Wayne DeRuyte construction’s current project is a fine example of local Rogue River businesses working to support one other. DeRuyte is working at Woodville Centre, the brown two story building next to Evergreen Bank. It has been vacant for more than a year and the owner needed improvements and upgrades such as new handicap railings and larger doors.
Brenda Donaldson, who operates Brenda’s Shear Design, has decided to move her business into the ground floor of the Woodville Centre. Donaldson hired DeRuyte to work with her to remodel the space to accommodate her hair styling business. Wayne DeRuyte construction keeps busy with big and small jobs. DeRuyte is basically a one-man show, but hires subcontractors when needed, and as he needs to “shift between jobs to keep people happy.” He doesn’t mind the small projects stating that, “people need something taken care of and a lot of contractors don’t like to do little jobs. But to me, it’sworth it and leads to other work.” DeRuyte’s work takes him all over the Rogue Valley, but 98 percent of his business is between Grants Pass and Gold Hill. Additions, remodels of kitchens and bathrooms, decks and general construction make up most of his work.
“I try to give a fair price for quality work,” he said. “I like detail work. I leave the job clean and deal with workers that care... I am very particular about subs.” He commented that word of mouth and references are important in a small community, and his only advertising is with the Rogue River Press.
DeRuyte works with realtors in the area, even before the owners have decided to buy a piece of property. Karen Thornton of River City Realty in Rogue River has worked with DeRuyte more than once to make a sale. “He helped me sell a couple of homes, giving the buyers some confidence that the bedroom or kitchen could be modernized,” she said. “He gives the buyers some ideas --- what it would cost and what could be done, and it was something they could afford. He’s a real good guy for that.”
DeRuyte and his wife, Debbie, live on 30 acres up on East Evans Creek in Rogue River. They both volunteer for the Evans Valley Fire Department. Before having his own business, DeRuyte was a foreman for high-end construction projects --- homes with lots of tile, granite and marble --- for 15 years in California. He said, “I still enjoy tile work. It’s one of my favorite things to do --- I can get very creative.”
DeRuyte is booked a month and a half in advance. If a customer has a project, but is not in a hurry, he offers a special deal if the job can be completed during the winter. He currently is working on a web site so people will be able to view examples of before and after remodeled homes. If you need some remodeling done, give Wayne DeRuyte construction a call at 541-973-4742. Small Jobs are welcome.