We found Greg Miedema, owner and president of Dakota Builders, in his new quarters on 29th Street, just east of Swan. The facility boast a large reception area which he'll use for display as well as greeting the public. "We know for a fact," Greg smiles, "that there is nothing that instills more hope and confidence than great 'before' and 'after' pictures of kitchens that went from sow's ears to silk; and baths, that were once dank caves, now flooded with light and sporting great tiles and shining fixtures."

Once settled in his private office, we asked him whether the seeming craze for remodeling was aberration or fact.

"Oh, it's a fact, all right," Greg answered, "and there are few major reasons for it. For aeons and aeons, houses didn't change that much. But, when one considers the new technology out there, a house that sufficed from the 50s on back is really dated now--and, it's also something of a white elephant. For instance: We've come so far with insulation that saves us a fortune. We can install lighting that can change the entire impact and safety of a home. We're now living longer and are anxious to stay in our home longer. That calls for wider passage opening for wheelchairs, levers instead of door knobs and appliances tailored for disibilities. 

"But most of all, people really want the new conveniences and want to be more comfortable. Why not take advantage of the progress appliance designers have perfected? Why not mount the dishwasher higher for easier loading and unloading? Why not have a refrigerator drawer next to the chopping block? Why not make toilet higher? Why bend down to counters when they can be raised? Why not get the materials out there that don't stain, like Corian? Why should we put up with glaring florescent lighting, when warm, brigth, track lighting and dimmer switches can be installed? And then, there's the home office and/or the media room! People need and want to be plugged into the world now!

"Of course, all the new technology makes the handyman of the past a dinosaur too. Time was when a person who was "handy" could effect some repairs. Now, it's a whole different story. The new technology takes an experimental person, and many homeowners have been extremely unhappy with the results of unlicensed, unbonded, inexperienced jack-of-all-trades types."

That is why Miedema has now split Dakota Builders into two departments: the home service division, for smaller projects and repairs, and the main division which tackles the large renovations. And, in each division, everyone's an expert.

"There's always been a place for the art of remodeling, but now the profession is really coming into its owns," Greg says. "I've tried to be an advocate all along, however, because I've been aware of the special skills it takes to build a new and improve within an existing space. Consequently, Keith Franklin and I have been pulling for such a thing as a Remodelors council within SAHBA for quite a while. We've been dedicated to meeting the rising level of performance. And we seem to be turning a corner, because more and more builders are noting the huge call for sophisticated renovations. Right now the council is planning seminars on different aspects of remodeling, anyone in SAHBA who is interested to join in is welcome."

Congratulations, Greg for being named Remodeler of the year three years in a row! Unless we miss our guess, you've won not only for the determination you've shown, but the example of responsibility you've set lending your talents to many, many community outreach organizations in Tucson!.