The Process
The Process Step 1.
Design-Build Approach
Menold's Design-Build Remodeling unifies the disciplines of design and construction within one company. This means remodeling customers can avoid the outdated and problem-laden approach of dealing with two different and often adversarial companies: one to design a project and another to build it.
With Design-Build Remodeling, the homeowner gains a single point of accountability, greater control over the budget and schedule, and added value for every dollar spent.
"The client stays 'in the loop' with Menold, from start to finish. Involving the client in every step is essential for achieving a successful remodeling project," explains the company's Vice President, Steve Driscoll.
The Menold remodeling experience begins with a phone conversation followed by an in-home visit from a Menold Project Manager, usually Steve Driscoll, who spends some time with clients to learn their wants, desires, budget and time frame. If the client and Menold are found to be a proper fit, a Menold Designer, often Patrick Coyle, will visit with customers in their home, where he will seek to understand their personal style and vision, then begin to develop a design that fits their needs and budget. When the preliminary designs are completed, the client will go to the Menold Design Center to view the drawings and designs with the design team. Since all of Menold's designs are computerized, the projects can be seen in 3-D color renderings with virtual tours. Some changes in the plans with resultant pricing alterations can be made on the spot, often dramatically shortening the time needed for the design/pricing cycle.
 Step 2.
Simplified Product Selection
With the design stage completed, the next step is product selection. This can be a daunting task for a homeowner to tackle alone, due to the overwhelming array of choices.
That's why Menold offers another advantage: The Avenue Kitchens and Interiors, a 3,500-square-foot selection center and showroom. In this single retail setting, customers can view and select from an array of almost all the products they will need - including custom and semi-custom cabinetry, appliances and countertops of all types, carpet, hardwood flooring and tile, plumbing fixtures and much more.
Eric Henson, Menold's Project Coordinator, makes product selection even easier by guiding customers through the process from start to finish. Eric is highly skilled and experienced in the remodeling process: He knows what works. He says homeowners appreciate having help during this important stage of a remodeling project: "Remodeling work is time-consuming for the customer and very stressful as well. We do whatever we can to eliminate some of that stress."
"I like to be with each customer as products are being selected," says Eric. Prior to this step, Eric visits the job site and reviews the remodeling plans so that he can make certain that the desired products will work well and fit in the project's budget. "This can be an excellent benefit to a remodeling customer, as it can reduce the selection process from weeks to hours, which in turn, helps keep the project on schedule."
 Step 3.
Systemized Production
With products ordered and available, the project is ready to commence. A pre-construction meeting is scheduled with the customer and, at this point, Menold's Lead Carpenter System is set in motion.
Here's how it works:
One of Menold's experienced Lead Carpenters is assigned to the project, taking on three-fold responsibilities:
1. First and foremost, the Lead Carpenter performs as an on-site project manager with authority over all aspects of production. This includes scheduling and supervising employees and subcontractors, managing work flow, maintaining attention to detail, making on-the-spot decisions and ensuring that the job is completed on schedule.
2. Each Lead Carpenter is also a skilled tradesman, responsible for completing all general carpentry on the job.
3.The Lead Carpenter serves an equally important function as the customer liaison. This provides a single point of contact for the homeowner ? someone who can answer questions and provide updates on a daily basis.
Step 4.
Independent Quality Assurance
 Menold uses GuildQuality, a highly reputable, independent agency, to collect customer feedback at the end of each remodeling project. GuildQuality then compares the responses in 14 categories to the best remodeling companies in the United States, helping Menold to track and fine-tune its ability to meet and exceed customer expectations. Of the last 294 projects, 221 of the customers responded to the query. 82.7% stated the project was easier than expected, and 95.3% stated they would recommend Menold to do work for their family and friends. (updated April 20, 2007)
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