What sets us apart? Teamwork, Emotional Intelligence, Respect for the Client

At Menlo Construction, we have several characteristics that set us apart from the competition.  We are truly a team that lives together and works together! 

COMMUNICATION IS KEY!

José provides much of the labor and on-site DAILY supervision of sub-contractors while Lori orders supplies, takes care of due diligence, and manages the logistics calendar for maximum time-use efficiency. We take direction from you, the homeowner, about how to access the home, pets to keep an eye out for, and even the scope of the project. If José isn’t staying on site the entire day, any subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, etc.) will be given the “laws of the land” to keep service consistent, pets safe, drop cloths down to keep surfaces protected, and debris managed. We don’t have our electrician, plumber, and drywall folks fend for themselves or leave homeowners in the dark.

TEAMWORK!

Lori will also typically check-in at some point throughout the day by stopping by the site or a phone call into the team as well as briefing clients almost daily via text or email on project progression. Our clients feel free to text a quick question or ask us if we can let Fido out to go potty during our workday, which we are happy to do.  In fact, clients that initially think they have to lock their family pet up during the process discover that José becomes the fur-kid’s best friend, and it becomes a stress-free process. If there is a subcontractor, both Lori and José will often times stop by the job site together at the end of the workday.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

We’ve heard about the stereotypical bad manners that contractors are known for from our clients and have been told time and time again that the way we do business is completely different. Communication is key and a little emotional intelligence goes a long way. We understand construction jargon is frustrating, having your routines literally torn up and rebuilt is tiring, and no one needs a grumpy contractor on top of it.

For example, we are extremely sensitive to our homeowners needs.  If they need the toilet back in the bathroom because the preschooler is having a hard time using the Honeybucket, then we prioritize finishing the tile floor first in order to provide at least that infrastructure for the remainder of the job.  If random delivery drivers and others from the street are using the Honeybucket, we coordinate to get a lock. We patiently talk through how homeowners will be using their new spaces to make sure there is enough space between fixtures. We always go by code, but sometimes lifestyle will dictate a greater amount of space. Not only do we consider modesty and privacy when determining how high the pony wall in the walk-in shower should be, but we will explain what that means and WHY it needs to be considered.

RESPECT THE CLIENT

You’ve called 5 different contractors. Two never picked up the phone, two canceled last minute on voicemail or text, and the fifth showed up 2 hours late without a courtesy call or text they were running late. Does this sound familiar? Did you neighbor tell you this exact story? Your co-worker? It’s such an old tale.

Here at Menlo, we know firsthand how hard and SCARY it is to invest so much money back into your house. It isn’t a paltry thing to finally want that bathroom remodeled or have your kitchen in chaos while your dreams are made real. Menlo is a small team that can remain agile and pivot into what you need, and we are skilled enough that we can take on jobs with the respect and care you deserve.

If you or someone you know is tired of being “ghosted” by contractors, contact us!