Why would a commercial builder construct a house?

Published 8:49 am Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Editor’s note: Tribune Managing Editor Tim Engstrom sat down briefly Monday to ask Larson Contracting owner Al Larson some questions:

Where does Larson Contracting do work?

Just draw a circle 150 miles around Albert Lea. Anything inside that: Mason City, Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault and Owatonna.

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How old are you?

59

And you retired in December of last year?

I promoted someone to the head of company. I wanted to retire down to sales. I am still working.

Why did you say yes to “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”?

We’re a giving company. We like to give back to the community in all aspects of need out in the community. I’ve seen the show, and the families they help are always deserving families. I’ve always liked challenges. It’s a challenge to build a house in 106 hours.

You’re a commercial contractor. Why build a residence?

Because they asked, not for the PR of Larson Contracting. We remodel offices and build offices, but this turns out to be good PR anyway. The house builders that usually build it are really big house builders, and they like the publicity. For us, it was more in the realm of need than it was PR.

But 106 hours, that’s what? Four and a half days. I thought they built a house in a week?

The week starts with a doorknock, a “Braveheart” event, they call it. Then they have to remove all the belongings, set up tents and set up camera equipment. That’s 2 1/2 days. Then in 106 hours, we have to demolish their house and build a new one?

Who does the demo?

We do that, too.

Five families are in it so far. How does the selection process go from here?

That’s ABC’s decision. They have all the applications from the families. They narrowed it down to five. On Sept. 30, they narrow it down to one.

Are there really five families?

I’ve been told by ABC there truly are five families.

Do you have a house design?

We have a generic house design for all five families. It will be modified when the family is chosen.

Are you getting a lot of support from the building industry?

Yes, tremdendous. Whatever it takes to build a house — electric, mechanical, rafters, floor joists, rafters, windows.

The lumber?

Different suppliers are bringing different parts of the house.

What are some of the biggest challenges now that it is lined up?

Rounding up 80 qualified carpenters, getting a volunteer force, one for building the house and one for behind the scenes.

What is the last book you read?

A Sandra Brown murder-mystery novel

What is the last movie you saw?

“Bucket List”

Do you have kids?

Two daughters and six grandkids.

What is your wife’s name?

My wife’s name is Linda.

Where did you grow up?

Emmons.

Visit AlbertLeaTribune.com/larsoncontractingextreme to see more on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” coming to Freeborn County.

About Tim Engstrom

Tim Engstrom is the editor of the Albert Lea Tribune. He resides in Albert Lea with his wife, two sons and dog.

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