Merz Construction

Since 1986, Merz Construction has specialized in high-end residential construction and renovation. As a general contracting firm that builds and renovates homes throughout the state of Massachusetts, Merz Construction has earned a reputation for superior quality, integrity and environmental responsibility. A collaborative approach with an emphasis on communication between the home owner and construction team is what has set the company apart from the competition and contributed to the success of the business for almost 30 years.

“It’s very important to all have the systems in place,” says Jon Merz, founder of Merz Construction. “Many of our projects require design and development during the construction process. It’s essential to have the right people and the manpower to work with the design team and home owner to help them create solutions.” Jon takes pride in the relationships that culminate as a result of the collaborative efforts from all parties involved in a project. “It’s all about the quality of the craft and the relationships that we build.”

Jon has been around carpentry his entire life. “I did all sorts of wood-working while I was growing up,” explains Jon. “I eventually got in to building high-tech sailboats for ocean racing and then got into residential construction and millwork.”

From an idea to reality        

As a general contractor that offers full-service construction management, Merz Construction has developed a transparent detailed system of job-cost tracking and reporting. This system provides the owner and the architect the information required to reach an educated decision which ensures the project stays on budget and schedule.

When it comes to completing a project, Merz Construction combines in-house services with the relationships the company has established with some of New England’s best subcontractors. “We certainly self-perform some work and subcontract a lot of work as well,” says Jon. “We manage everything involved in the job from the ground to the roof.”

In the preconstruction phase, Merz Construction will identify building and site conditions and report any information to the home owner and architect to establish a cost-effective design solution. After developing a detailed construction schedule, the company will then work with municipalities to obtain permits and approvals.

During construction, Jon will run weekly site meetings with the home owner and architect, and follow up each meeting by supplying all parties with weekly meeting notes. In addition to providing a full team of subcontractors, the company will provide a project manager as well as a full-time, qualified construction supervisor. Once a project is complete, Merz Construction’s post-construction service includes a maintenance program which provides experienced mechanics to meet all service requirements of a new home.

While Merz Construction utilizes cutting-edge technology to create the most modern of homes, the company has completed many renovation projects in which the goal has been complete restoration. Jon refers to a recent residential overhaul project in Concord of which the home was built in the 1930s. “This project was more traditional,” explains Jon. “It was a 1930s home with a pool and a pool house. The project involved all new siding, roofing, windows and trim. It also involved a new-construction carriage house.”

Green building

Through the company’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and US Green Building Council (USGBC) membership, Merz Construction demonstrates a commitment to green building and market transformation. The company’s LEED Accredited Professional will guide the project through the certification process and advise on environmental and sustainable issues.

The USGBC provides the construction industry with the tools necessary to build houses that deliver high performance inside and out. Through its LEED program, it has helped develop a national consensus for design and construction practices, and educational tools that support sustainable design and building practices. The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

“We’re constantly looking into what’s viable in alternative products,” says Merz. “There are a whole slew of things that have to do with the green side of residential construction. Whether it’s geothermal heat or safer products regarding toxicity, insulation or high tech glass, we’re very involved with creating and utilizing environmentally friendly solutions.”

Measuring Success

Every company must examine the bottom line at the end of each year and determine if success and growth has occurred. While oftentimes this is tangible evidence of a strong pulse, many entrepreneurs are able to look beyond the figures and find purpose in what they set out to do. “The relationships we build with the clients and architects are so important,” says Jon. “Our reputation was a big factor in getting through the recession. We maintained a steady workflow and kept every employee working. I believe this was a result of keeping good contacts and making sure the clients and architects that we work with are happy.”

Jon says that with the economy improving in Massachusetts, he expects to see steady growth for the company. As a general contracting firm providing full construction management, Merz Construction Inc. will continue to grow and build relationships while maintaining its unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.