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Welcome to the third edition of 'Leeway Insights,' where we continue our journey to support and enhance your Construction Progress Inspections.

We’re thrilled to have you continue to read and learn about our industry. In this edition, you can look forward to more practical tips from our experts at Leeway, along with interesting stories that occur in our industry. Your engagement and feedback are crucial to us, so please let us know if there are specific topics you’d like us to address or any questions you have.

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The Leeway Inspections Team

For the future homeowner, contractor, and even the lender, embarking on a construction project is an exciting endeavor, full of promise and potential. Amidst the coordination of materials, managing schedules, and overseeing labor, there's one crucial aspect that can become a significant bottleneck: the progress inspections for construction draw loans.

Consider this scenario: A borrower meticulously plans every detail of their construction project, securing financing to bring their vision to life. However, as the project progresses, unexpected delays in receiving funds disrupt their ability to pay contractors and purchase essential materials. What's causing this hiccup? Often, the culprit is the sluggish pace of progress inspections for construction draw loans.

At Leeway Inspections, we understand the challenges faced by both borrowers and lenders in the construction loan process. That's why we prioritize timely and accurate inspections to ensure the smooth flow of funds and progress of projects.

The key to overcoming this bottleneck is not just speed, but accuracy as well. A single error in an inspection report can cause significant delays, jeopardizing the project's timeline and budget. We take great care to review every inspection in-house before sending it out, ensuring the information provided is accurate and reliable.

Our commitment to you extends beyond providing accurate inspections. We believe in proactive communication from the moment we receive an inspection to ensure projects run smoothly, promptly keeping you informed at every stage. If any issues arise during the inspection process, we notify lenders immediately to address any hiccups swiftly and effectively.

Timely inspections offer numerous benefits beyond prompt payments. They help maintain the momentum and morale of the construction team, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget. Timely inspections also provide assurance that the project is progressing as planned, giving borrowers and lenders peace of mind and confidence in their investment.

The importance of timely inspections for construction draw loans cannot be overstated. They ensure that funds flow smoothly, progress continues without interruption, and all stakeholders remain informed. At Leeway Inspections, we are dedicated to providing timely, accurate, and reliable inspection services, allowing you to focus on achieving your construction financing goals.

Additionally, we understand the importance of effective communication and proactive problem-solving. Our team is committed to promptly addressing any issues that may arise during the inspection process, ensuring minimal disruption to project timelines. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, you can trust Leeway Inspections to be your reliable partner in achieving successful construction financing outcomes.

Take your best shot!

This summer, middle school girls will have a unique and exciting opportunity to dive into the world of construction through an inaugural summer camp designed specifically for them. The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, Inc. (NOTWC) is hosting a groundbreaking camp that aims to inspire and empower young girls to explore careers in construction. Participants will work in teams to build “she sheds,” which will later be auctioned off. They will also tour homes under construction by Witt Construction Company and visit the Pellete Stone Corporation Quarry and Plant. The camp will culminate in a “Construction Olympics” and a chance to hear from Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. This hands-on experience in a traditionally male-dominated industry is invaluable and aims to break down barriers for women in construction.

NOTWC, formed in 2018 by Matt and Jason Whitbeck, is helping to address the declining number of construction workers. With 62% of firms struggling to find skilled labor due to an aging workforce, the coalition emphasizes the importance of trades through educational initiatives in local schools. They engage students from elementary to high school, offering hands-on experiences and insights into how science, math, and technology apply to the building industry.

The coalition not only helps teach kids about the trades, but also allows them to get hands-on experience with building. Elementary students have an opportunity to learn how to build a toolbox with their own hands. Middle and high school students have the opportunity to participate in programs that allow them to tour a job site, hold in-school builder presentations, and career exploration programs. This helps provide valuable insight into the industry that has many misconceptions. They learn about how the science, math and technology they are learning in school are applied in the building industry. 

Matt Whitbeck, with over a decade in the building science field and involvement with Brazil energy programs, the American Institute of Architects, and the Green Building Council, leads these educational efforts. NOTWC’s presence in schools highlights the low representation of women in construction, currently at just 10% of the workforce. This summer camp is a step toward changing that narrative.

We eagerly anticipate hearing about the camp's success and seeing its impact on the future of the construction industry. The NOTWC is making significant strides in informing and inspiring change, and that’s pretty awesome!

The family-run nature of Leeway offers significant value to local lenders. Our progress inspections are grounded in a deep understanding of the importance of relationships, trust, and personalized service. Each inspection reflects our commitment to maintaining the high standards and personal touch that have been the hallmark of our family business since its inception. By leveraging our family's dedication and expertise, we ensure that lenders receive reliable, thorough, and timely inspections, fostering a sense of trust and partnership that is essential in today's lending environment. Let me tell you how we got here…

Leeway is and always has been a small family run business. When Leeway first started, it was a small family endeavor led by Dennis, who often enlisted the help of his teenage children. His oldest daughter, Angela, assisted in the office, and his son, David, filled in during vacations. In 1998, I joined the team, working out of Dennis’ house and becoming part of the family dynamic.

As the business grew, Angela and David moved on, and Cat, Dennis’ youngest, stepped in to help with processing inspections and client communications. By 2001, Leeway had expanded significantly, prompting the addition of Dick Hagg to handle executive responsibilities and a move to a new office in Sacramento. The company incorporated and continued to grow, always holding the same values of a small business that is family run. 

Cat pivoted towards pursing a teaching career, and the hope of maintaining a family business seemed distant until the great recession in 2007. The company downsized and the office moved back to Dennis' house, where his wife, Melodie, played a played a crucial role in keeping Leeway afloat and both exhibited the fighting entrepreneur spirit. By 2012, Dennis had reinvented Leeway into a regional company, meeting our clients progress inspection needs in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Melodie stepped out, and I returned after earning a Master's degree, helping the company continue its regional growth.

In 2014, Cat relocated to San Antonio, Texas, and rejoined the family business. She played a key role in finding new business opportunities in Texas and managing the paperwork and finances. Recognizing Cat's executive talent, Dennis and I started guiding her transition to becoming President of Leeway by 2018. During this time, Dennis and Melodie relocated to Spring Branch, Texas.

Under Cat's leadership, Leeway has transformed from a regional company to a nationwide business while maintaining its family-oriented approach. Recently, Dennis' oldest daughter, Angela, returned to the company, along with her husband, Anthony, further reinforcing the family dynamic that has been integral to Leeway's success. This has helped the company maintain the most important values of being a small family business that ensures our customers receive reliable, thorough and timely inspections.

Leeway Insights Edited by Shelley Pratt

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