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By Chrysa Smith
“Derek Schroeder always says, “We put our clients in the driver’s seat.” The Owner and President of Rolf Schroeder General Contractors Inc. understands that in the end, what matters is the partnership. “It’s not I’m working for you or that you’re hiring me. We’re doing it together. And we want our clients to be thrilled with the experience and result.”
It could be a kitchen or bath remodel. Perhaps changing the design of a home’s exterior or turning an attic into more usable space. Derek says the Design/Build company offers its clients an experience all housed under one roof. “It used to be you were either a construction company or contractor. We’re a collaborative team.” A client does not need to hire a separate architect or designer, because the company offers it all.” They’re responsible for the project. And if the job requires skills beyond the scope of their in-house craftsmen, their professional affiliations with a handful of experts will bring it all together.
Like many design/build companies, there’s a process. First, a design consultation, where a client will describe the project and provide their input. Based on that, Derek’s team goes to work on a plan they believe will best meet the client’s needs and budget. It is presented, a 3D rendering is provided, tweaks might be made, then agreement on pricing and delivery.
What this building pro says differentiates them from others is not only the willingness to really listen to their clients, but in offering all potential services under one roof—which offers options and protects costs. “Often, since architects are not involved with physical labor, it can result in plans that don’t align with a client’s investment level. We want our clients to make an informed decision.” Derek believes, doing so allows clients to decide what’s most important to them. “In a design, they might want to focus on one aspect of a project more than another. They might give up the marble countertop for granite and use the cost-savings somewhere else in the plan.” It’s a very fluid way of doing things. Too often when a potential customer gets disappointed with the sheer number of people involved or lack of options, Derek says they walk away. “We don’t want disappointment,” he says. They try to limit anxiety by providing homeowners with the entire project scope and costs. “If we say a project will come in at a specific cost, it will.” Projects that come in at double the estimate were simply not estimated correctly.
Derek says testimonials through platforms such as GuildQuality offer good input during the selection of a design/build firm. “If there’s a BUT in the review, you know there were problems.” Since most of his work comes from word-of-mouth referrals, their 40-plus years in business says a lot. This isn’t Derek’s first rodeo. But it is his first love.
Rolf Schroeder Contractors was started by his father, Rolf, back in 1982. After building custom homes, until he realized how the demand for high-end remodels and additions was largely unmet. That’s where they found their sweet spot.
“I grew up around the business,” Derek says, coming to work with his dad, sketching up blueprints and coloring them in with his crayons. He began creating his own designs and the interest grew from there. One of his favorite memories is building an elaborate swing set with his dad. And with a family that valued hard work and dedication, his strong work ethic was established.
Derek took architecture and shop, as well as drafting and architecture at Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown. Because of the work he had already done with his dad, Derek says he was always ahead of everyone. “My first year in class, I already knew hand drawing, so I went into computer design quicker.” But as a participant in several high school sports, he decided sports medicine might be a good direction for his college career. So, he pursued a college degree in kinesiology, eventually scoring an internship with the Chicago Bears. “ But reality came calling—in the form of student loans and the realization that he needed a solid, good-paying job. And as such, as many artisans do, he returned to what he first loved, what he was demonstrably good at—building things.
In 2008, he began full-time, saying he worked 40-60 hours a week. Realizing retirement would soon come calling, his dad Rolf understood that Derek was an accomplished craftsman, but now, he needed to learn the office side of the business—and the business began to evolve. Licensed in both PA and NJ, his company now serves both sides of the Delaware. And while he aims to please his clients’ design desires, he’s very dogmatic. “There’s nothing worse than someone walking into your bathroom 30 years after it was remodeled, asking, ‘what they were thinking?!’” Timeless is his vision, but he also realizes that some clients are tied to a very specific look, and if so, that’s what they’ll get.
They’ve been the recipient of the NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) Contractor of the Year awards at both local and regional/national awards. The honor not only comes with bragging rights but provides them with inspiration for future clients. Derek believes that Rolf Schroeder is the perfect size—offering personal involvement and professional capability. “I may be biased,” he says, “But you need to find the balance between business and passion. We’ll be in your life for weeks to months. It’s essential to have a good, trusting relationship. Many of our clients have become friends. They don’t second-guess us, and when they need someone for the next project, there’s no question about who they’re turning to.”
Rolf Schroeder Design/Build is located at 1979 Stout Drive, Unit #1, Ivyland, PA. For more information, call 215-672-0829 or visit www.rolfschroedergc.com.
Chrysa Smith is a regular contributor who can attest to the joy a newly remodeled home can bring to its owners.