By Irene Jones
By Irene Jones
Every industry has its cycles and if you're able to stay busy at your profession during the slow times, especially in the construction industry, then you know your workmanship and reputation are at the top. Ed Aldridge, owner of Edward K. Aldridge Construction, Santa Maria, has been a general contractor for the past 12 years, but his 22 years of experience in the industry and his ability to ride through the 90s without any slow times in his work, both show his reputation as a quality builder is well-earned.
"If I'm a success at what I love to do, then I give all the credit to my parents," Ed states humbly. Ed's father, Keith, is owner of Keith Aldridge Construction and has been working in the industry in Santa Maria for 45 years. Ed's brother, Jim, also works in construction and owns Jim Aldridge Concrete. Over the years, Ed estimates he has helped build more than 60 homes as well as dozens of commercial projects, some while working with his father and other contractors. During the past 12 years as owner of his own company, he has had as many as four jobs going at any one time and his reputation as a quality custom home builder has spread throughout Santa Maria Valley.
Ed credits part of his success with his attention to details. "I'm a hands-on contractor," he insists. "I analyze the direction of the prevailing wind and light on the lot and work with the owner and architect to make sure the homes have wide, open spaces with natural light giving warmth to the interior. I like lots of windows and skylights. The skylights not only help cut energy costs but also adds an aura to the home when its completed."
In addition, Ed hand-selects the lumber for each project, making sure the pieces are solid and straight. "It's one of those details that I insist upon doing so that I know the finished product is top quality," he says. "You can have quality without a high expense. If you control the project from the beginning, the quality is built into the product and it will be evident when you're finished."
Another way to build in quality, Ed maintains, is to use reputable subcontractors. Ed's network of subcontractors have been with him for years and he prides himself on using subs who are known for their excellent workmanship. "We do all the framing, foundation and finish carpentry and my subs know what I expect, so quality control throughout each project is consistent," he insists.
Besides custom homes in Santa Maria, Ed has kept busy with numerous remodeling and addition projects. And he doesn't hesitate to do commercial jobs if he's selected during the bidding process. His experience includes bridges, stores, and schools as well as light commercial work. "I enjoy all types of construction work and have experience with almost every kind of project there is," he explains.
A contractor has to wear many hats as he goes through the process of building and completing a project. Whether it's the permit process, the accounting end, selecting products or working with architects and draft people, Ed's easy going manner and personable attention to communication with his clients has added to his positive reputation. "Anyone who's successful in construction is a people person and I have to admit, I love being around people and working with them," he states.
Ed knew in high school that he wanted to be a general contractor. He attended night classes at Alan Hancock Community College in Santa Maria, majoring in business, while working his way through a carpenter apprenticeship. His experience includes jobs throughout the South/Central Coast with more than a dozen contractors to earn his journeyman certification. "I was aggressive as well as persistent and took every job I could to gain experience in all types of construction," he recalls. "This persistence has paid off because I haven't known a slow time in all the years I've been in construction."
Another plus has been his experience in building his own homes. He and his wife, Danielle, have built numerous homes over the past 10 years and are now in the process of constructing their final "dream home" in the hills overlooking Santa Maria. "As you live in a home you've built, you learn what works and you understand better what clients expect," Ed explains. "I recommend this process for every homebuilder. It translates into a better finished product as you think about how the family will move from room to room, how they will use any specific area of the home, and how the light and finished carpentry add to the feel of each room. Living in a home is an emotional process and my goal is to make it a very positive experience, not only during construction, but for all the years afterward as the owners enjoy all the amenities we build into the home."
But Ed is not all work and no play. A native of Santa Maria, he grew up loving to play football, baseball and surf, but as work dominated more and more of his time, he switched to golf, bicycling and water and snow skiing. "I enjoy being in the outdoors," he says, "especially now that I have a family." He and Danielle have a son, Eddie, who loves to "help" dad when he is working on the family's dream home. "I was around construction all my life and knew I wanted to be a contractor from the time I was just a kid. I don't know if this vocation will carry into another generation, but if it does, that's just great," Ed insists.
Where does he see himself in another ten years? Doing more of the same, he states. As his reputation has spread for custom home building, so has his job offers. He plans to continue his hands-on work and to watch over each project as it progresses. While he prefers home building, he also says he won't hesitate to add commercial construction to his list of current projects if the right opportunity comes along. "I have the experience to handle any project and that's what's going to make the difference, no matter what type of building it is," he explains.
As the construction cycles keep on fluctuating on the South/Central Coast, one thing is sure to remain consistent and that's the quality and workmanship being built into the homes created by Edward K. Aldridge Construction. Ed Aldridge and his company are sure to remain busy and in demand regardless of the area's economics and for homeowners and the local building industry, that's a win/win situation.
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