Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Iowa General Contractor for Complex Projects
Merit Construction stands as Iowa's premier general contractor, driven by a legacy of excellence and a commitment to client satisfaction. Founded in 1974, our employee-owned structure ensures every team member is deeply invested in delivering projects that exceed expectations while adhering to budgets. With over 140 years of collective experience, we specialize in managing complex projects across diverse industries, prioritizing safety, innovation, and community impact.Our proven methodologies, including Building Information Modeling and Design-Build, ensure precision from conception to completion. Recognized for industry-leading safety programs and a culture of continuous improvement, we extend our success to enrich local communities through volunteerism and donations. By maintaining rigorous quality standards and fostering long-term client relationships, we remain a trusted partner for construction needs across Iowa and the Midwest.
Services
Building Information Modeling
Design-Build
CM At Risk
Pre-Construction Planning
Scheduling
Value Engineering
Estimating
Safety Management
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We are employee-owned, ensuring accountability and dedication to every project.
- 140+ years of combined experience in construction excellence.
- Award-winning safety program with zero lost-time injuries for six consecutive years.
- Comprehensive services across 10+ industries, including healthcare and industrial.
- Community-focused approach with $40,000+ annual donations and 2,000+ volunteer hours yearly.
Associations and certifications
- Iowa OSHA
- Master Builders of Iowa
- National Safety Council
Services
Building Information Modeling
Our Building Information Modeling (BIM) process creates intelligent 3D models to streamline project lifecycle management. This technology enhances coordination, reduces errors, and optimizes resource allocation for complex construction projects. Clients benefit from improved transparency and cost efficiency through real-time data integration.
Design-Build
The Design-Build delivery method unifies design and construction under one contract, minimizing risk and accelerating timelines. Our team collaborates directly with clients to align vision with execution, ensuring seamless transitions from planning to completion while maintaining budget integrity.
CM At Risk Negotiated
CM At Risk services provide preconstruction expertise and cost guarantees. We assume financial responsibility for project outcomes, offering clients predictable budgets and schedules. This approach ensures accountability while leveraging our construction expertise early in the planning phase.
Safety Management
Merit's award-winning safety program includes daily audits, 32 hours of annual training per employee, and proactive hazard prevention. Recognized by Iowa OSHA and the National Safety Council, our culture of safety reduces incidents and lowers costs for clients through rigorous compliance and continuous improvement.
Pre-Construction Planning
Our pre-construction services evaluate design feasibility, cost, and schedules to identify risks early. By analyzing constructability and material options, we ensure projects start with clear roadmaps, reducing delays and budget overruns through data-driven decision-making.
People
Kelly Edmonds
President & CEO
Leading Merit Construction since 2023, Kelly Edmonds oversees strategic growth and client relations. With decades of industry experience, she champions employee ownership and community impact, driving the company's mission to deliver quality construction statewide.
Dave McInroy
Safety Director
As Safety Director, Dave McInroy develops Merit's safety programs and conducts site audits. With a degree in Industrial Safety, he ensures OSHA compliance and fosters a culture of zero injuries, reflecting his 30-year commitment to construction safety excellence.
Gordon Parker
Executive Vice President
Gordon Parker manages operations and client partnerships at Merit Construction. With over 25 years in the industry, he focuses on project delivery optimization and maintaining the company's reputation for reliability and innovation in Iowa's construction sector.
Nic Plecker
Chief Estimator
Nic Plecker leads Merit's estimating team, ensuring accurate cost projections for complex projects. His expertise in construction economics and value engineering helps clients achieve financial clarity while maintaining quality standards.
Miranda Von Ahsen
Chief Financial Officer
Miranda Von Ahsen oversees Merit's financial strategy, including budgeting and risk management. With a background in corporate finance, she ensures fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth aligned with the company's employee-owned values.
Questions
What types of construction projects does Merit handle?
Merit Construction serves commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, and municipal sectors, managing projects of all complexities across Iowa and the Midwest.
Is Merit Construction employee-owned?
Yes, Merit has been employee-owned since 1969, fostering accountability and long-term commitment to client satisfaction and community impact.
How does Merit ensure project safety?
Our award-winning safety program includes daily audits, 32 hours of annual training per employee, and proactive hazard prevention to maintain zero injuries.
What safety certifications does Merit hold?
Merit is recognized by Iowa OSHA, Master Builders of Iowa, and the National Safety Council for its industry-leading safety practices and six consecutive years of zero lost-time injuries.
Does Merit offer pre-construction services?
Yes, we provide estimating, value engineering, and constructability analysis during pre-construction to ensure project feasibility and budget alignment.
How does Merit contribute to local communities?
Merit donates $40,000+ annually to nonprofits and volunteers 2,000+ hours yearly, supporting initiatives like Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity through its Work of Heart program.
Reviews (1)
Jesse Baack
Feb 02, 2020
Report
The people at Merit are great to work with. The first thing I'd probably say about this company is their attitude with regard to accountability. Their estimators and project managers are really impressive people. They have a way of catching things (inconsistencies in blueprints, etc.) early on that would otherwise become a huge problem down the road and lead to unanticipated expenses to a building owner/developer. Their carpenters are also some of the best I've seen. I don't know where they find these guys because tradesmen of this caliber aren't exactly falling out of the trees these days.
