Business Details
31 Years
experience
Custom Home Builders in Palmer, AK
Wirtanen was founded on decades of hands-on construction experience in Alaska's challenging environment. Our journey began in 1995 when the Wirtanen family established a reputation for integrity through Wirtanen Homes, later merging with Axys LLC to form Wirtanen. Our team combines generational expertise with modern methodologies, delivering custom homes, additions, and concrete services across the Mat-Su Valley. We prioritize core values like transparency, client collaboration, and energy-efficient building science, ensuring every project reflects our commitment to quality. With over 30 years of combined experience, we've refined a 6-step process that simplifies custom home building while maintaining rigorous quality control.Our leadership team, including founders Steven Wirtanen and Grant Hendrickson, brings technical mastery and a solutions-oriented approach to every project. We emphasize honest communication, value engineering, and long-term client relationships, supported by a 10-year structural warranty. Our expertise extends to navigating Alaska's unique construction challenges, from remote site logistics to extreme weather considerations. This deep industry knowledge positions us as trusted advisors throughout the building process. Our track record of client satisfaction demonstrates our ability to transform visions into durable, efficient homes that meet Alaskan lifestyles.
Services
Custom Homes
Additions
Concrete Services
Design-Build Process
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of Alaskan construction expertise
- Our 6-step process ensures transparent project management
- We specialize in energy-efficient Alaska home designs
- Our team self-performs 80% of construction work
- We provide 10-year structural warranty coverage
What people say
Very professional
Transparent process
Quality craftsmanship
Stress-free experience
Exceeded expectations
Services
Custom Home Construction
We design and build fully customized single-family homes tailored to Alaskan climate and client needs. Our process includes architectural design, budget planning, and construction oversight. Clients receive energy-efficient homes with 10-year structural warranties.
Additions
We create seamless home additions that match existing structures while meeting modern building codes. Services include design integration, permitting, and construction. Projects maintain energy efficiency and aesthetic consistency with original homes.
Concrete Services
We provide structural concrete solutions including foundations, driveways, and specialty projects. Our expertise handles Alaska's freeze-thaw cycles. Services include site preparation, pouring, and finishing with durability-focused techniques.
Design-Build Process
Our proprietary 6-step process combines design and construction under one team. From initial consultation to final walkthrough, we maintain budget control and schedule transparency. Clients receive 3D modeling and cloud-based project tracking.
Project Management
We coordinate all aspects of construction including subcontractors, materials, and timelines. Services include site supervision, quality control, and client communication. Our system provides real-time updates through digital project management tools.
People
Steven Wirtanen
Founder and CEO
With 30+ years in Alaskan construction, Steven leads Falcon's strategic direction. He transitioned from Wirtanen Homes ownership to co-found Wirtanen, combining residential and commercial expertise. His leadership focuses on process innovation and client satisfaction.
Grant Hendrickson
Founder and President
Grant brings extensive project management experience from Axys LLC's growth to $10M revenue. He oversees operations and technical execution, ensuring quality control across all projects. His background includes all construction phases from estimation to completion.
Arliss Wirtanen
Design Director
Arliss leads architectural design with expertise in Alaskan home functionality. He manages the transition from client vision to construction documents, ensuring designs balance aesthetics with practical building science principles.
Grace Varriano
Architectural Designer
Grace contributes to custom home designs using 3D modeling and space planning expertise. She works closely with clients to translate lifestyle needs into functional floor plans while maintaining energy efficiency standards.
Aleks Vodlenshchuk
Operations Manager
Aleks manages day-to-day operations including resource allocation and workflow optimization. He ensures coordination between design, pre-construction, and field teams to maintain schedule adherence and quality standards.
Questions
What areas do you serve for custom home construction?
We serve the Mat-Su Valley within 50 miles of Palmer, including Anchorage, Eagle River, and Talkeetna. We don't currently build in Fairbanks or off-road system locations.
What's the typical cost range for your custom homes?
Most homes range from $750,000 to $2.5 million, averaging $300/sqft for houses and $150/sqft for garages. Final costs depend on lot specifics, design complexity, and material selections.
How long does the custom home process take?
From design to move-in typically takes 12+ months. Timelines vary based on lot acquisition, financing, project scope, and seasonal factors. We provide detailed schedules during initial consultations.
Do you offer financing options for new homes?
We recommend obtaining construction financing through long-term lenders. While we don't provide direct financing, we help clients navigate options and coordinate with financial institutions throughout the process.
Can you build from existing architectural plans?
Yes, we can execute construction from third-party plans. Our team reviews designs for buildability and cost-efficiency, ensuring compliance with Alaska building codes and site-specific requirements.
What energy efficiency features do you include?
Our homes feature advanced insulation, thermal envelope optimization, and moisture control systems. We incorporate energy-efficient building science principles to ensure comfort and efficiency in Alaska's climate.
