Founded in 1950 by its patriarch Bramwell Bowering, Bowering Homes, Inc is a third generation family run custom homebuilding business. Richard Bowering and his son Gregg are the two principals of the company. Despite the enormous changes in the construction industry over the last 50 years the company’s mission of “providing its clients the best overall value in new home construction through the use of the highest quality materials, workmanship, and personalized service before, during, and after the sale” has never changed.

“I think the personalized service we give is what really sets us apart from others in our field” Gregg says. “We absolutely refuse to grow to the point where Dad or I have to give up the daily overseeing responsibilities we enjoy so much”. “This goes for both our clients and our subcontractor workforce”.

By staying small and stressing the personalized service regardless of price points, the Bowering’s have carved out an enviable nitch in today’s custom home market. Delivering on this commitment for over 50 years has solidified its reputation.

“People want to deal directly with the principals when they are making a financial commitment like this”, Gregg says. “I don’t blame them, if I’m going to buy something that involves hundreds of thousands of dollars I’d want to deal with the owner of the business too”. Unlike others whom employ salespeople, supervisors, administrative aids, foreman, etc… with Bowering Homes you will deal directly with Dick or Gregg on everything about you’re new home. “When people call our office they are sometimes surprised that Gregg or I answer the phone ourselves” Dick says. It all goes back to what Bramwell did back in 1950 when the business was started, personalized attention to the client.

Active members of Rochester Homebuilders Association, the New York State Homebuilders Association, and the National Association of Homebuilders, Bowering Homes stays on top of latest trends in the industry and takes advantage of the proven newer technologies available in the business. “Proven” technologies is the key work” according to Gregg. “Many things have come out in the last few years that may be great for homes built out west or in the south but are of absolutely no value here in the Rochester area and you have to pay attention to these considerations when deciding on making changes to what you may want to use in our business”. “Sometimes advances in technology are not all what they're cracked up to be” he says.

“We want to continue to stay on top of our company and its business” Dick says. “Keeping a low overhead, building in communities that traditionally offer a great resale value, staying in touch with our clients and our great subcontractor work force is what has made us successful, I don’t see why we would want to change this”.

THE BOWERING HOMES TEAM

Gregg Bowering, VP and Operations Manager

Gregg is the 3rd generation of Bowerings to be involved in the family’s custom homebuilding business joining his father Richard in 1987. After many summers learning the building trades, followed by a 10 year stint with Xerox Corp in financial planning and marketing, Gregg’s diverse background have been key ingredients to the company’s success.

Gregg is intimately involved with all phases of the homebuilding experience. You will find him developing sketch plan ideas for upcoming spec homes, coordinating the subcontractor workforce and scheduling jobs, and researching new building materials and installation techniques. In addition, Gregg has the enviable job of meeting with all prospective Bowering Homes’ clients.

“Meeting a prospective buyer is by far and away the best part of my job”, says Gregg, “it gives me the opportunity to listen”. Wish lists are discussed and cost/benefit analyses can be done quickly. General specifications and inclusions are discussed that allow Gregg to give a client a rough idea of pricing parameters. Meetings are then organized with the architect and the construction plans, detailed specifications, and contracts are prepared. This gives both Gregg and the client another opportunity to understand exactly what is expected of each during the construction process. “We go to great lengths with our clients to explain everything that is assumed included in their house, this way there is no possibility for a misunderstanding down the line” says Gregg.

Gregg’s constant involvement with the design/build/construction process and close communication with his clients along the way provide for a smooth path that ensures the home is done on time with all the proper amenities.

Richard Bowering, President and CEO

Dick is the 2nd generation of Bowerings in the home building business. For over 45 years Dick has been intimately involved with the company and worked alongside his father Bramwell since 1959. There are very few who have been around long enough to see the giant evolution of new home construction as Richard. His keen eye and “zero tolerance” attitude has been the guiding influence to the lofty reputation Bowering Homes has built and continues to enjoy.

In addition to his assistance in overseeing the subcontractor work force, Dick continues to be involved with all administrative functions of the company including land development and financing.

Kim Martin, Custom Kitchens by Martin & Company

Although Kim has been designing kitchens and other cabinetry for Bowering Homes for only the last 4 years, she and her staff have become indispensable members of the Bowering team. Her skills as a designer have been proven over and over in others’ and our homes. Her designs have been featured in numerous award winning Homearama and other Showcase homes. Kim has the unique ability to be extremely creative, offering each client something different while at the same time, staying within budgetary constraints.

Kim meets with our clients before construction starts and many times before plans are finalized to ensure each clients desires are addressed. Sketch designs are prepared, finalized, and signed off before framing starts. Her designs are then incorporated right up front in the construction sequence ensuring a smooth, timely installation that avoids costly reframing or reconstruction down the road. Kim plays an important part in providing overall value to each Bowering home.

Patrick A Morabito, A.I.A. – Architect

Pat, his son Paul and daughter Melinda, and Bowering Homes’ relationship goes back a long ways. Both are successful family owned and operated businesses that share the same philosophy that without our clients we would be nothing. A “do what it takes” attitude, combined with a personal pride in their work, allows Pat and his staff to be vital member of the Bowering Homes team. A design process results where the buyer, the builder, and the architect create a home design that is attuned to the buyer’s wishes and the realities of their budget.

After initial conversations between Gregg and the buyer to establish a wish list and budgetary figure, Pat gets involved to create a preliminary plan or “block out” for review. Many times Pat will provide small “design options” whereby pricing impacts can be determined, seen, and discussed. Plans are then finalized, reviewed and re-checked for structural integrity and code compliances, and produced.

J R McCarthy, Oak Leaf Landscaping

Easily forgotten as an afterthought by many clients, exterior landscaping provides for the final touch on all Bowering homes. JR and his staff work hard with Bowering Homes and its clientele to ensure this important item is an integral part of the design of each home. Meeting early on with Gregg and the client, JR designs walkways and plant materials to the buyers’ preferences and budget. JR is also responsible for the lawn installations and tree plantings and his expertise and design flair make him and his staff crucial team members to the final look of your Bowering home.

Realty USA

Realty USA offers huge advantages to both Bowering Homes and, more importantly, it’s customers. Their marketing ability is second to none in the area and their connections with the financing end of things is important to ensure deals go smoothly. Realty USA manages most of Bowering sales and marketing programs and includes scheduling and staffing open houses and coordinating the advertising program. There reputation for excellence and personal contact and follow up make them a perfect fit for the Bowering Homes team.