Here
are some Organizations that have featured Barclay Custom Homes
(scroll down for more):
 2001
Parade of Homes™
* Best Kitchen
* Best Master Suite
* Best Floor Plan
* Best Indoor Entertainment
* Peoples Choice Award
Barclay Custom Homes enters the 2001 Parade of Homes™ with
a stunning three-story Mediterranean design that offers its residents
approximately 5,400 square feet of stunning living area.
 A
graceful circular driveway leads visitors to the striking four-bedroom,
31⁄2 bath, three living area residence. Situated on a lush
home site dotted with oaks and elms, stucco columns surround the
exterior of the design. Its intricate detailing is highlighted
by romantic cupolas and ornate quatrefoil windows, while the rich
brown hues of the stucco exterior are complemented by the coppery-brown
tones of its barrel tile roof.
Impressive twin-towered cupolas flank the Mission-inspired entry,
where side niches add more architectural interest. Once inside,
visitors will be enchanted with the airy and open design of the
foyer, as well as the living and dining areas that are separated
by graceful archways and faux stone columns. A glance upward affords
visitors gorgeous views of the impressive faux-painted dome ceiling
that soars to the upper level.
A gently curing spiral staircase with iron handrails hugs one
side of the wood-floored foyer and seems to float upward. Tucked
beneath the staircase, another spiral stairway leads below to
the enchanting atmosphere created by the 17’ x 18’
naturally chilled wine cellar that showcases Cantera-like stone
walls and wine racks.
 The
visual impact of the formal living room is heightened by the oval,
concave, faux-painted ceiling that is supported by commanding
columns. The inviting room offers tranquil views of the backyard’s
pool and cabana.
An extremely spacious family room is located nearby, made up of
more voluminous by it two-story multi-coffered ceiling and the
two-story windows that soar high above. A rough-hewn limestone
fireplace with built-ins commands attention in the corner of the
inviting room.
 The
luxurious kitchen is sure to draw oohs and aahs. Large windows
grace one wall, letting an abundance of sunlight stream inside.
Positioned in front of the windows is a design element that is
truly memorable—a highly unique cabinet constructed of glass
which allows the outside light to dance in the glassware displayed
within. The room’s custom cabinetry is accented with carved
corbels, and its massive center work island is fashioned to resemble
a finely crafted piece of furniture. Underfoot, eye-catching 18”
x 18” porcelain slate tiles grace the floor, while 12”
x 12” tiles create a diamond design on the backsplash.
 For
the ultimate in privacy, the master retreat and adjacent study
dominate one side of the spacious plan. Eight-foot doors open
into the roomy bedroom, where a wood fireplace accentuates one
wall in the cozy sitting area. An equally roomy master bath is
made all the more elegant with a domed ceiling accented with cove
lighting for added ambiance. On one side of the room, steps lead
to the oversized oval tub. One the other side, bold columns form
an entryway that leads into the walk-in shower roomy enough for
two. Four sizes of tumbled slate, softened with rounded corners,
grace the floor, creating an intricate cobblestone effect.
In the adjacent study, stately judge’s paneling adorns the
walls. Don’t miss this getaway’s unique paint application
on the coffered ceiling’s beams and crown mouldings—it
very realistically takes on the look of rich leather.
 At
the top of the spiral staircase, visitors’ eyes will be
drawn upward for a closer look at the entry’s domed ceiling.
The upper level features the home’s game room, as well as
a home theater, and the residence’s secondary bedrooms and
baths. The spacious game room is set for fun and recreation with
its own billiard and foosball tables, as well as a fully equipped
cinema bar. Elegant double doors open onto a large covered balcony
that looks out onto the grounds below.
When
approaching the authentic-looking home theater, get ready for
a genuine theater experience. Decked out with a “concessions
stand”, complete with popcorn machine and marquee announcing
the theater’s offerings, the area is appointed with the
two rows of leather reclining seats that beckon with their comfy
look. The subtlety of wall sconces and a blinking twilight ceiling
put the finishing touches on the nostalgic atmosphere, while a
romantic Juliet balcony completes the creative environment.
---
Builder/Architect
Barclay Custom Homes . . .Building Trust and Quality in San Antonio
 The
Barclay Custom Homes philosophy is built on trust and communication.
Frank Kerno, owner of Barclay Custom Homes, believes that developing
a one-to-one relationship with the customer is the key to the
success of each home he builds.
