (Photo: Phil Kirk)He even leaves the house better than he found it.
“I am sort of a neat freak. [I like to] make sure everything is clean,” plus Kirk said he has “high integrity” and “very strong morals and ethics.”
He also has credentials to match, a Class A license in commercial and home improvements.
Kirk also knows that people often prefer to do their own home renovations to save money. But when it comes to restoring water damage it is better left to professionals but he cautions DIY homeowners to consider the complexity of the job and asks them to anticipate the unanticipated costs that pop up with construction.
Considering this, Kirk said it is usually worth it to hire a professional.
“Just the fact that you are going to get a job of extremely high-quality from someone whose been there done that,” Kirk said, is enough reason to bring in a contractor.
However, he also notes that " building codes and other things the average homeowner doesn’t know or understand, plus dealing with so many sub-contractors” in a larger project.
Kirk Enterprises also has experience with bathroom remodeling. (Photo: Phil Kirk)Additionally, Kirk said homeowners do not have to spend money on tools they will likely never use again.
To contact Kirk Enterprises, visit www.kirkenterprisesinc.com or call 703-791-4791.
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