Humble Beginnings

Allan Lutes started what is now Alpha Remodeling in 1989, when he saw a need in the Ann Arbor area for a full-service maintenance company. Alpha Contracting and Management Services began as a sideline to Allan’s commercial real estate practice and the company where he served as Property Manager for 41 rental properties. Primary clients in the beginning years included rental property owners, other property managers, fraternities, and sororities.

The company’s reputation for quality work and exceptional service blossomed, as did the services that the company provided. At this point, the venture had become so successful that its growth required full-time management. Allan decided to focus on the construction aspect of the business, giving his real estate practice a secondary role.

In 1992, Alpha opened its first office in a two-bedroom resident manager’s apartment on Huron Street. In an ironic twist, providing repairs to the many fraternity houses around the University of Michigan proved to be great training for disaster reconstruction, and Alpha began providing emergency response and insurance restoration services. From its humble beginning of repairing broken doors and patching drywall holes, Alpha had grown to employ six people. In 1993, the business was incorporated as Alpha Contracting, Inc.

A New Home

Alpha continued to grow, and in 1994, Alpha relocated its offices to 920 N. Main Street. Alpha refurbished the 3000 square foot building, which would be its home for the next eight years. 1994 also marked Alpha’s entrance in the custom remodeling field. Alpha’s staff of craftsmen had grown, but the stream of work from fires and floods was not always reliable, so remodeling became a method to even out the production schedule. Alpha’s revenues topped $1 million for the first time.

As Alpha’s skill and expertise grew, Allan decided to leave the maintenance work behind and focus exclusively on remodeling and insurance restoration work. In 1995, Alpha added its first full-time designer.

Making A Mark

In 1996, Alpha opened its selection center on the first floor of the Main Street building and began displaying cabinetry, countertops, and floor coverings as a value-added service to its clientele.

By 1998, Alpha’s revenues topped $2 million and it was employing 16 people. For the first time, Alpha was named to the Qualified Remodelors’ list of the Top 500 Remodeling firms in the United States, an honor Alpha has received every year since. Also in 1998, Allan was elected as Chairman of the Washtenaw Remodelors Council, marking the beginning of a long history of leadership.

As a continued effort to improve its services, 1999 saw the launch of Alpha’s exterior remodeling focus with added services in siding, windows, and roofs. Allan received the Certified Restorer designation from the National Institute of Disaster Restoration, the highest level of certification in the insurance reconstruction industry. Alpha also received the “Big 50” Award from Remodeling magazine, and was also named to their “Top 500” (their last year for the award).

In 2000, Alpha’s focus on custom interior and exterior remodeling continued. Alpha’s growth had exceeded the confines of the Main Street building, and Alpha purchased land on Jackson Road for its future offices. Allan received the Certified Graduate Remodelor designation from the National Remodelors Council.

In 2001, Alpha broke ground on its new building on Jackson Road. Allan Lutes served as President of the Home Builders Association, and headed up a joint venture between the Home Builders Association and Washtenaw Community College for skilled carpentry training programs. Alpha’s staff had grown to over 20 employees.

Rocking and Rolling

Alpha began 2002 with two major honors: receiving awards for Builder of the Year by the Home Builders’ Association, and the Keppler Award for Remodeling Achievement by the Washtenaw Remodelors’ Council. In January, Alpha updated its name to Alpha Remodeling to more closely describe the custom-remodeling work that then makes up the majority of its revenue. In May, Alpha dedicated its new 10,000 square foot facility on Jackson Road, including a full showroom, offices, a custom workshop, and a warehouse. Alpha’s staff grew to include a team architect, two kitchen designers, two project managers, and a full staff of carpenters and laborers.

2003 began with Alpha receiving the award of Outstanding Project Management by the Home Builders Association of Washtenaw County. In June, Alpha was honored by being named to Qualified Remodelor's Top 500 list, now for the fifth year in a row. Company growth requires adding one more designer to the Alpha team. Alpha wa also named to Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler's 101 Best Companies to Work for.

Because of Alpha's solid reputation in the remodeling industry, the company experienced a 31% increase in growth during 2004. Alpha was again awarded to the national Qualified Remodeler's Top 500 list for the sixth straight year and also ranked second as one of the top 25 remodelers to work for by Professional Remodeler magazine. Alpha Remodeling continues to work closely with Washtenaw Community College promoting their Residential Carpentry program. A joint venture between the college and Alpha provides students with the opportunity to build modular-style homes. The staff and students in the program set their first home on its foundation in Milan, MI.

Allan Lutes, President of Alpha Remodeling

Allan Lutes has served on the board of directors of the Home Builders Association of Washtenaw County including holding the office of President and Vice President. As a member of the Washtenaw Remodelors Council, he has held several positions including Chairman, Vice-Chair, and Education Committee Chairman.

Allan has been a leading industry advocate for workforce development in the building industry including providing an instrumental role in developing the Certified Apprenticeship program with Washtenaw Community College. He currently serves as a National Director for the National Association of Home Builders and has served as a Director for the Michigan Association of Home Builders.

Allan is a regular resource to the building industry, having contributed to articles in Remodeling, Builder, Qualified Remodelor, Professional Remodelor, and the Ann Arbor News. His articles have been published on topics relating to business management, marketing, and insurance restoration. He has served as an industry professional on Murray Gula’s “Home Improvement” radio program.

In addition, Allan has been a leader in educating the public on remodeling. He has taught courses on remodeling and design at Washtenaw Community College and is a regular speaker for the ABC’s of Remodeling, The Five Secrets to Remodeling, and seminars dealing with how to select a professional remodelor, kitchen design, and finishing basements.