Creating Extraordinary Homes and Outdoor Spaces
It has been almost seven years since Kyle Braniff and his companies, Braniff Construction and Backyard Builders were featured in the The Builder’s Journal. A lot has happened since then. At that time, Braniff had just completed the 2010 St. Jude Dream home, his only house that year. Our nation was experiencing an economic downturn and the BP oil spill had affected our local economy.
In 2017, as Lafayette finds itself in another recession, Braniff Construction and Backyard Builders have managed to stay busy by being “diversified.” As homebuilding slowed down in 2009, the desire for customers to add on to their existing homes, instead of building new houses, provided a slew of outdoor living projects and small remodels.
In 2013, Braniff Construction featured a highly detailed AHBA Parade Home which propelled Braniff Construction into the high-end custom home market, building some of the finest homes in Acadiana over the last few years. “In this past year, we have completed a wide range of projects, from outdoor kitchen projects as low as $8,000, to a custom home approaching $2 million. No matter what the size, we welcome the challenge,” Braniff stated.
“I enjoy creating outdoor living areas and building new homes and remodels in various and unique styles. At Braniff Construction, we’ve built homes ranging from elegant Southern designs to the ultra-modern. I approach each project by studying the desired style and taste of the client and then offer my input and ideas on the design details. I bring another set of ‘design eyes’ to the team, which is comprised of the interior decorator, architect and homeowner.” The result is a home built with superior craftsmanship and designed with in the homeowners’ personal style, making their dream home a reality. In fact, creativity, integrity and quality of construction is what brings referrals to Kyle’s office,” he added.
Although Kyle is only 45, he has over 30 years of experience in the building industry. He was contracting small jobs at the age of 15. His passion for construction comes from his father. As a young boy, Kyle recalls assisting him on weekends with what he fondly remembers as “the family construction project of the month. We had a backyard that Mr. Miaggi would have been proud of.”
That interest in construction motivated him to earn his degree in fine arts with an emphasis in design from the University of Southwest Louisiana (USL) in 1996. While in college, Kyle supplemented his income by building decks, fences and various other odd construction jobs. This work was a forerunner for Backyard Builders, which he formed in 1998 after building a deck for a friend.
He soon found himself with an abundance of projects, a benefit of positive and enthusiastic referrals from very satisfied customers. “I started Backyard Builders with the goal of creating a professional hardscape construction company specializing in decks, arbors, fencing, fountains and outdoor kitchens.” Over the years, the outdoor living industry has become an essential part of new construction. Backyard Builders has been a forerunner and has set the standard in Acadiana for the construction of outdoor living spaces. It was 20 years ago that Backyard Builders began. “That in itself is a testament to the quality and integrity Backyard Builders has and will continue to provide Acadiana,” he said.
Applying his high level of expertise and service to the new construction market, Kyle formed Braniff Construction in 2005 as a residential and small commercial construction company. Kyle’s creative eye, detail-oriented approach and building integrity brought rapid growth to his business in the housing market.
“The growth of the Braniff Companies is not just in the number of houses and outdoor areas we build but in the recognition of the rising quality of the projects we pursue. Our customers, through their desire to reach for something better, more interesting and unique has propelled us to be more innovative in the designs and products. We’re constantly increasing our own level of quality, uniqueness, and project management,” he said.
Kyle Braniff has a passion for excellence that goes unnoticed. That passion, combined with creative ingenuity, has been a winning combination. Kyle enjoys helping others make their dreams a reality.
Kyle also teamed up with vendors and builders in Acadiana to give back to his community by constructing the St Jude’s Dream Home, which has raised millions of dollars to help fight childhood cancer. Braniff built the 2009-2010 St. Jude Homes, and has been involved with the outdoor living designs and construction to date.
Like most busy and successful professionals, Braniff is balancing the challenges of his work life with his home life. He and his wife, Lynsey, who works in the insurance industry, have a very active home life. They have three beautiful children, Beth (7), Finn (6) and Rory (2), and one hyperactive dog, Mister. “We’re both busy from morning to night and are grateful for every minute.”
The best advertisement for Braniff Construction comes from referrals received from satisfied customers. These referrals continue to be the driving force of growth for Braniff Construction. Another great source of promotion has been the positive response to homes presented by Braniff Construction during the annual AHBA Parade of Homes in Lafayette. The Parade of Homes allows customers to view all of the quality workmanship Kyle brings to his custom-built homes. The Braniff Construction Parade of Homes Entry for 2018 can be viewed and admired in The Vineyard subdivision during the month of April. “It is going to be a must see,” Kyle added.
You may contact Braniff Construction 337-543-8071 or [email protected]. You may learn more about the companies at www.braniffconstruction.com or www.backyardbuilders.com. Their office is located at 850 Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70508.