Volume Control Takes Top Honors at Texas Star Awards

Noted for Best Print Ad and Best Website Design

(Houston, TX — Oct. 31, 2011) Volume Control, a Houston, Tex.-based public relations and marketing firm, was honored for the “Best Print Ad” and “Best Website” in the Texas Association of Builders’ Texas Star Awards, held October 22 in Austin, Texas. The winning designs were created by Larissa Michael, president and founder of the company.

Since 1992, the Texas Star Awards have served as a tribute to excellence in the home building industry. The highly-coveted Star Awards are given annually to recognize superior work in home building, remodeling, sales and marketing, and development. The 2011 awards showcased the outstanding work of builders, remodelers, architects, designers, sales professionals, marketing professionals, construction professionals and industry leaders throughout Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

The award-winning print ad originally appeared in Houston Design Resources magazine. The ad was created for the Houston remodeling firm Gryphon Builders to highlight a major milestone for the company — completing the nation’s first Certified Green Renovation.

“We really wanted to highlight the green features of this beautiful renovation,” says Larissa Michael, president and founder of Volume Control. “Gryphon Builders went to great lengths to maximize space within the home, to re-use and re-purpose materials, and to increase energy efficiency using the latest technology. The result was an amazing transformation from a single-story 1950s ranch style house, to an environmentally friendly two-story, five bedroom, traditional home in which the family can grow for years to come.”

Volume Control also received the 2011 “Best Website” Star Award for the newly redesigned www.gryphonbuilders.com.

“After meeting with the owner of Gryphon Builders and discussing strategy, it became clear that our goal was to not only create a more-user friendly website, but to create a real educational resource for homeowners who are considering a remodel,”  adds Michael. “In just a few short months following the site redesign, we have seen a dramatic increase in web traffic, consumer inquiries and search engine rankings. We are so honored to have been named Best Website by the Texas Association of Builders.”

Held in conjunction with the Sunbelt Builders Show, the Star Awards are judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts. With more than 100 categories to choose from and hundreds of entries each year, it is an impressive feat to be identified as a finalist, let alone a winner. Volume Control would like to congratulate all of the winners and finalists who were recognized for their commitment to excellence in the industry.

About Volume Control
Volume Control is an advertising, marketing and public relations firm, with a focus on clients in the homebuilding and remodeling industry. The company was founded in 2009 by Larissa Michael. She is a graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in Communication and has been working in the building and design industry for nearly 15 years. As a member of the GHBA Remodelors Council, Larissa earned her Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) designation, served as the 2010 Membership Committee Chair, and currently serves as special committees — Marketing Coordinator.  Larissa received the 2010 Texas Association of Builders Star Award and the 2010 GHBA Houston’s Best Award for “Best Print Ad — Remodeler.” She was also awarded the 2011 Star Award for “Best Print Ad” and “Best Website.”

Caution Urged When Selecting a Builder or Remodeler in the Aftermath of Wildfires

Tips from the Home builders Association of Greater Austin

(AUSTIN, TEXAS September 7, 2011) — As wildfires scorch Central Texas, many families will have to pick up the pieces and either rebuild or remodel their homes. The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin urges the public to do its homework when selecting a builder or remodeler.

First, develop a list of builders and/or remodelers. Look in the real estate section of your local newspaper for builders and projects. Check with local real estate agents for references. Ask friends and relatives for recommendation. Many HBA members have successful homebuilding and remodeling businesses.

Visit www.AustinHomeBuilders.com; click on "Find a Member," then scroll down to search for a builder or remodeler.

Second, do your research. "When you hire a professional home builder or remodeler, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality of the service they provide will determine the quality of the finished project and your satisfaction with it," said Harry L. Savio, CAE, executive vice president of the HBA.

Questions to Ask Your Builder/Remodeler

Listed below are some qualifications you will want to explore and questions you will want to ask when you interview them. With the answers to these questions, you'll be able to pick a professional builder or remodeler that's the best match for your home.

