CALIFORNIA HOMES FILL 'BIG HOLE'

Mike Peters grew up in Jackson, then proved himself in tough St. Louis and California construction markets, before returning home.

Sentiment was not the overriding factor in Peters' return.

"We targeted Cape County because of some of the growth in the area and because there's a big hole in the market," said Peters, son of long-time Jackson Junior High teacher Ken Peters. "Contractors were building houses, rather than house-builders."

Peters and Todd Brady returned to the area and established California homes, a custom building and developing service. Currently California Homes is completing Phase I of its Pleasant Springs project near Fruitland.

Peters believes that having a house-building specialist design and construct one's home is a definite advantage. Brady is a licensed civil engineer and both men have extensive architecture training. California Homes offers a number of house styles, such as The Atwater, the Bel Air, The Corona, The Montana and the Mt. Diablo. Peters and Brady are also willing to customize houses to fit individual needs.

"Typically, in this area you have to know a contractor," Peters said, describing the usual house-building procedure. "He gives you a price. You take out a construction loan. The contractor may say it will take four months. If it takes eight months, you eat the extra interest. There's no incentive for him to get it done in four months."

California Homes will take out the construction loan for the buyer, thus giving themselves the incentive to complete the project on time. If the buyer is unable to sell is/her old home, California Homes will buy it.

"It takes the financial burden off of a lot of people," said Peters, who said Pleasant Lake Estate homes begin in the $130,000 range.

Peters will design and build homes on others' property and will custom design homes and let others build them. One thing he will not allow is to let others design or build homes in one of his subdivisions.

"You drive through most of these other subdivisions and it's a mess," he said. "There are all different types of styles that don't go together at all. Here each house is going to complement each other. They don't all look alike, but they go together and add a sense of cohesiveness."

Five homes are completed at Pleasant Lake, with about half a dozen under construction. By the time Phase II is done, 47 lots will be available. Currently Pleasant Lake is accessible by County Road 541 (a few yards south of the 177-FF intersection). Phase II will see the construction of a direct road to Hwy 177. A community swimming pool will also be constructed this summer.

Peters and Brady also pride themselves on giving as much punch as possible, per square foot.

"This is a 1,600 square foot house," Peters said of the Pleasant Lake model house currently on display, "but it feels like a house with 2,000 square feet -- and you don't have to pay for the extra 400 feet. The sky's the limit with what you can do in a 1,600 foot home."

The California Homes make full use of basement space and add West Coast touches like sky lights, a Jacuzzi in the master bedroom and other amenities.

Peters' father, Ken, is also associated with California Homes. The business may be reached at 204-1000 or CaliHomes@aol.com.