Wilmington Developer Turns to Pearson Pilings when Constructing his State-of-the Art Waterfront Dream Home
Wilmington, North Carolina
As a developer with an eye for current technology, Jason Akins was looking for new ways to solve old construction problems. “I was basically researching better ways to build my own personal dream house,” explains Jason, who is president and general contractor at 16 Pointe Properties, Wilmington, North Carolina. “That’s how we came across Pearson Pilings.”
“When I had to switch from foundation to pilings I was very upset because I wanted my garage as open as possible,” says Jason, who was thrilled to have found his “dream lot” right on the water. “But the existing plan was going to require so many pilings interfering with the space I just thought, ‘There’s got to be a better way.’ So I did some research.” Pretty soon he was on the phone with Mark Pearson, president of Pearson Pilings, discussing their fiberglass composite pilings. Before long, “I fell in love with the product,” admits Jason.
The future of fewer pilings
Unlike concrete or wood, composite pilings won’t crumble or rot. The lightweight pilings are easy to transport and install. Most importantly for Jason and his family, they “carry more load than a regular piling so you don’t have to have as many.” Jason wanted to use the ground floor as a play area for the family. “I could get rid of all the cross bracings and extra pilings,” he recalls, providing free space for running and unencumbered views.
“I designed the load bearing around the pilings,” says Jason, who had them driven 30 feet in the ground. Though not required for Pearson Pilings to be their strongest, Jason also filled the pilings three quarters with concrete. He describes the result as “unbelievably solid.”
A legacy that lasts
“Long, long after I’m gone this foundation will still be standing,” Jason Akins reflects. The father of three will continue to use Pearson Pilings in his upcoming projects. “I love the fact that fiberglass is lighter, easier, stronger and just about more cost effective than concrete,” he continues. While composite costs more per piling, the fewer number required plus “not having all the cross bracing and needing fewer bolts and connections, ends up offsetting cost.” In other words, concludes Jason, “This is a no-brainer.”
Pearson fiberglass pilings last for generations, supporting your waterfront home despite severe weather and natural decay. Whether building for business or planning your home, the right materials will protect your investment.
High-tech safety and comfort
While 16 Pointe Properties specializes in creating their clients’ dreamhomes, Jason found it “a lot easier for me to design a house for myself because I know what I want.” What topped the list for this father-of-three? “Tons and tons of soundproofing.” From magnesium oxide-treated board to tamper sound, to sliding doors that also fold shipped from England, to single touchpad controls for the room’s lights, window treatments, climate controls and more, Jason looks for ways to use new technology to make homes more comfortable.
When designing for his own family, he considers how the space would grow and change along with them. “The biggest thing was the three kids: how they live now and how they are going to grow.” For example, his sons’ rooms have plenty to entertain them now, but can convert into a space with more privacy for their teen years. “My boys have hidden rooms within their rooms, and as they get older I can add two walls in to give them a separate sleeping area.”
His wife, after moving consistently every two to three years, had modest requirements for her new forever home. “She only wanted two things,” says Jason. “Black windows and a built-in coffee maker.”
The careful choices and top-of-the-line materials that go into Jason’s dream house, or any water-front home, deserve to last for generations. Interested in finding funding out how to incorporate Pearson Pilings into an upcoming project? Contact us today!
I love the fact that fiberglass is lighter, easier, stronger and just about more cost effective than concrete...This is a no-brainer.—Jason Akins, Homeowner, President and General Contractor at 16 Pointe Properties