In the first episode of the 12-part LUX Living video series, sponsored by LUX Homes, Alexa from KelownaNow sits down with Brad McNaughton, the owner and president of LUX Homes, to dive into the company’s beginnings, values, and vision for custom builds.
Brad McNaughton’s journey began in 2011 when he moved to Kelowna with his wife, Michelle. After working on various construction projects throughout the Okanagan and even up north, Brad decided to put his passion for home renovations into action. What started as a personal project for his home in Peachland quickly attracted attention, leading to a series of opportunities. This eventually resulted in the creation of LUX Homes in 2017, initially under the name LUX Construction.
"I started out focusing on framing because it was the hardest part of construction to get right," Brad explains. His early experiences allowed him to build strong connections with tradespeople and contractors, laying the foundation for his future success. By 2019, LUX Homes had fully transitioned into focusing on custom home builds and large renovations throughout the Okanagan Valley and beyond, including locations such as Christina Lake.
Despite his expertise in custom homes, Brad’s approach to business was never solely about technical knowledge. His entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured through trial and error, as well as collaboration with a business coach specializing in the home building industry. “I’ve learned a lot through experience, and I want to help other businesses avoid the expensive mistakes I made early on,” he says.
As a firm believer in the power of community, Brad emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses. “When I first started, I looked up to other businesses in the community. I wanted to be there one day. Now, when other businesses reach out to me for advice or guidance, I’m always happy to help," he explains. He’s a strong advocate for connecting with and supporting local businesses, recognizing that such connections benefit everyone, from building trust in the construction industry to keeping money within the local economy.
When asked about the process of starting a home building project, Brad is clear about the importance of setting expectations early on. “It’s crucial to have an honest and open relationship with your contractor. Your budget is key, and we always want to make sure everyone is on the same page from the start. A design-build approach helps to ensure the project stays within budget, with a final price and schedule locked in,” he says.
He adds that communication throughout the build is vital, as unexpected costs can arise due to delays or changes. “One of the most expensive overruns in any project is overhead. The longer a project sits, the more it costs. By planning ahead, we can minimize delays and keep things moving smoothly,” Brad shares.
For Brad, the goal is not just to deliver a finished home but to create an experience for his clients that reduces stress, keeps relationships intact, and results in a beautiful home that meets all expectations. “We want people to stay married after the project!” he jokes.
Brad is always looking to expand his team, and as LUX Homes continues to grow, he’s looking for individuals who embrace technology and are open to adapting in the fast-paced construction world. Interested applicants can learn more about available positions on the LUX Homes website.
For those considering a custom build or renovation, Brad and the LUX Homes team offer not only expertise but also connections within the industry. Whether you’re looking to build a custom home or simply renovate a small space, LUX Homes has the resources and the relationships to help bring your vision to life.
This episode marks the first of many in the LUX Living series, where Brad will continue to share tips, tricks, and insights into the world of custom home building. If you're interested in connecting with LUX Homes or learning more about their services, all the details can be found in the article accompanying this video.
Stay tuned for more episodes, where Brad will showcase some of the incredible homes LUX Homes has built from the ground up.
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