Sandy Hook Business Spotlight: Design Limited Homes

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Design Limited Homes
Owners: Jane and Don Sharpe
Website: design-ltd.com
Address: 62 Underhill Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482

How did you come up with the name?

We trademarked Design Limited in the 1970s when Jane was doing graphic design and editing. we added the “Homes” portion when it became an LLC -- and the focus had shifted to log cabins and post & beam homes.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

We live in a Ward Cedar Log Home and it became our show home for clients.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Designing, selling and providing complete services to people who want to build a log or post and beam home.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

We have been in the log and timber home business for 15 years. during the earlier years it was difficult to find appropriate builders.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

The good thing about being log home manufacturing representatives is that you work out of your own home and visit construction sites. The challenging factor is that it becomes a 7-day-a-week job with calls around the clock!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

We have custom designed dozens of homes for Connecticut residents and five have been featured in national home magazines. We have also been the top salesmen in the country, among the company’s 60 dealers, twice in the last 15 years.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Many of our newest homes are designed with energy-efficient systems including geo-thermal and solar installations. The post and beam structures can have walls with R-32 to R-40.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

We have learned to send them to our competition!

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We personally volunteer in multiple community organizations. We usually limit our financial donations to non-profits related to the industry.

Would you like to see your small business featured? Click here to fill out the form.