Allen Cunningham established Cunningham Construction in 2011, but his story in the construction world began well before then. From flipping his first investment property to building custom homes for families, Allen’s path has been shaped by hard work, resilience, and a passion for creating functional, beautiful spaces. His journey has not been without challenges, but through it all, Allen has remained dedicated to his craft, building homes that reflect modern living while keeping his clients’ needs front and center.
Allen’s introduction to the construction industry began in 2004 when he operated under the company Homes West. Inspired by his interest in real estate, he purchased his first fixer-upper property after completing a course he found on an infomercial. The project, however, was far more complex than expected. “It was an older home, built without permits, and there was a lot to repair,” Allen recalled. Frustrated by the unpredictability of working on older homes, he decided to start from scratch. “I thought it would be easier to build new homes where I knew exactly what went into them.” This realization pushed Allen to earn his contractor’s license, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
The 2008 economic downturn brought unexpected hardship for Allen, forcing him to shut down operations. Like many in the industry, he felt the weight of the recession. “I called the contractor’s board and said I was done,” he admitted. “I was just so upset with the world at the time.” Yet as the economy began to stabilize, Allen found new inspiration. “Building homes is what I enjoy doing,” he said. Opportunities in Elko, where the gold mines provided more economic stability, helped Allen regain his footing. By 2011, Cunningham Construction was officially born.
Allen describes the first homes he built—one for himself and one for a close acquaintance—as foundational experiences that taught him the importance of communication, process, and follow-through. Since then, Cunningham Construction has become known for its thoughtful approach to design, focusing on modern floor plans that accommodate the way families live today. Allen takes great care when choosing or modifying plans, visualizing how people will interact with the space. “I think about the traffic flow, the open feeling—what makes sense for families,” he explained. While older homes were often compartmentalized, today’s homes emphasize open-concept living. “The kitchen, dining room, and living room are all in one big square, with bedrooms off to the side. It just fits the way we live now.”
Client input remains a cornerstone of Allen’s design process. He listens closely to feedback, incorporating practical elements that homeowners value. “Women usually ask for more storage—linen closets, coat closets, extra drawers—while men want a bigger garage or extra space for projects,” Allen said with a smile. While many of his designs already account for these needs, Cunningham Construction also customizes plans to ensure families get exactly what they want. “The majority of changes we make are bigger garages or larger closets, but we can adjust as needed.”
One trend Allen has embraced wholeheartedly is “aging in place”, a concept that ensures homes remain functional for people as they grow older or face mobility challenges. For the past five years, Cunningham Construction has prioritized features like 36-inch-wide doorways (wider than the ADA requirement), roll-in showers with no thresholds, and strategic door swings that improve accessibility. “We create the shower during the concrete process, forming it 4 to 6 inches lower so it can slope perfectly when tiled,” Allen explained. He’s also mindful of details like lower counters, wider hallways, and thoughtful layouts that accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. “Simple things make a big difference,” he said, noting that these features are increasingly common in mid to higher-level homes.
Despite his commitment to quality and innovation, Allen acknowledges that today’s construction industry comes with its challenges. “The biggest issue is finding skilled craftsmen and women,” he shared. While many are willing to work, ensuring their craftsmanship meets his high standards requires additional oversight. “It’s about double-checking everything—light switch heights, window placements, garage door openings—so nothing gets overlooked.”
The COVID-19 pandemic presented further difficulties, particularly with supply chain disruptions. “You never knew what the challenge would be—wood, cement, garage doors, or windows,” Allen said. Delays stretched timelines to nearly double, with some homes sitting completed but missing key elements like garage doors or utility connections. “We had homes finished for weeks or months, just waiting for materials.” While the supply chain has improved, the cost of building remains high. “Lumber prices might have come down, but petroleum-based products like roofing materials, plumbing supplies, and siding continue to rise. And labor costs are higher across the board.”
Yet Allen remains optimistic about incorporating new technologies and trends into his projects. He pointed to the growing popularity of smart homes, where features like Ring cameras, garage door controls, and thermostats can be managed remotely. “You can check your home from anywhere—open a garage door for a package or adjust the temperature before you come home,” he said. Advances in energy-efficient lighting have also made homes more sustainable. “LED fixtures, under-cabinet lighting, and even toe-kick lights are cost-effective and fun, allowing homeowners to customize their spaces.”
Looking to the future, Allen takes pride in what he has built and hopes Cunningham Construction will become a legacy business. His nine-year-old daughter, already excited about the family trade, dreams of taking over one day. “She’s pumped up. She says she wants to run it,” Allen said with a laugh. “I think she just wants to be the boss.” While Allen isn’t sure how involved he will be in the years to come, he knows he isn’t ready to retire. “I don’t see myself fishing at 60. Building homes is fun—it’s satisfying to create something out of nothing and see the excitement on a client’s face when they notice a unique feature or design detail.”
For Allen, construction is more than just a job—it’s about building dreams. Each home represents a combination of craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep understanding of how people live. Through challenges and triumphs, Allen’s dedication to quality ensures that Cunningham Construction will continue shaping lives and communities for generations to come.
