Build Magazine May 2016

Build Magazine 24 are a family owned, full service general contracting firm, specializing in residential remodel, additions, design-build and historic restoration. We got in touch with Brad Schneider, Construction Manager at Schneider Construction Services, to find out more about their company and how they accomplish being a small company that produces big results. The Schneider Family is deeply rooted in the construction industry. My great grandfather Leo owned a millwright operation where he provided materials for the building trades. My grandfather Melvin was a carpenter in the service where he continued to build when he returned. In 1988 my parents Vicki and Mike started V. Schneider Enterprises LTD, DBA Schneider Construction Services. As the market in our area fluctuated over the years we have branched out into the remodeling industry. This required us to develop a new level of expertise which addresses the details that remodeling requires compared to completely new construction. This involves having an acute awareness of the existing conditions of the home being remodeled, our demolition processes, building professional relationships with remodeling designers and mobilizing in many different areas at any given time. The relationship with the homeowners is a bit different as well as the owners already have a vested and emotional attachment to the home verses the anticipation of a new build. Since our inception what has been fundamental to our success is the level of attention to detail we give to each and every project. Ultimately, homeowners not only have a vested interest in their home, but also have an emotional attachment. Offering the homeowner fastidious attention to detail gives them assurances that their needs and wants are being met. As such, our project management protocol is geared towards an organized approach to making sure the details that are important to the client are always front of mind. Perhaps our biggest selling point is that we are a small firm offering big results. Because of our size each client gets to know each of our staff members personally. Clients appreciate knowing who will be on their project daily and our staff hand selects its subcontractors based on the individual needs of each client. Furthermore, we have the flexibility to systematically adjust our approach to each portion of a project so the client’s priorities are our priorities. It is not unusual for us to be called in on projects that were started by other contractors and abandoned, left incomplete or not finished to the satisfaction of the client. At our firm we have the experience and resources to bring a higher level of professional service to our projects than most companies our size. Providing a high quality service is something we take tremendous pride in and, as the growth of our company has proven, it is the best way to expand our business. While we do not write literature or speak at industry conferences, our knowledge and experience in this industry is generally spread by word of mouth. As a result, referrals are our largest means of obtaining new clientele. Every one of our projects exemplifies the level of service, pride and attention to detail Schneider Construction Services has become known for. A most notable recent example is a full house renovation and room addition in the city of Ladue, Missouri which is nearing completion. The client came to us after her initial contractor was unable to fulfil his obligations and there were several facets of the original work that required replacement or repair. The homeowner was, needless to say, a bit skeptical of anyone in the industry. After walking through the project and listening to the homeowner’s vision for the home we were able to assure them that we could take their vision and bring it to reality. The project is exceeding the homeowner’s expectations and they have fallen in love with their home once again. We learned that good listening skills are paramount to a successful outcome. From our experience, you can only envision someone else’s dream if you allow them to share that dream with you. Maintaining the high standards we set for ourselves is an ongoing process and we are constantly adapting to emerging trends and developments in our industry. We pay particular attention to what is trending in our industry regarding smart design and technological advances in building practices. For instance, in such an environmentally conscious society, we have begun instituting “Sustainability” and “Green Building” best practices in the planning of all of our projects where applicable. Our suggestions have been well received and have led to some very satisfying results for our clients. In the U.S., the overall economy is recovering, but more and more homeowners are staying in their current homes. Along with the aging Baby Boomer generation, “aging in place” additions and remodels are on the rise. In addition, the lack of available land in our area has led to the ever increasing tear-down and Special Feature Ones to Watch for 2016: Construction USA Bradley Schneider