Expertise: General Contractor

Dennis Gehman turned his lifelong passion for building into a well-established design/build company with a stellar reputation throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. For the past 32 years, Gehman and his talented team have continued to stay innovative and up-to-date on the most successful ways to guide clients through the remodeling process.

Gehman strongly encourages homeowners to consider a company that does in-house design/build contracting; their designers and craftsmen work side-by-side to produce beautiful, successful projects that leave clients coming back for more. House & Home recently spoke with Gehman about what makes for exemplary design/build contractors, and ways to identify the industry's standout teams.

What are the qualities clients need to look for in a successful design/build contractor?
A contractor that is up to date on the latest trends and styles is important. Oftentimes, clients are very knowledgeable about the styles they want, which is helpful ... there's always new materials, new tools, new ways of doing things. Our industry is ever-changing and evolving.

Long-term relationships are important to build, not just short-term during the project itself. We want them to know if they have anything related to their house, they are welcome to call us and if we can answer it we will; if not, we'll point them in the right direction. We want to be their go-to person, a one-stop shop, to make sure that their house is working properly.

What is important for clients to do once picking a contractor?
So I think a lot of times, the best thing we do is to ask a lot of questions. Generally speaking, people know what they like, but many times they don't know how to explain it. They're hesitant, but ask a lot of questions and we'll listen closely.

We should be able to get an understanding and then kind of say "OK, based on what I've heard you say, I think that we could go this route," and show them some pictures of other projects that are coming to mind, and we can keep building off of that throughout the process. We realize that this project is for the clients: We want them to feel good about it and give them what they want.

How does the Gehman Design Remodeling team's dynamic work?
Most of the design and trade work is done by our employees. This is a benefit to the homeowner for a few reasons. I'd like to think that we can better control the quality and know we can control a tighter schedule because we're not waiting for a subcontractor to finish up something else before they're available.

We commit that when we start on their project, we keep things moving. If we have to make adjustments, we'll communicate that. We need good tradespeople but, to me, it's important that you have people that have good manners and consideration. Most of the time when we're working, the family continues living in their home. Sometimes that isn't the case. It's not just Mr. Mrs. homeowner, but it's their children, it's their pets, their space.

Gehman Design Remodeling
55 Main St. | Harleysville, PA | (215) 513-0300 | GehmanRemodeling.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 23, Issue 3 (Spring 2023). 
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