Ask any of the thousands of clients who have trusted GTFM Design & Build to transform their homes over the years, and they are sure to rave about the aesthetic value and functionality that came out of their addition, kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation. But perhaps even more important than the end result is the way they were treated and the respect they were given throughout the process.

“Trust and honesty are the foundation upon which our company is built,” says Rick Mawker, owner of GTFM. “We are 100% transparent with our customers from start to finish. Establishing a good relationship between contractor and homeowner, with open and timely communication, is imperative to us. All of our customers meet with me personally before the start of their jobs, and on a regular basis until the project is complete.”  

Conducting business with integrity has been paramount to Mawker throughout his nearly four decades in the construction industry. Thirty of those years have been at GTFM, which he became sole owner of 15 years ago. Although Mawker has no plans of stepping aside from a career he is passionate about anytime soon, when that day does come he is confident the company will continue to thrive thanks to the culture and family bonds that form the backbone of the organization.

“Family owned and operated, I proudly run this company with my amazing staff and the tireless efforts of my two sons, Richard Jr. and Stephen, who are the core members of the GTFM production team,” he says. “It’s certainly rewarding to work with them every day. I get nothing but praise from our homeowners, who absolutely love working with my kids. They take great care of all of our clients.”

Offering a wide range of services and projects of all sizes, GTFM handles every aspect of the job from conceptualization to completion, including permits and inspections. The company is fully insured and only works with other vendors who are fully insured. Financing is available and clients also receive one of the most competitive warranty packages in the industry.

Collaboration is stressed throughout the design process, as design consultants Steve, Gary and Richard work in concert with a talented and affordable architect, providing a full set of detailed plans based on exactly what the homeowner wants. Conceptual drawings by June, the company’s on-staff artist, ensure that the client has a clear picture of what to expect.

“Being a good listener is crucial to the success of our business and the satisfaction of our customers,” Mawker says. “We are eager to understand the needs of our customers, listen to new ideas and share our many years of experience on what works and what doesn’t. In addition, it is imperative that we create something that not only works for the customer’s lifestyle, but also and equally important, stays within their budget. We are practical and honest, and if there is something that just isn’t in the customer’s budget, we will tell them that too, but not before we explore every possible option.”

GTFM has only become stronger as a result of the pandemic and has been able to retain its entire staff throughout the crisis. While some companies have been impacted by soaring lumber prices and shortages on supplies, its long-standing relationships with vendors across the state have enabled it to finish all projects on time and within budget.

And it’s a good thing, too, because home improvements have been in demand. Mawker says multi-generational homes are on the rise as extended families are living together more often for various reasons. Home offices are becoming must-haves with many people working remotely, and clients are also seeking outdoor living spaces such as porches, decks, pool houses or cabanas.

Kitchen and bath remodels never go out of style, and recent trends include bold pops of color, the use of mixed materials and pull-out drawers for appliances. As a certified dealer for MasterBrand and Schrock cabinets, GTFM can pass on its dealer discount to customers.

Whether it’s a brand-new kitchen, a sunroom off the back of the house or even a second level of the home that GTFM is building, when the team is able to understand the client’s vision and deliver a space they will enjoy for years, there is no better feeling.

“It’s extremely rewarding to complete a project that many times exceeds the expectations of our clients,” Mawker says. “Nothing speaks more to the satisfaction of our customers than our returning customers, of which we have many. Second to our returning customers are those customers who proudly recommend us to their closest family and friends. Having been in business for 30 years, much of our business comes from word of mouth, and that would not be the case if we did not have so many delighted homeowners recommending us.”

GTFM Design & Build
37 Spring Valley Ave. | Paramus, N.J.
(800) 676-GTFM
GTFMLLC.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 22, Issue 2 (November/December 2021). 
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