Landmark Enterprises is a Design/Build company which has been in business for over 35 years right here in Whatcom County. The efficiency of combining designing and building in one company provides cost-savings to the customer through streamlined communications.
Marinus Van de Kamp is one of the few designers in town who has over 10 years of full time carpentry experience, from concrete and framing to cabinet work, which allows him to see possible conflicts in a design that others might overlook. Construction knowledge informs his design to be beautiful yet efficient to construct. His Dutch background inspires him to look for the most valuable use of small spaces.
Most of Landmark’s projects are designed in-house by Joel and Marinus. Working together they aim to design seamless additions in any style and areas that are space and energy efficient. Using one of the state of the art 3-D design programs, they are able to import photographs taken from the site and show picture quality renderings of the project. Along with new home designs, Landmark can also design and build custom cabinets. Our design team has an extensive kitchen design experience looking for the best mix of aesthetics and functionality.
Aside from Landmark's in-house design crew, the project managers give this company an extensive background in carpentry and project management. Brandon and Christopher take pride in their carpenters and workers and strive to satisfy their customer’s needs at any given time. They give the highest of quality in both craftsmanship and customer relations.
What sets Landmark Enterprises apart from other contractors?
How 'Green' is Landmark Enterprises?
Landmark has been a Green Builder since 1994. We have designed and built projects with Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF’s). We offer high standards for insulation (including windows and doors), various forms of hydronic heat and solar energy. We use low- or no-VOC paint. We offer materials with recyclable content, and our focus is on creating a healthy environment that is energy efficient.
Green design is not limited to new homes, but can work very well for upgrades of existing structures. Landmark was part of the team that did the value engineering of energy efficient and sustainable options for the building of the Bellingham Cohousing Community in 1999. We are familiar with LEED standards and offer Built Green certification (Building Industry Association of Whatcom County) for new homes and remodels.
Landmark has joined the Toward Zero Waste (T.Z.W.) program, thus reducing disposal costs by recycling as much as possible.
What is the process of a typical project?
We provide an initial free consultation, either in our office, or at your home or business. If your project needs a design we will discuss the beginnings of a concept sketch. After agreeing on a design, or receiving your plans and specifications, we can provide you with an estimate.
When you choose to proceed with the project, it is time to apply for a building permit for most projects. Landmark can provide the plans and process the permit applications. The time needed for plan drawing and permits for many projects is between 1 to 6 months, depending on the job. Some projects need engineering, which often takes a few weeks to get completed. Some projects require a Conditional Use Permit, Variance, Shorelines Permit, or Critical Areas review (steep slopes, wetlands, watershed and stormwater best practices). Landmark can facilitate this process as well. Landmark’s contracts include detailed specifications and estimates, and a projected time schedule.
How much is this going to cost?
After an initial visit, Landmark will be able to give a general idea of the cost of the project. If the initial number is within budget, then the next step would be to finalize a design and choose the materials and begin the accurate estimate.
To achieve an accurate estimate, Landmark uses a customized software system that allows project evaluations and data from recent jobs are easily accessible to use for new estimates. Landmark also uses its own online building materials calculator (www.gotakeoff.com) for fast and accurate materials lists, from foundation hardware to trim work. The use of this program has been proven to increase job efficiency.
One final step toward the accurate number is to meet subcontractors on the site and with the design in hand and a first-hand look at the sitem, they can give Landmark an accurate bid.
Even though no two remodels are the same, our estimates have continued to be increasingly accurate over time.
Who is going to do the job?
We are a general contractor and employ our own carpenters. Each project is assigned a project manager and/or lead carpenter. We do our own framing, trim work, window and door installation, floors, cabinet work, stairs, decks and patios, glass roofs, siding and exterior trim, and some concrete work and drywall, and we hire only licensed subcontractors for the rest of the work.
