Meridian Construction

We recently completed a major design and build project in our 1500 sqft basement using Meridian Construction, and we must say we are extremely satisfied with the results. We had a pretty good idea what we wanted to achieve when we started the project, but had no idea how much better it would turn out, due to the efforts of the team at Meridian. When we started our search for a contractor, we knew we were looking for a one-stop, design and build solution. After researching the internet, we found the Meridian Construction website, which depicts photo-shoots of many of their completed projects and actual customer reviews. After a one hour meeting with Larry Giannone, one of the owners, and the rest of his staff, we knew we had found the right company for our project. We signed a design contract, and through a series of weekly meetings, we walked thru each step of the Meridian process. Larry’s design assistant, Austin, came out to our house and took complete measurements of our basement. After a review of some layout plans we had already made, and a thorough discussion of what our goals and objectives were, Austin gave us 2D and 3D dimensional views of our plan. It became evident that changes needed to be made, and with Larry and Austin’s guidance, we made significant improvements to our layout. This process got finer in detail as we went along, everything - including electrical, plumbing, ceiling, flooring, doors, fireplace, bathroom and bar fixtures, cabinetry – was included in those plans. Each time we made a change, Austin would update the computer program, so we could see the effect in great detail. And Martha, Meridian’s project coordinator, would update a cost spreadsheet and provide us with cost updates. Through this process, we got to our final layout. Meridian then took all that information and developed a comprehensive construction quotation, which included all anticipated costs. We were pleased with the quotation, and having developed a great working relationship with Larry and his team, we signed the construction contract with Meridian. First, we picked out the material options for our renovation: plumbing and electric, floor and ceiling, fireplace stone, granite, cabinets, and paint and trim. Meridian supplied an allowance quote for every item, so we knew the rough costs upfront. Meridian provided a list of preferred vendors, who were all very helpful and had a great working relationship with Meridian. Once the selections were all made, Martha updated her cost spreadsheets and we made our final changes to meet any budget requirements. We were then introduced to the key members of the Meridian construction team – Mick Giannone, Larry’s brother, who runs the construction team, and Matt, their on-site leader, who worked on our renovation from start to finish. We met with Larry at our house every week, to review progress and discuss the next week’s activity. Even more importantly, we resolved unforeseen issues- mostly things that we thought would improve our project. This would require Larry and Austin’s input for feasibility and cost. And each week, we would confer with Larry and Matt in the basement to review final decisions - stone fireplace construction, granite sizes for bar areas, the height of the tray ceiling for the entertainment area, etc. With the project completed, we would say that not only are we over-the-top satisfied with our basement renovation, we feel we have become friends with the folks at Meridian. Their attention to detail is unbelievable, and it shows in the final product. We have already talked with Larry about a few other projects in our home, and would highly recommend anyone to consider Meridian Construction for their renovation work.

We recently completed a full remodel of our kitchen and a refresh of our basement with Meridian Construction. Not only did they meet the expectations set by neighbors who had worked with them in the past, they also went above and beyond to exceed them. From the start of our design process through construction and follow-up, Meridian demonstrated their professionalism, expertise, customer service, and true passion for their business. It is clear that their true purpose is to ensure their client’s complete satisfaction, and each and every individual - from owners to designers to contractors to office manager - put in the time, effort, and energy to ensure that they accomplish this goal. Meridian has excellent project management, ensuring a successful project. They very clearly outlined expectations for budget and timeline, and worked with us to adjust and fine-tune both as needed. Ultimately, our project was completed on budget and on time (give or take a few additional days for final touch ups). The weekly meetings during construction are very organized and efficient, including agendas sent in advance to ensure alignment on open topics/issues. Meridian also partners very well with any sub-contractors needed to ensure that the same level of professionalism and work ethic is provided, regardless who is completing the work. If any questions or issues arise, Meridian goes above and beyond to ensure they are addressed immediately, even coming by our house after hours to ensure that our sleeping child would not be accidentally awoken by an unexpected beeping. Such a minor issue was treated with a very impressive sense of urgency. Not only are we extremely pleased with the final result of our kitchen and basement, but we are also excited to have found a reputable, respectable, trustworthy company to partner with again in the future. The team at Meridian quickly becomes more than a construction partner they become trusted friends who you know have your best interests at heart. We are grateful for the recommendation we originally received and wholeheartedly pay it forward.

Our first experience with Meridian Construction in 1997 was such an extraordinary success that their teams have since returned over the years to complete several construction and renovation-type projects at our home with its unique characteristics of being a converted Pennsylvania Bank Barn. We have been equally happy with the price, workmanship, and timing to complete each project performed by Meridian Construction that began with an elaborate 20’x34’ elevated cedar deck and octagon-shaped sitting area, replacing roofs on both our house and detached garage, replacing 40 windows of varying sizes, including those that comprise an entire 14’x45’ southern facing wall, installing retaining walls to enclose a 17’ square garden, updating our kitchen counter tops, and most recently returning to replace 20-year old floor boards and railing with maintenance-free materials on the original deck. Meridian Construction teams remained on each project to completion, and never became distracted or left temporarily to work at other locations. Meridian Construction kept to the contract price, and never charged extra to do whatever became necessary to overcome many unexpected obstacles encountered by the unique characteristics of working on a converted Pennsylvania Bank Barn.

Professional. Reliable. Honest. The team at Meridian went through their process from the perspective of a homeowner and made sure it was exactly the way they want to do business. We asked for an accelerated timeframe, and they delivered on it. Stephanie worked quickly with us on every selection, helping to find what we wanted in our price range. Justin and Benny were true craftsman in helping maintain the character of our older home. Whenever we ran into decision points, it was clear they had done a lot of problem solving before bringing the choices to us. They treated every aspect of our home and project as if they were the person who would have to live with it. I really appreciate the way they ran our weekly meetings and managed the project overall it felt like textbook project management at work and made it easy for us to provide feedback (which was always glowing). We never had to chase or wonder what was going on. They shared pictures everyday and kept the site clean. I don’t know if we could have had a better experience or outcome! Now we get to live in a beautiful home knowing that we have Meridian standing by the work.

We recently had a full kitchen remodel and refinish of our entire 1st level floors with Meridian. I can’t speak highly enough of the experience. They are design/build so really a 1-stop shop with limited use of subs. This allowed for great continuity and very limited delays. They started on time and went through the anticipated schedule each week - and stuck to it. Stephanie really helped make our vision come to life and had some excellent suggestions. The construction was extremely professional and kept as clean as possible. Most importantly, the end product was phenomenal. 100% our style - modern and somewhat minimalist, but with some great color. Finally, Larry was great to deal with and just a really professional and nice guy. When do you ever hear about a major renovation that gets done timely, with no cost overruns, and with a finished project even better then you’d hoped? I couldn’t recommend Meridian more highly.