Thomas Evans Sr., a carpenter by trade, was a favorite of locally renowned J. C. Long and began building in the 1940’s. He is most remembered for the development of The Isle of Palms “cinder block housing,” as well as other housing projects throughout the Charleston area in the 1940′s, 50′s, and well into the 60′s. While still a young man, Thomas M. Evans Sr. was first presented with an opportunity by J.C. Long to buy a parcel of land in North Charleston in the 1950′s. This is where the beginning of Thomas M. Evans Construction and Development as a company actually began. It was with this parcel of land in North Charleston which today is known as Brentwood. The development of the Brentwood was followed by the subdivisions Glynn Terrace, Evanston Estates, and a large 300 acre tract now known as Forest Hills.
The most important things are the challenge, fine workmanship, creativity and building the finest homes possible.`` - Thomas Evans III
Thomas M. Evans Sr. was a high profile and influential leader in his day and will go down in history as highly instrumental in the development of North Charleston. He went on to become one of the first presidents of the Charleston Trident Home Builders Association, an influential political leader in North Charleston’s city council, and the proud father of Thomas M. Evans Jr. At the young age of 19, Thomas M. Evans Jr. embarked on his journey to follow in his father’s footsteps with a passion for quality carpentry, high standards, and good old fashioned honest work ethic.
Today, after decades of building and development, Thomas M. Evans Jr. looks to retirement and has been fortunate to pass his passion and work ethic on to his son Thomas M. Evans III. Better known as Tommy, this third generation of Evans builders has come alive. Tommy has been fully immersed in every facet of building from the time he was born. He often jokes that he “was born with a hammer in hand.” From cleaning job sites as a boy he progressed to land clearing with heavy equipment developing as a teen. Tommy has worked in custom cabinetry, framing, roofing, siding, and both interior and exterior trim carpentry. He has worked on both single family and multi-family development projects all over the tri-county area. From birth, Tommy has been groomed to carry on the family legacy.
Unlike his predecessors, Tommy always had his sights set somewhere besides the development and tract home market. During the height of the housing market after the turn of the century, Tommy branched out with his father’s blessing. The dynamic duo went on the build some of the most beautiful beach houses the Isle of Palms had ever seen. His keen eye for detail and passion for quality craftsmanship did not go unnoticed. Tommy went on to win a Pinnacle Award for #1 new construction over $5M in addition to several renovation awards to boot. His style and unique flair has been mimicked all over the islands. Tommy made his mark as one of the most sought after custom builders in the area. He raised the bar for top notch construction, broke sales price records, and set new standards in excellence. Tommy has always said the most important things to him are “happy customers, the challenge, fine craftsmanship, creativity, and creating the finest homes possible”.
As the economy changed and the spec home market became more volatile, Tommy’s foresight told him to diversify. Over the past several years, Tommy has focused less on the new construction market, and using all of his cumulative experience, he has conquered the challenge of renovations. He often says, “Following plans and building a new home is easy. It is the ability to see within existing walls and have a vision of what is possible where the true challenge lies.” He is able to use his vast knowledge acquired from of a lifetime in construction to tackle projects others shy away from. He says, “Renovations are a different animal. You are working in someone’s home and have to be constantly mindful that you are interrupting a family’s daily life. Protecting their belongings and having trust in your employees and trade partners is vital. You truly do live with your customers for the life of their project, no matter how big or small.”
Today, Tommy’s goal is to help homeowners love where they already live. Focusing almost solely on renovations and remodeling, Tommy has honed his knowledge and skills in order to always deliver the highest quality craftsmanship and customer service. Offering turn key design-build services, our goal is to simplify the process for you. We have developed an in-house team second to none who all share the same enthusiasm for quality and commitment to customer service. Our promise, like Thomas M. Evans Sr., is to deliver the best possible to all of our customers, regardless of the project size, and to cultivate life long relationships, generation after generation.