Does the builder/remodeler:

• Maintain a permanent mailing address, a phone number and a pager or answering system? You want to be able to reach them quickly and easily — especially at critical times.
• Carry insurance that protects you from claims arising due to property damage or job site injuries?
• Ask for a copy of their insurance certificates so you can be sure that you are not liable for property damage or jobsite-related injuries.
• You should also ask them how much the project will add to your home's value and then obtain the necessary additional insurance.
• Have an established presence in the community?
• How long has the company been in business? Longevity usually suggests financial stability.
• Do they maintain solid relationships with experienced independent trade contractors (such as plumbers and electricians) and work with them as a team to keep your job running smoothly?
• Possess a trustworthy reputation among customers, peers, and in the home building/remodeling industry?
• Ask for a list of building materials suppliers and call them to see if they have an account or pay for materials on delivery. Most suppliers are willing to extend credit to financially sound companies.

• Have a working knowledge of the many types and ages of homes in the area? A sound structural and architectural knowledge of what is likely to be behind a wall or under a floor helps the home remodeler provide reliable estimates. Extremely low bids may reflect a remodeler's lack of this knowledge and a poor understanding of the actual costs involved.
• Know what products and materials would likely be used for your project?
• Offer an array of options when selecting products, materials and techniques?
• Offer a warranty? If so, what kind and for how long? What is covered under the warranty and what is not?
• Understand the scheduling issues required to begin and complete your job within your timetable?

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Gryphon Builders Participates in Annual
GHBA Remodelors Charity Project Benefitting SIRE

(HOUSTON, TEXAS, August 20, 2011) — On Saturday, August 20, 2011 members from the Greater Houston Builders Association Remodelers Council (RMC) helped the Hockley SIRE facility by doing a major renovation of the education buildings that will allow them to expand their Instructor Education and Training efforts. It's the Vision of SIRE's Therapeutic Equestrian Centers to provide the highest quality therapeutic horseback riding and related activities to all those who can benefit.

"Our classrooms can be just as important as our horse arenas in enriching the lives of the children and adults we work with everyday," said Pat Roddy, SIRE managing director. "People from all across the United States and many other countries will come to SIRE to be trained and certified as Therapeutic Riding Instructors, taking their skill and knowledge home with them. This allows SIRE to make an impact on the quality of life for people with disabilities far beyond our local community."

The one-day project provided improvements on two buildings and included new window installation, new floors, new paint interior/exterior, new ceiling tiles, new A/C and replacing the fluorescent lighting to LED lighting. Many of the materials were donated at cost by GHBA members.

ABOUT SIRE: SIRE is a facility that improves the quality of life of clients with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding and related activities. Sire's services also positively affect the families of clients, volunteers, and staff members. The program is fundamental to successful physical, scholastic, social, and psychological therapy. SIRE, a 501 c 3 organization, is a rehabilitation charity that utilizes therapeutic equestrian riding to help disabled children, adults and wounded military veterans. Working with donated horses and largely volunteer staffing, SIRE helps nearly 200 disabled folks each week in the Houston area.

See more project photos on Facebook!

Allen Griffen, Broadcasting Live from the 950 Home Improvement Hotline

(HOUSTON, TEXAS, August 20, 2011) - Gryphon Builders President Allen Griffin joins 950 Radio Show host Bob Birner for the August 20 "Home Improvement Hotline" radio show. They talk insulation, remodeling, new additions, and tile. Listen every Saturday on the 950.

Player not working? Visit the podcast here.

Top 10 Remodeling Trends for 2011

(HOUSTON, TX, May 4, 2011) - The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) conducted an exclusive poll of top builders and developers and found that while most people are not starting major renovation projects due to the economy, homeowners feel now is the time to take care of the smaller jobs around the home. Additionally, consumers are indicating that the most important goal in home renovation this year is to incorporate trends with staying power, not ones that will become dated as soon as construction ends.

So, what remodeling projects are on top of the 2011 list?

1. Bathrooms Rule:

When homeowners see the old tile getting a little grungy, they want a fresh look. It appears that 2011 is the year for a bathroom update. Bathrooms are the hottest project right now; possibly because baths cost less than a kitchen or an addition. Plus, people desire the luxury of a spa in the comfort of their own homes.

2. Must-Do Projects:

Rather than going through major renovations, this year people will continue to complete the projects that need to be done, like repairs to siding or roof leaks. "Have-to" projects instead of "want-to" projects are a trend that is remaining near the top of the list.

Read the full story in Houston Builder Magazine...

Before You Remodel

By Allen Griffin, CGR, GMB, CAPS, CGP, Gryphon Builders

(HOUSTON, TX, March 27, 2011) - It all begins with a dream. Cathedral ceilings! Skylights! Room-sized closets! But, the dream may turn into a nightmare, unless you plan ahead. Before you remodel, follow these steps to get your home improvement project off to a good start.

