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Premier Contracting, Inc. A Solid Reputation for Attention to Details and Customer Satisfaction.
When Premier Contracting, Inc. of Manchester was chosen to construct the Bank of Lenawee in Tecumseh, president Ron Milkey and his project designer, James McCarthy, spent time driving up one Tecumseh street and down another, studying the town’s architecture. Opened in December 2001, the exterior of the bank mirrors architectural details on buildings within the long-established neighborhoods. “ I think that one of the greatest responsibilities builders and remodelers face is to create a structure or an addition that blends harmoniously with what existed earlier – in terms of proportions, windows, window placement, building materials, details and architectural features.” Milkey said, pointing to pictures of the bank’s different construction stages.
Milkey calls Premier Contracting a “full service company.” “We build residential as well as commercial and we’ve always had a strong business in remodeling.” he pointed out, adding, “We can – and do – offer everything from plan development to help in selection of a site, financing, floorplans, even in dealing with structural or zoning issues. We take our commitment to our customers very seriously.”
Premier Contracting, Inc. was established in Manchester in April 1990. As president and sole owner, Ron Milkey heads the bidding, management, and customer service operations. His staff consists of an office manager, Melissa Brown, and two full time lead remodelers Jim Hicks and John Root. The two men complete about 30 percent of the hands on work on Premier’s new construction projects and between 60 to 70 percent of the remodeling jobs.
Premier projects can be found in Manchester, Saline, Chelsea, Ann Arbor, Tecumseh, and Milan. Besides renovations and commercial work, Milkey’s crew builds up to five new homes per year, ranging in price between $250,000 and $325,000. The builder works closely with his customers to fine tune product selections before any contracts are signed or a shovelful of dirt is moved. That means that low-balling bids is out of the question. “We thoroughly discuss all options so that we can give a true quote. We will hit within three to five percent at the end of the project.” Milkey promises. “That way I know I have done my job well.
Premier Contracting works as a team player. “We involve owners heavily,” Milkey said. He encourages daily comments and involvement with the home or project owners. “My employees are very personable and very willing to answer every question and explain all the procedures. We are approachable, open, and honest about everything we do.
Thanks to television shows like This Old House and the proliferation of home magazines, customers are increasingly knowledgeable about the home building and renovating process, as well as new products and trends.
“People want higher quality amenities these days,” he observed. His customers arrive with magazine pictures, floor plans or product advertisements, prepared to pay surcharges for Corian or granite countertops, upscale cabinetry and plumbing fixtures and hardwood or tiled floors – something he didn’t see until recently.
Walk-outs or daylight basements have traditionally allowed home owners to utilize existing space more efficiently, but now Milkey goes one step further. When he builds a front porch, he excavates the ground below to accommodate wine cellars or fruit cellars. In many cases, he is also installing additional wiring to support computers, media centers, intercoms, home security systems and other electronic demands.
“Sometimes we have to rein in their dreams,” the builder said, smiling. He remembers one customer who was sold on solar powered fans and insisted they be installed in his Michigan home. “I had to convince him that solar powered fans would work far better with California’s long, hot hours of sun light than the long, gray winter days of Michigan,” he recalled.
Many customers are move up or move down homeowners who are leaving urban or suburban areas for the county. “Perhaps because the baby boomers are aging, we see a lot of people interested in reducing the size of their homes, but upgrading the amenities. We also see more and more demand for mother-in-law apartments or additions.”
Premier pays attention to details. Milkey has increased the ventilation provided in attic and roof areas and the use of Ice and Water Guard, to prevent damaging on the roof. “Last year the bulk of our remodeling jobs were the results of water damage, so I’m trying to head off future problems,” he said.
When asked about Premier’s trademark qualities, Milkey says “attention to details.” He spends countless hours pouring over floor plans, designing and redesigning features, fine tuning them to the customer’s lifestyle and plans. “We try to take care of every one of the small issues,” he said. “We treat each job equally in our attention to details, whether it is a $200 job or a $300,000 job.
“I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to listen to a customer’s dreams, wishes and wants – and then bring them to reality.” Milkey said with a smile. “I put a great deal of myself into every project and I think the customers appreciate that. One of the ways I do that is to keep a very open line of communication. I am always available.”
Builder architect magazine recognizes the outstanding reputation and capabilities of Premier Contracting, Inc. and wishes them continued success.
Article reprinted by permission from Builder/Architect.
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