Quality Component Truss Systems, LLC.

Satisfying a Need with Custom Panelized Wall Systems

The art of framing houses has undergone a significant and revolutionary change over the last decade, as more and more builders and contractors realize the many advantages of using custom panelized wall systems. Those forward-thinking framers and builders who have moved toward factory-built panels have quickly realized the advantages - cost-savings in labor, waste, theft and cycle time. Dan Webb, president and owner of Quality Component Truss Systems in Whitesboro, NY, recognized a need and opportunity in Central New York to provide contractors with a quicker, more reliable, cost-effective method of building. Dan worked at P & R Truss Company far 10 years, helping them promote and distribute engineered wood products. In 1999, P & R had its hands full with significant increases in truss and EWP sales, and wasn't interested in expanding into panelization. Dan viewed this as an opportunity to further his career and started Quality Components in 2000. "During that period, New York State was finally experiencing a robust construction market," said Dan. "However, during the previous 10 years, a lot of building contractors had moved out of the state or left the business. As the economy rebounded, there were homes to be built, and not enough framers. Contractors had to find a way to build homes quickly with fewer people. There was a natural need and fit for panelization."

By combining computer-generated structural framing take-offs, with quality-controlled, factory-built panels, Quality Components can provide contractors with superior products at a lower installed cost. "We not only offer a product," said Dan, "but more importantly, we offer a service to the contractor. We eliminate a lot of the head scratching that goes on in the field. Our computers figure out a lot of the complicated design before the product even goes to the job site. That saves the contractor a tremendous amount of time."

Components that have built-in controlled conditions are more accurate because steel jigs and tables are used to hold the parts in place for accurate dimensions. Additionally, Quality Components uses the latest design software to ensure that all the components work together. Using the latest, state-of-the-art fabricating machinery generates superior components, which is an advantage over stick-framed construction. However, quality will never be sacrificed for speed. "Our reputation is attached to everything that goes out the door," said Dan. "We stand behind our products. I sometimes have to tell my staff we are not called half-a**@d components - we are called Quality Components for a reason."

The majority of the high-end, high-quality lumber Dan uses is shipped in from Europe. He said that superior grade lumber is an important factor in building quality homes. "The morale in the shop is better because the staff is using first-rate materials," said Dan. "It's easier to find a good piece in the bundle, and we throw away less."

Less waste in the factory means less waste at the job site, which results in a decrease of dumpster fees. The job site looks cleaner to prospective clients driving through a subdivision and at the same time, offers a safer work environment. Dan also pointed out that by using pre-made wall systems, the contractor is able to get out from under a construction loan more quickly and decrease their liability costs.

"I've received a lot of positive feedback from contractors," said Dan. They comment on how well the panels fit, and as a result, are finished at the job site earlier in the day. One of the most important advantages is the ability to fit more jobs into the construction season, and build more efficiently during the winter months. Using panelized wall systems drastically reduces weather delays for our builders, and allows them the opportunity to work longer. Anyone who is a capable builder is busy. We are trying to help them keep up with the demand." As one contractor pointed out, customers love coming home from work to see that the walls of their homes have been put up in less than a day.

Dan recognizes that framing is a significant part of the job for builders and contractors, and understands that purchasing customized panels is a leap of faith on their part. "But after they've tried us, they come back again and again." Word of mouth and referrals are a large part of Dan's increase in business. In fact, business is going so well that at the request of his customers, Dan is expanding into truss production. "There are a couple of truss companies out there already, but relative to quality and service, our customers think there is something missing that we can supply," said Dan. Therefore, Dan has purchased new equipment to begin building trusses, and will double his workforce by the end of the year.

Industry-wide, Dan said that finding and maintaining a skilled workforce can be a challenge. "You don't see a lot of kids leaning toward the construction field," he explained. "In the past, students went to BOCES and gravitated toward a hands-on vocation, such as construction or automotive repair. Now, they gravitate toward technical jobs, such as computer science and so on. As more and more builders and contractors retire, there won't be enough skilled laborers to replace them. I feel it will become a crisis situation down the road."

Dan feels there is still a stigma attached to being a laborer, but pointed out that young people today would be surprised at how well they could do in this industry. "The salary is good and they have the opportunity to do something different every day."

"I've always thought you should have fun at what you do," said Dan. "There's a real sense of accomplishment going out on a job site and seeing the product in place. It's nice to drive past a home and know you had a hand in building it."

For someone starting out in business, Dan offers this advice. "Do your homework. Have a business plan in place before you start out. If you have good ideas, a good plan and a viable product, you can be successful."

Although the challenges of owning a business in New York State continue to be oppressive due to the high cost of workers' compensation insurance and taxes, Dan enjoys his chosen line of work. "People who like the outdoors enjoy the construction business," said Dan. "You can bring your dog to work. You can't do that sitting in a cubicle somewhere."

By Eileen Jevis. Reprinted from Builder/Architect, a monthly trade publication for residential builders and architects in over 80 U.S. markets.