On more than one occasion after Aaron Jay Miller and Elmer H. Miller, owners of Jayh Construction, have finished building a home for one of their clients, the homeowners have invited the brothers to spend a day or weekend with their families at their new abode to show their appreciation for a beautiful job well done.
“Those are such kind gestures. They don’t need to do that, but they are so happy with the finished product,” says Aaron. “Plus, throughout the construction process, we have developed such great relationships with our clients. That’s the best part of the job — the people we get to meet.”
Aaron Jay and Elmer H. launched Jayh (pronounced JH) Construction in 2009, deriving the name by combining their middle initials. The brothers, who grew up on a small, rural farm, worked in the RV industry for a number of years. But during the recession in 2007 and 2008, they did some construction work on the side to make extra money. They had such a passion for building that they decided to dive into it full time in 2009 and start their own company.
Aaron handles all office responsibilities, takes customer calls, provides the quotes, and estimates and supplies the material lists and orders. Elmer, the project manager, meets with the customers to learn their needs, takes measurements, and follows up to review plans and create a schedule.
“What sets us apart from some of the smaller construction companies is that we have someone working in the office as well as project managers serving our customers,” Aaron says. “It’s not one guy trying to wear the hat of managing everything.”
They employ 18 people full time, have a couple of part-time employees, and a full set of subcontractors, giving them a great deal of combined experience from seasoned, competent professionals.
“We have good employees and subs that are not standing around and joking but rather working hard because they are dedicated to their job and care about what they are doing,” Aaron says.
Since they began, their goal has always been delivering quality construction at a fair and reasonable price for homeowners. In addition, they strive to get things done on time while maintaining constant communication with the homeowner throughout the process. This is important from the start, as the cost of building can be startling to some who haven’t built in a while.
“The cost of things has increased astronomically over the last decade,” Aaron says. “That’s been a challenge — educating homeowners on the cost of things compared to 10 years ago because their expectations of price are so different.”
While Jayh Construction started out doing all sorts of jobs, including agricultural projects and pole barns, in the last five years, they have transitioned to focusing primarily on residential jobs. They do new homes, major renovations, remodels, and room additions. They also do a lot of decking and railing work and have completed several gorgeous lake homes in the last several years. Serving Warsaw, Syracuse, North Webster, Nappanee, Pierceton, South Bend, Elkhart, Plymouth, Goshen, Rochester and Culver, they put on roofs, siding, decks and install exterior windows and doors.
The brothers thoroughly enjoy working as general contractors and proving to people that building can be a fun, enjoyable process rather than an aggravating, difficult one.
“A lot of people are of the opinion that construction is absolutely frustrating,” Aaron says. “I enjoy alleviating some of that frustration and coaching homeowners along so it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. We are not a perfect company, but the goal is to always improve and be the best we can be.”
The Millers, who build all sizes — from 1,300-square-foot homes to 6,000-square-foot homes — are open to whatever projects a client envisions. If they have an idea for something they would like to try, Aaron says his team is game to do it.
“I don’t think there is anything residential that we aren’t willing to tackle or take on,” Aaron says, who notes that they have undertaken some major remodels that many contractors might have instead suggested leveling and starting over. By the same token, if a homeowner requests something that doesn’t make sense monetarily or pragmatically, the Millers will try to keep them from doing it.
Not surprisingly, they get a lot of repeat customers and referrals due to their integrity, expertise and strong work ethic.
Through the years, the brothers have seen changing design trends and fads such as the desire for a room to become multiuse (e.g., making a room a home office or in-law suite). Another thing people ask for is a master suite that’s separated — not necessarily in another building but off to the side of everything else to provide increased privacy. It’s also not unusual for a homeowner to request two separate master suites — one downstairs and one upstairs — particularly at a lake home. And of course, the desire for spacious outdoor living space is a constant.
This award-winning company, based in Etna Green, offers workmanship that will meet or exceed current standards set forth in the Indiana Quality Assurance Builder Standards. A company warranty plus a manufacturer’s warranty comes with all completed projects.
The brothers’ short-term goal is to continue providing the best service possible to their clients. Their long-term goal is to eventually pass the baton onto their sons. Aaron has three sons in their 20s and Elmer has a teenage son. While they all currently work in some capacity in the business, one day they will take the reins.
“We all look forward to continuing to serve our customers and connect with our communities,” says Aaron. “To God be the glory.”
The passion lives on.
Jayh Construction is located at 7717 N. 800 W., Etna Green, IN 46524. For more information, call 574-453-7938.
