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NOVA SOUL IMAGERY
Sam Rust (left) and Tom Rust (right).
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Jenn Verrier
Kitchen Renovation in Old Town
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Jenn Verrier
Old Town Renovation
Can you share the story of Rust Construction and how the business started?
Rust Construction is a fourth-generation, Alexandria-based remodeling company. The business was started in the 1920s after "Oakland," the Rust family dairy farm in North Ridge/Rosemont was sold off. Robert Rust Sr. built offices at 1610 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, where we were located until the 1970s. In 1956, Rust Construction was incorporated under its current charter by Robert Sr.'s sons who formed a design-build firm, before design-build was widely adopted. In 1970, our parents took over the business and built a reputation for detailed, appropriate historic renovations in Old Town. Fast forward to 2020, we formally took over operations.
How has Alexandria influenced the development of your business?
Building, designing, and Alexandria are in our DNA. Back in the day Rust Construction helped build many of the churches (St. Paul's Norton Hall/ Emmanuel Episcopal), schools (St. Agnes), warehouses (Robinson Terminals North and South in Old Town), banks (Burke and Herbert branches) and early homes of the Del Ray, Rosemont/ North Ridge, and Beverly Hills neighborhoods. The story of our business is in a very small way, the story of the development of Alexandria over the last 100 years.
What services do you specialize in?
We are a design-build remodeling company. We specialize in taking clients from discussions about the challenges and dreams they have for their homes all the way through the design process to the end of construction. We make this journey fun and easy by putting everyone involved in the process under one tent. Our core competency is in building additions, whole home remodels, kitchens, and bathrooms. We have been doing some really neat rooftop decks and other outdoor spaces lately. Our biggest differentiator is that we can handle complex jobs, and jobs with historic details - we are experts in the Old Town Board of Architectural Review process, and know how to work with diverse groups of clients and teams - meaning we can handle curve balls and do difficult projects - perfect for Alexandria!
What is your company most proud of?
Clients from 30-plus years ago that continue to come to us as their needs change for their homes. We are also members of the Professional Remodeling Association (PRO) and have won awards for projects designed and built by our team.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about starting a remodeling project?
Process and experience are the most important aspects of a remodeling project. When interviewing companies ask how they approach the process from design through the end of construction. How clearly articulated is their approach? Are they doing the work on a fixed-price contract? What will the construction documents look like before you start construction? Will you have a clear-eyed understanding of what is covered under the scope of work and how changes to the contract will be handled? Ask how the construction will be managed and what work will be handled in-house versus by subcontractors. Most importantly, only work with a builder that you like and feel you can trust and respect. No matter the project, your remodeler is going to be a big part of your life for the duration of your contract with them. If things go well, you will have a trusted connection for life.
Where can potential clients learn more about Rust Construction?
Our website at www.rust-construction.com or follow us for more timely updates via our Instagram handle @rustcontruction.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Design, remodeling, and construction in general can offer rewarding careers. Unfortunately, not enough people are going into the trades to support the demand in the industry and there often isn’t a clear path for people interested in joining the industry to get started with solid mentorship. The shortage of skill is most acute among remodeling carpenters. The Professional Remodeling Organization (PRO) is working to address this issue along with other partners. If you are or someone you know is interested in going into the remodeling industry, please contact us at careers@rust-construction.com and we will point you in the right direction.
