Gene LaughnerConstruction

Advice & guides

Building know-how,
straight from the crew.

Plain-English remodeling and construction advice for Erie and all of Northwest PA homeowners — how to plan a project, what drives the cost, and what to expect when the work starts.

New home construction in progress by Gene Laughner Construction in Erie, PA

Planning · August 26, 2026 · 4 min read

How to Choose a Contractor in Erie: Questions to Ask Before You Hire

The real questions to ask before you hire a contractor in Erie, PA, licensing, who's actually on the job, written scope, and the warning signs to walk away from.

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Custom home with stone and siding exterior built by Gene Laughner Construction near Erie, PA

Building · 4 min

What It Costs to Build a Custom Home in Erie, PA

An honest primer on what really drives the cost of building a custom home in the Erie area, land, foundation, size, finishes, exterior, and one builder running it all.

August 19, 2026

Finished basement home theater by Gene Laughner Construction in Erie, PA

Remodeling · 4 min

Finishing a Basement: What People Forget (Floors, Walls, Ceilings, Storage & Fun)

The basement details people overlook, below-grade flooring, moisture-smart walls, ceiling options compared, keeping storage, and wiring for a bar or theater.

August 12, 2026

Walk-in glass tile shower remodeled by Gene Laughner Construction in Erie, PA

Remodeling · 3 min

Bathroom Remodel Ideas: Designing a Bath That Fits How You Live

The best bathroom remodel starts with how the room is used and who uses it. Ideas for primary baths, kids' baths, guest rooms, and rentals in Erie, PA.

August 5, 2026

Covered porch addition built by Gene Laughner Construction on a home in Erie, Northwest PA

Building · 4 min

Enclosing a Deck Into a Room: An Addition That's Easier Than You Think

Turning an existing deck or porch into a three- or four-season room is often the easiest addition you can make. Here are the real steps for homes in Erie and NW PA.

July 29, 2026

Covered outdoor dining and entertaining space built by Gene Laughner Construction in Erie, NW PA

Planning · 4 min

Building a Backyard Built for Entertaining: Outdoor Kitchens, Fireplaces & Fire Pits

If you're the one who always hosts, here's how to plan an Erie backyard that works for gatherings, cover, outdoor kitchens, fire features, lighting, and utilities.

July 15, 2026

Composite deck and patio built by Gene Laughner Construction for a home in Erie, Northwest PA

Planning · 3 min

Composite vs. Wood Decks in Northwest PA: Cost, Upkeep, and What Lasts

Composite or wood for your deck in Erie's freeze-thaw climate? Here's an honest look at cost, maintenance, and lifespan so you can pick what fits NW PA.

July 8, 2026

Two-story garage addition built by Gene Laughner Construction in Erie, PA

Building · 3 min

What Does It Cost to Build a Garage in Erie, PA?

What actually drives the price of a new garage in Erie, PA, from the slab to the doors, and how to plan a budget that holds up before the snow flies.

July 5, 2026

Backyard pavilion with a blue plank ceiling built by Gene Laughner Construction in Erie, PA

Building · 3 min

A Backyard Pavilion, Built First: How We Phased a Bigger Erie Project

On a recent Erie project we built the outdoor space, a pavilion, a patio and steps, and a shed, before the larger addition and garage, so the family had something to enjoy now.

July 1, 2026

Lakefront deck with cable railing built by Gene Laughner Construction near Presque Isle in Erie, Northwest PA

Planning · 4 min

Waterfront & Lakefront Decks Near Presque Isle

Building a deck on the water near Presque Isle or Lake Erie? Here's how to protect the view, beat the wind and moisture, and plan a lakefront deck that lasts.

June 29, 2026

Open-air timber pavilion built by Gene Laughner Construction for a backyard in Erie, Northwest PA

Planning · 4 min

Pergola, Deck, or Pavilion? Outdoor Spaces for Every Budget

Not sure whether you need a pergola, a deck, or a covered pavilion? Here's how to pick the right outdoor structure for your goal and budget in Erie and NW PA.

June 26, 2026

Kitchen remodel by Gene Laughner Construction in Erie, PA

Remodeling · 3 min

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Erie, PA?

What actually drives the price of a kitchen remodel in Erie, PA, and how to plan a budget that holds up once the work starts.

June 25, 2026

Finished basement by Gene Laughner Construction in Erie, PA

Building · 3 min

Finishing a Basement in Erie, PA: Moisture, Egress, and Permits

Before you frame a single wall, here's what an Erie basement needs to get right, water, code-required egress, and the permit that protects your home's value.

June 20, 2026

Covered outdoor living pavilion built by Gene Laughner Construction in Northwest PA

Seasonal · 2 min

Planning an Outdoor Living Space in Northwest PA's Short Season

Patios, pavilions, and decks are worth it in Erie, if you plan around our weather. Here's how to design outdoor space that earns its keep and gets built on time.

June 16, 2026

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