Q: Jessica, Elias Construction has been a member of the Rochester Area Builders since 2011. What value have you seen from your membership?

The Rochester Area Builders has offered fantastic exposure and a community of individuals and businesses who all want to see the remodeling, building, and construction industry grow and thrive in our community. We enjoy the variety of events that are offered, the opportunities to network, and the exposure that participating - such as winning People’s Choice Award back-to-back years - brings.

Q: Speaking of your back-to-back People’s Choice Award wins, what does that mean to you?

It means everything that visitors of the Remodelers Showcase chose our projects as the best of the best. Our team takes pride in our craftsmanship and our goal is to provide the best remodeling experience for our customers’ homes. We believe these values shine through, and it reminds us to continue striving to offer the best services and products available.

Q: Speaking to those who might not know Elias Construction, what goes into a successful remodel? What should homeowners consider as they begin a new project?

That is a great question. A home remodel is one of the biggest investments you can make, so getting it right from the start matters. Before anything else, think about how your family actually lives and what is not working. Those answers should drive every decision.

From there, it comes down to who you trust to do the work. The best remodeling contractors will walk you through a detailed proposal with no surprises, keep communication front and center, and stay with you from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.

Do not let price be the only factor when choosing a remodeler. Look at portfolios, read reviews, and make sure your contractor is fully licensed and insured. A remodel done right adds lasting value to your home.

Q: Last question for you, Jessica. What are some new trends or approaches in the remodeling industry that have you excited?

The remodeling industry is moving in some really exciting directions right now.

Functional design is bigger than ever. Homeowners are moving away from spaces that just look good and demanding spaces that work harder for their families. Bigger pantries, dedicated mudrooms, basements that become true extensions of the living space. People want every square foot to earn its place.

Custom cabinetry is having a real moment too. More homeowners are realizing that off-the-shelf solutions rarely fit their space or their lifestyle. At Elias, we have our own cabinetry shop, which means we can deliver that level of customization without the delays or markups that come with outsourcing.

And then there is the design-build model itself. Having your designer and builder working as one team from day one eliminates the miscommunication that derails so many projects. It keeps things on budget, on schedule, and true to the original vision. That integrated approach is something we have built our entire process around, and watching more homeowners seek it out has been really gratifying.

Ultimately, at the end of the day, we want homeowners to elevate their expectations and not settle for less than the best. They deserve it!