1. Draw Your Dream & Consider Your Options

Even before you consult a remodel contractor, begin sketching out your ideas and collecting images of what you want your remodeled home to look like. If you are adding or expanding a room, think about how the space will be used and how the changes will affect traffic patterns. Also consider how new construction will affect the overall context of your home. An oversized addition may overwhelm your house or crowd a small lot.

Read more...

Congrats to the Cast & Crew

(HOUSTON, TX, February 6, 2011) - Congratulations to the cast and crew of "Suessical: The Musical," presented by the Mayde Creek High School Fine Arts Department. The curtain rose on the Mayde Creek players, February 4-6, 2011.

Allen Griffin's son, Avery Griffin, played the part of Vlad Vladifkoff. We're so proud of you, Avery! What a great perfomance! .

Based on the popular books of Dr. Seuss, the play is an amalgamation of many of the author's most well-known works. The play originally debuted on Broadway in 2000 and later spawned two US national tours and a UK tour.

Gryphon's Newest Graduate Master Builder

(HOUSTON, TX, January 27, 2011) - Congratulations to Gryphon Builders' construction manager, Jason Palmer, who recently earned his Graduate Master Builder (GMB) designation, identifying him as one of the building industry's top professionals. Administered by the National Association of Home Builders, the GMB program is sponsored locally by the Greater Houston Builders Association. The GMB is the highest level of certification for a home builder. This announcement comes on the heels of Jason's CGP designation (Certified Green Professional) which he completed in 2009. He is also an EPA Certifed Lead Renovator and Trainer.

Jason has more than 10 years of production and custom residential building experience, with a concentration in customer relations and warranty services. Jason joined Gryphon Builders in 2009 and has been instrumental in implementing the newest division of the growing Gryphon family of companies -- Gryphon Property Services (GPS).

"For the first time in my 10 years of running my business I have found someone that I can rely on, trust with my clients and has the same high work ethics as I do," says Allen Griffin, Gryphon Builders president. "We are so proud that Jason Palmer has joined the elite ranks of the GMB. This additional training raises our professionalism within the industry and in turn helps us reach our ultimate goal -- to meet and exceed our customers' expectations."

See the announcement in Houston Builder Magazine

Welcome 2011 Remodelors Council Board!

(HOUSTON, TX, January 1, 2011) - Gryphon Builders would like to thank the outgoing 2010 GHBA Remodelors Council board of directors for another fantastic year! These superstar members step up to the challenge and volunteer time and time again for the good of the entire remodeling industry.

"I want to thank all of my board members who have worked tirelessly for the Remodelors Council over the last year and have helped in leading this great organization," said outgoing president, Wayne Ball, Lone Star Building & Construction. "Without these dedicated individuals who have given so many hours of their free time, our organization would have suffered greatly." Read about it in Houston Builder magazine.

Gryphon would also like to congratulate incoming 2011 RMC President Rob Hellyer and his 2011 board! We look forward to another successful year with this new group of dynamic, motivated individuals. Click here for photos from the December 14 Remodelors Council Holiday Party, where we 'passed the gavel.'

Project Independence: Charity Begins at Home

(HOUSTON, TX, November 15, 2010) - Standing in the airport last summer, waiting to board my flight, I witnessed something that touched my heart and changed my perspective forever. A little boy around the age of 7 or 8 tentatively approached a young man wearing his military fatigues. I watched as the child gently tugged at the soldier's jacket. When he saw the small boy he knelt down beside him. "Can I help you?" asked the soldier and the boy replied, "Where are you going?", "I'm going home" the soldier told him. At that moment the young boy put his arms around the soldier's neck and said, "Thank you for keeping my home safe."

A home is something that some of us take for granted; however, there are many individuals that do not have the means to obtain what we refer to as "The American Dream." One in four of the homeless population in the United States have worn a military uniform and served this country at one time, and 3% of them are women. The number of women veterans without housing is increasing daily and few homeless programs for veterans have facilities to provide separate accommodations for women, some of whom have children.

Read the full article

Gryphon Builders Tapped as Houston's Best "Green Remodeling Project of the Year" and "Best Print Ad-Remodeler"

(HOUSTON, TX, September 22, 2010) - Gryphon Builders was honored with two Houston's Best awards in the categories of "Green Remodeling Project of the Year" and "Best Print Ad-Remodeler." The awards were presented on September 18, 2010 at a red carpet gala at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas.

