Projects keep flowing

For most people, the biggest investment theyll ever make is their house. So the thought of experimenting with it might not rest easy.

But Ed Ehinger says hes never stopped experimenting with his and his wife Sues home outside Roanoke.

It started back in the late 1970s, when he designed and built the house a one-story contemporary, on several acres carved from a family property. Even back then, he says, he situated the structure taking into consideration ideas about showcasing views of the outdoors and natural light.

A second big experiment came in the mid-1980s when he decided to have a large pond sculpted into his front yard and built and landscaped a rock-and-boulder-lined stream to flow into it, even in the coldest weather.

His most recent experiment was with epoxy stone flooring that brings a warm, earthy tone and pebbly texture to the kitchen, foyers and basement bar area.

In business with sons Trent, 32, and Erick, 26, as 3E Industries Landscaping and Construction, Ehinger, 57, likes to try out projects at his own place when considering offering similar ones to customers.

What weve liked to do is to have an example to show people, so we dont have to send them to somebody elses house, he says.

But, even though his projects may start out as experiments, Ehinger thinks theyve ended up as home improvements.

Ive changed many things throughout the years but dont think Ive done anything here that I didnt like, he says.

Ehinger says he had an interest in building his own home for as long as he can remember. He started drawing up blueprints when he was only 22 and just out of college, where he majored in business.

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Projects keep flowing