Design Build Planners recently had the opportunity to interview Kathi Fleck, co-owner of LoneStar Property Solutions a highly respected professional in the remodeling industry.
Q: How would you describe your personal style preference?
A: My home is a mixture of old and new as I am rather eclectic and casual. I have my grandmother’s 1920s dining room furniture, hard-wood and slate floors, stained glass windows and then granite in the kitchen. I can’t say that I have a preference style, as I really enjoy working with my clients on their styles and creating a room or home that fits with their personality and style. I am currently working on completely different styles for several clients and look forward to the final transformations. One master bathroom in an upscale home includes a serene almost all-white look with travertine, marble and mosaic tiles. Another kitchen is called the “cowboy” kitchen with knotty alder wood cabinets and doors, wood-look tile on the floors, Monterey texture and glazing on the walls and an overall casual appearance for the homeowners.
Q: What is your favorite home improvement TV show?
A: I have watched some of the home improvement shows over the years, but I don’t have much time for TV. I find it helpful to see how homeowners view these shows, as it gives them an idea of what they think they should expect. Often, we discuss the shows in initial meetings and they realize how unrealistic the shows are with timelines and cost. Wouldn’t it be nice to discuss ideas, leave your home and return to a completely remodeled home without any cost or timeline unknowns?
Q: What is your personal preference for a kitchen countertop, material granite or quartz?
A: Personally, I really like the movement and individuality of granite, which is a natural stone. However, I find that it is not for everyone. When my clients want a more solid color or have a contemporary design, often quart fits better for their remodel . During design meetings, we discuss their interests and what is most important to them. From listening to my clients, I can then direct them to certain materials and we view them with the rest of the plan. For example, when remodeling a kitchen, we’ll look at the cabinet color and door style and then determine which fits better: granite or quartz.
Q: What advice would you give a remodeling company owner just starting out?
A: Great question. My husband and I started our remodeling business in 2007 without experience in the business and at the start of the downturn. We both came from the corporate world and we found that it took longer than we expected to build it into a profitable and thriving business. I would suggest: get to know the industry by gaining support and advice from working alongside coaches, belonging to associations and networking groups and doing what it takes to market yourself. Hire strong staff and subcontractors, starting small until you have a good handle on the types of jobs you want to pursue. Find your area of expertise and solidify it rather than taking on every type of job out there.
BONUS QUESTION: What is the last book that you read?
A: I enjoy reading historical novels about people overcoming adversity and making a difference in people’s lives. A recent book is: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. I am currently reading: Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. Both are war heroes with battles of survival and resilience. I take these inspirations into my life and business, always stretching myself.
LoneStar Property Solutions creates your dream project while eliminating all of the guesswork, uncertainty, and sense of overwhelm that comes with remodeling. This happens through coordinated design, product selection, scope development, building services and an open line of communication with clients. From the first meeting to the final walkthrough, the main concern is that you’re positively thrilled with the results.