John Armstrong

“We are pioneers in the panelization process,” says John Armstrong, general manager of the Bremerton store and second-generation family member involved in the business. “It’s a high-tech way of custom-framing.”

The method allows for the home to be enclosed, with a roof on, in about 10 days, and saves about six weeks of onsite contractor time.

Armstrong Homes was founded by John’s uncle, Richard Armstrong, in 1952. Pre-manufacturing the components was introduced about eight years later. “In the beginning, it was very difficult to have it accepted,” John Armstrong says. “It was considered a prefabricated product. We had to convince the public this is a good process. Now, it’s considered in the industry the No. 1 method of construction.”

Armstrong says the concept is booming nationwide, and says the company is well-positioned in the field as more builders turn to panelization as a way of cutting costs and controlling quality. The method is much more precise than stick-building on site, as well as more environmentally friendly because it creates less waste, he says.

The Armstrong factory, which employs about 100 workers, also manufactures inside panels, roof trusses, and finish detail items such as millwork. They also offer custom framing packages for property owners who want to build their own homes, and do tenant improvements for multifamily homes.

“We do not limit ourselves to the size of the project, we’re more concerned about quality,” Armstrong says. “We don’t limit (the clients) in any way at all.” Some homes or portions are also stick built, but they use the panels whenever possible.

Armstrong, who joined the company in 1971, is involved with the customers, and enjoys that aspect the most. The company is a full-service contractor that draws customers from all around the region. The Bremerton office has a client base in Kitsap, Mason, Clallam, and Jefferson counties. The custom design process includes developing the specifications, budget planning, permitting and other aspects that are part of building a custom home.

“I think the panelization process allows us to continue to be competitive. We can effectively control our costs,” he says. “You can save a tremendous amount on labor, and put more into the home for the same money.”

One trend Armstrong notes is building fewer custom starter homes. “I miss that. That’s a fun market — the dream, the youth of America,” he says.

One of the reasons for the change is because it costs more to build homes — and for builders like him it’s a frustrating time because they cannot control those costs, passed down from vendors. The company survives because the fewer homes that it builds are more expensive, but the bigger picture means investing in real estate is no longer affordable for most people.

“Where is that American dream going? Real estate is a good investment but it has been priced out of the market,” he says. “Seeing less starter customers all the time concerns me.”

The concern, he says, has social implications. On one hand, more families need dual income, which means children are educated in day care and family values are not as strong. On the other hand, even professional couples with good paying jobs often cannot afford to buy a home.

“There really isn’t anything called affordable housing anymore. We have to be conscious of that,” he says.

Armstrong, who was the president of the Kitsap Home Builders Association in 2003, has been an active East Bremerton Rotary member since 1986, including as president of the board. One of the projects that gave him a lot of pride was the building of the Kitsap Veterans’ Memorial.

“When it’s all said and done, other than my family, there is nothing more important than serving my community,” he says. “I love serving others. Rotary has given me the avenue by which to do that. It’s a real rush for me.”.