For more than 30 years, the coveted Houston's Best Awards (formerly the PRISM Awards) have recognized excellence in the home building industry. Presented by the Greater Houston Builders Association, the Houston's Best Awards honor builders, remodelers and sales professionals in the categories of People, Product and Promotion. Entries are judged by a panel of industry peers, and with more than 80 categories and hundreds of entries, these awards truly represent Houston's most outstanding building professionals.

Gyphon Builders' award-winning print ad was originally published in the 2010 Houston Remodeling Guide. The ad was designed to highlight the green features of the nation's first Certified Green Renovation, built by the company this year. The winning ad was designed and executed by Larissa Michael, owner and founder of Volume Control, a public relations and marketing firm in Houston.

Read the full press release

Gryphon Builders Honored with 2010 Star Award

(HOUSTON, TX, September 21, 2010) - On September 15, 2010, Gryphon Builders was awarded a coveted Texas Association of Builders Star Award in the category "Best Print Ad-Remodeler." The winning ad was designed and executed by Larissa Michael, owner and founder of Volume Control, a public relations and marketing firm in Houston.

"We are so excited and honored to receive this award," said Allen Griffin, CGR, GMB, CAPS, CGP, owner and founder of Gryphon Builders. "The goal of our 2010 advertising is to educate consumers on the benefits of green remodeling. Revitalizing older homes makes sense economically, and remodeling is often a better option for the overall environment because much of the old structure is reused and updated with the latest technologies, compared to a tear down which would all be in a landfill."

Hosted by the Texas Association of Builders, in conjunction with the annual Sunbelt Builders Show, the Star Awards is the Southwest's premier building industry awards program since 1992. This tribute to excellence showcases the outstanding work of builders, remodelers, architects, designers, sales professionals, marketing professionals, construction professionals and industry leaders in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma . With more than 75 categories to choose from and hundreds of entries each year, it is an impressive feat to be identified as a finalist, let alone a Star Awards winner.

Read the full press release

To Rebuild is to Start New

Rather than buy new, many people are deciding to stay in their current home and rebuild/remodel. Preserving the place where a family's history was created is important to many homeowners.

Another reason to rebuild is to reduce your carbon footprint; i.e. go "green." Changing an older home into a green home often takes minimal effort and expense. The benefits of doing so can be seen from the beginning and throughout the life of the home. Reusing the existing structure, updating with the latest technologies such as energy efficient appliances, and changing structural elements such as windows and plumbing are all effective ways to revitalize a home and diminish the impact on the environment.

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A Legacy of Design

Gryphon Builders' talents and skills afford unlimited potential for creating a highly individualized and unique masterpiece that reflects the personality and desires of each client. President Allen Griffin is a Graduate Master Builder, Certified Green Professional, Certified Graduate Remodeler, and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. Allen was named the 2009 Greater Houston Builders Association Remodeler of Year and Gryphon Builders was recently honored with the Nation's First Certified Green Renovation by the National Association of Home Builders. The winning ad was designed and executed by Larissa Michael, owner and founder of Volume Control, a public relations and marketing firm in Houston.

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Making Education a Priority

Allen Griffin recently volunteered through the Junior Achievement program to help McRoberts Elementary students learn about the building profession.

Junior Achievement programs help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities.

Here's what the kids had to say...

Houston Builder Produces Nation's
First Certified Green Renovation

(HOUSTON, TX, July 11, 2010, Houston Remodeling Guide Magazine) - With money getting tighter and people becoming more aware of their own carbon footprints, the green movement has reached new heights. It not only affects the great outdoors, but the indoors as well. The government is offering tax incentives to homeowners for making green improvements to their homes. More trees are being planted, and consumers are asking for the most environmentally friendly products available.

In 2009, the National Association of Home Builders began offering green certification at three different levels. The nation's first Certified Bronze Level Green Renovation and Additions is right here in Houston, inside the loop. The home is a Certified Green Home under ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard.

"There's been a change in the market," said remodeler Allen Griffin, CGR, GMB, CAPS, CGP, of Gryphon Builders. "Where people used to tear down older inner city homes and replace them with new construction, they are now realizing that revitalizing older homes makes sense economically. Remodeling is a better option for the overall environment because much of the old structure is reused and updated with the latest technologies, compared to a tear down which would all be in a landfill."   Read full story or Tour our new green home!

