photos by David Halterman

Although many considerbuilding a birdhouse to be their peak of construction chops, there are those among us who have no problem putting up a garage in a few months. And then there are these guys. Far from your average four-walls-and-a-roof construction, these custom homebuilders dedicate a year or more to a single project. Complex architecture as well as working in all types of weather is no sweat for this crew, headed by General Contractor Steve Schnarch. With 5,000 square feet just under the roof, this is not your average bungalow. A sharp eye for detail, a small fortune in tools and a strong back are just some of the prerequisites for this line of work. So careful with the nailgun and stop sniffing that glue, its time to build that dream home.

Scott Millward rips a bottom plate for a wall. General Contractor Steve Schnarch gives his signature grin-of-approval as a section of wall is perfectly laid in by crane. Like a jig-saw puzzle, these complex sections of wall are set in with the utmost precision. Even the slightest measurement difference can offset the fitting, resulting in a very unhappy GC. Ian Horn keeps an eye on the cable hook, while Scott Millward directs the crane operator from below. These toolbelts can weigh an average of 40 pounds, and after an eight-hour day they are a great recipe for a sore back. Ian Horn, right, and Eric Halpin work to steady a beam that is being laid across the 20-foot ceiling of the grand room. This will support the beautiful yet complicated tongue-and-groove ceiling. Driving tens of thousands of nails will eventually lead to an injury or two. This tattered-thumb belongs to Eric Halpin, courtesy of his Douglas hammer.