Dillon Custom Homes Completes First Home Rebuild Following Devastating Steiner Ranch Fires

May 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Austin, TX – Dillon Custom Homes has completed rebuilding the first of the 24 homes tragically burned to their foundations in the Steiner Ranch fires of September 2011 consuming over 160 acres.  For some families, they were able to turn tragedy into a positive.

When tragedy strikes, what do you do?  Who do you call?  Where do you go?  These are questions the victims of the Steiner Ranch fires know all to well.  The overwhelming feeling of loss and devastation haunted them upon seeing the rubble and ashes where their homes full of love and memories once stood.  Staring at the charred debris, unable to put emotions into words, Mrs. Stock could only describe feeling “devastated.”  

The American Red Cross, local businesses and their community supplied temporary shelter, clothes for the next day, food, water and emotional support.  Often times, these are things simply taken for granted.  With the necessities available, now it was time to start moving forward with calls to insurance companies, builders and real estate agents.    

Fire victims chose different paths.  Some sold their lots unable to rebuild where they watched their safe haven disappear in flames.  Others, like the Stock’s, chose to make a positive out of a negative and rebuild the perfect home that can be seen at http://dilloncustomhomes.tumblr.com/.  From simply enlarging the pantry to the more complex task of moving the master bedroom downstairs, they got a second chance to fix those little quirks found after moving in.  Jiri Hajek of Hajek and Associates worked alongside Dillon Custom Homes and homeowners to “redesign” a more suitable home for the families.  Some chose to remove the foundation and begin with a clean slate.  For others, Mr. Hajek creatively designed an improved home on the existing slab.  Whichever the choice, families were thrilled with their new home designs and finish outs.  

Most do not think a fire will ever rob us of our home; so, other than buying insurance, we do not plan for this event.  We have not idea the steps to take in the event we undergo this hardship.  Dillon Custom Homes assisted families in working with their insurance companies and lenders to streamline the process as much as possible.  Walking homeowners through the design center so they could see, touch and feel the new décor for their homes replaced sorrow with excitement.  

Howard Kirk of Dillon Custom Homes pointed out stylish alternatives to pricey finishes so fire victims would have a beautiful home without overspending.  Everyone has a budget, regardless of price range.  With insurance limiting the amount to rebuild, budget was an important piece of the rebuilding equation.  Now, eight months later, Mr. & Mrs. Stock are returning home.  “It feels good.  It feels like we’re home again!”

Although family photographs and heirlooms cannot be replaced, victims of the Steiner Ranch fires appreciate so much more their good health, kind friends and loving families.  And now, they love their brand new custom homes that are warrantied!   No one would choose to experience this loss; but with strength, a positive attitude and perseverance, families were able to find the good that derived from the bad.  

Dillon Custom Homes is a boutique design and build custom home builder serving the Austin area.  They are focused on building a select number of homes per year providing homeowners a personalized experience while maintaining a budget.  For further information, visit www.DillonCustomHomes.com or call (512) 614-7777.  View an extensive collectiion of home plans at www.HajekAssociates.com.  Read more on this story at http://dilloncustomhomes.tumblr.com/.