Houston Business Journal Ranks Gryphon Builders No. 11 in Houston

(HOUSTON, TX, July 23, 2010, Houston Business Journal) - The Houston Business Journal tapped Gryphon Builders among the largest Houston-area remodeling companies in 2009.

Read it in the Houston Business Journal

"Allen Griffin's understanding of the unique remodeling dynamic keeps him well regarded in the industry."

(HOUSTON, TX, May 1, 2010, Texas Builder Magazine) - When we say the word "house," we tend to think of the physical characteristics associated with the structure: the roof, the windows, the front door, one story or two, etc. Conversely, saying the word "home" brings to mind family, traditions and memories which are directly connected to feelings. Being cognizant of this issue is the reason why Allen Griffin of Gryphon Builders, in Houston, has a successful remodeling career and is referred to as a friend by many of his clients.

"Remodeling is just more personal. Building a new home is more of a product, but when you remodel, you are working where memorries have already been created. You have to be sensitive to that."

It's a Two-Way Street

Giving credit where credit is due, Griffin attributes a great deal of his success to his association with remodelers and builders that hold themselves to a higher standard. Throughout his career, Griffin has established lasting relationships that continue to influence him both professionally and personally. "I respect the business practices of men like Stephan Hann and Russell Bird," Griffin said. "They set the bar pretty high in this industry. And as members of the Greater Houston Builders Association, I decided to follow their example and join as well. It was the first thing I did after getting my DBA and it turned out to be one of the smartest things I've ever done."

Staying Ahead of the Pack

Like any profession, a changing market can translate into fiercer competition within an industry. For this reason, and a commitment to being among the best in the business, Griffin has made it a priority to obtain professional credentials and designations. The National Association of Home Builders' University of Housing offers comprehensive training programs to builders, remodelers, and other industry specialists. Griffin's completion of the rigorous course requirements exemplifies his passion for designing, building and remodeling. He has obtained his Certified Green Professional (CGP), Graduate Master Builder (GMB), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designations.

As the insignia suggests, "Designing, Building, and Remodeling with Excellence" is the cornerstone to his business philosophy. He makes every effort to ensure minimal disruption and maximum satisfaction for his clients, because this is the Gryphon Builders promise.

Read full story in Texas Builder Magazine, May/June 2010

Allen Griffin Named one of Houston Business Journal's 2010 "People on the Move"

(HOUSTON, TX, April 10, 2010, Houston Business Journal) - Allen W. Griffin, president of Gryphon Builders, has been named the 2009 Remodeler of the Year by the Greater Houston Builders Association.

Read it in the Houston Business Journal

Thinking, talking green demystified

by Allen Gryphon
As seen in the Houston Chronicle, January 15, 2010

As consumers, we are becoming increasingly interested in the green movement, and many of us are unsure about where to start. Homeowners recognize the financial benefit that comes with energy efficiency and realize it is environmentally responsible.

However, green is a mystery to most people and understanding the options, as well as how to implement them, usually requires the help of an expert.

Remodeling your home can be stressful. Add to that getting your head around what steps you can take to be green, the payoffs and the tax advantages, and it's easy to become overwhelmed. Therefore, it is important to hire a remodeler that is qualified either as a certified green professional (CGP) or as a certified graduate remodeler (CGR). Homeowners using a builder with both or either of these certifications are sure to receive the necessary information to help choose what they are willing to do to move toward a greener sustainability.

Read more...

How to Green Certify Your Remodeling Project using Typical Products

Click play below or click here to see it on Slideshare

Local Remodelers Nab Trophies for Innovative Projects

(HOUSTON, TX, November 21, 2003, Houston Business Journal) - The Texas Association of Builders recently recognized several Houston remodelers as 2003 Lone Star Award winners. Among the winners was Gryphon Builders of Katy, TX. Gryphon was tapped for the Best Whole-House Renovation, $100,000 to $250,000.

The interior volume of the home was increased by removing interior walls and raising the ceiling height in the main living areas. The garage was converted into a master suite with an office. In the kitchen, counter space was increased from 10 feet to more than 30 feet, and custom maple cabinetry is accented by slate floors and granite counter tops.

Read it in the Houston Business Journal

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