Mike Wagner had been working in the high-end building industry for the majority of his 20-year career when he found that he missed interacting with clients, so in 2021 he launched his own company, M.J. Wagner Construction.
This interaction is more than simply a personal preference, however; it’s a critical component of what the company does, particularly with regards to larger projects.
“We’ll spend time with the clients trying to understand their needs and goals,” Wagner said. That’s important, because sometimes even the customer doesn’t have a fully formed vision of what will satisfy his objectives.
M.J. Wagner Construction will typically produce some preliminary drawings for the client to examine.
“Once we have the concept down, then we can take it to the next step, which is: define the actual budget, the scope of the work,” Wagner said.
This process is especially effective because the company specializes in projects of a unique nature — “projects that generally have some degree of really, really high-end finishes and complex challenges or projects that really have a lot of structural components that kind of set them apart from something your typical remodeler might do,” according to Wagner.
M.J. Wagner Construction has built elevated viewing platforms overlooking the marsh and large-scale additions; remodeled eclectic, high-end bathrooms; created media rooms and more. It both builds homes and remodels existing ones.
“We really have done just about everything,” Wagner said.
Remodeling projects also require keeping abreast of evolving styles.
“A lot of design concepts have changed over the last 20, 25 years,” Wagner said. “The open concept of kitchens and baths really didn’t exist back in the ‘90s and early 2000s.”
Kitchens tended to be separate units. Interior soffits marked boundaries.
“Kitchens are gathering places now,” Wagner continued. “Living areas are more opened up to the outside.”
Remodeling to reflect this shift might mean moving walls or transferring structural loads.
Another important reason to communicate with the client early on is possible challenges in sourcing materials. Though the supply chain issues of a few years ago have largely improved, some items can still require a bit of time to get. In some cases, it may be agreeable to switch to materials and products that are a little more readily available.
“We really try to have those conversations early with our clients,” said Wagner. His company sources materials from all over the world.
Wagner is very hands-on with these projects.
“You may not see me out there actually swinging a hammer, bit I’m involved every step of the way from the design all the way through the execution of the project,” he said.
The company also maintains a network of reliable subcontractors.
M.J. Wagner Construction’s primary service area is Ponte Vedra Beach, Sawgrass, the Beaches, etc.
Learn more at facebook.com/MJWagnerConstruction. The company can be contacted by email at info@BuildMJW.com and by phone at 239-825-6820.