 "Every
customer you meet is different," Frank said. "Every
one of them has their own unique way to understanding things.
So you have to listed to them, and to their ideas for their home.
Not until you understand what they want can you lead them in the
right direction." Frank sees his job as a builder is to create
reality from the customer's concept or vision. It is this aspect
that makes each project he undertakes exciting.
"I can take a piece of raw property--land that looks just
like any other property anywhere else in the world--and turn it
into something unique," Frank said. "Building a house
is like crating life--a house has life to it, and in it."
Frank's pride in his work and dedication to his client is evident
in his own personal definition of a custom home. "My definition
of a custom home is not a home that is bigger and fancier than
other other, or has a higher cost per square foot," Frank
said. "My definition of a custom home is the home the client
wants--whatever the client wants.
 "Mainly,"
he added, "the cost is what is custom. I spend more time
getting the price down for the client than adding custom feature
that would bring that price up." When asked what is unique
about his homes as compared to the homes of other builders, Frank's
answer was short and to the point: "Nothing. All my homes
are uniquely different to each other," Frank explained. "If
I put a similar feature in all my homes, they wouldn't be custom."
Frank also believes in educating his clients, so there are no
surprises or misunderstandings during construction. "Before
a client spends a dime with us they learn about the building process,"
Frank said. "We have information pamphlets, brochures, and
how-to sheets that explain each process--from financing, liens
and warranties to specifications and insurance--because the construction
of the home is actually the easiest part.
 "After
the project is complete, the trust that is built through communication
and information continues by ensuring the quality long after the
home buyer moves in. This is accomplished with a 10-year Home
Owners Multiple Equity (H.O.M.E.) Warranty. This warranty program
certifies qualifications of the builder's financial stability
and of his construction. With the H.O.M.E. Warranty, clients are
guaranteed inspections will be made even in areas that don't require
those inspections. The home gets an actual insurance policy to
back up the builder's guarantee-even if he goes out of business."
Although Frank includes the warranty with each home he builds,
he has not had a claim against it in the 11 years he has been
in business, and he encourages prospective homeowners to call
them to check him out. "The average person that buys a home
does more research on buying a toaster than he does on finding
a builder," Frank said. Frank also encourages clients to
check his standing with the Better Business Bureau, former clients,
and professional references. He even gives prospective homeowner
a list. "It's my business," Frank said. "I don't
have to hide behind the veil of a corporation. We've been in business
more than eleven years and I'm personally responsible for anything
that happens to my company. Like they say, 'The buck stops here,'
I have to take care of it, and I do. May companies with up with
lawsuits because of mistakes and miscommunication."
It is this integrity and attention to detail that has led to
the success of Barclay Custom Homes in a business where success
is determined almost entirely be referrals. "Referrals
are 90% of your business," Chuck Daye, sales director for
Barclay Custom Homes, said. "The only way to get a good
referral is to get into building it right the first time according
to the client's specifications. Our ability to have a one-on-one
relationship eliminates any possibility of a communication breakdown
between builder and owner."
Frank
Kerno, a graduate of Rutgers University in business management,
started out in the construction industry with one of the nation's
largest home building companies. He rapidly advanced to vice
president, and was exposed to various types of home building
methods. From track to mobile to custom, running these operations
incorporated experience in mortgage financing, land development,
personnel development, and financial management. He soon formed
Barclay Custom Homes, and has successfully built for customers
in San Antonio and surrounding Hill Country areas since 1987.
In 1992, he brought his brother Ken Kerno in as a construction
supervisor, ensuring a continued concentration to customer
service and quality construction.
 Barclay
Custom Homes stresses attention to detail and quality. On-site
supervision of all work by the builder guarantees attention to
details! The company is based on the ability of the builder to
provide that level of quality by direct communication and continuous
review of the project. "When a customer has a question, they
come directly to me," Frank said. "Every job is conducted
on a one-to-one basis. I'm out at the job site every day."
Barclay Custom Homes builds in all areas of San Antonio and the
Hill Country. Their homes start in the low $100's and go up to
over $1 million. Although most of their homes begin as a client's
idea, their office on San Pedro houses thousands of floor plans
from all over the country; and Frank and his team keep a running
tally of all the available lots in town.
---
Warner
Cable - From House to Home
Click here to view video interviews
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