Phil Creaser Custom Homes builds benefits

Today's new home clients know what they want. And Philip Creaser, a well-respected custom home builder near Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, knows just how to give it to them.

He recites popular expectations:

• "Natural lighting;
• Energy efficiency;
• Minimal upkeep;
• Durability;
• Simplicity, not too complicated;
• Everything has to work. The doors have to work. The drawers have to run easily."

His home is a courier drop point - handy for deliveries. And his three story, centrally located workshop plays an important role in the success of his business.

He's pleased he started his 20 year career on heavy construction. "Lots of steel. Lots of concrete. It helped me a lot. How to work around concrete. How to fasten it, drill it, cut it as well as wood - if you know how."

Early on in 2006, Phil and his crew were busy with a huge renovation of one of Riverport's larger homes built circa 1920s from profits of the rum-running era. Stripping wallpaper throughout the duplex, preparing the walls for gyproc and plaster, stripping the carpet, sanding the floors, a new kitchen ... it's a long list.

A second project is a new, two-story Cape style, seaside cottage. About 80 per cent of his clients are nowhere near Nova Scotia during construction. They can live on the other side of Canada, or in the United States or Europe. Long-distance relationships pose no real problems.

"It works fine by fax and phone," says Phil. "Cell phone during the day."

This pretty pair sit along side the family home. Built in 1998, they offer more fine examples of Philip Creaser designed and built windows.