Business Details
Your Trusted General Contractor in Cedar Rapids, IA
Merit Construction has been a cornerstone of Iowa's construction industry since the 1880s, evolving through decades of innovation and community commitment. As an employee-owned company, we prioritize the well-being of our team, clients, and communities, ensuring every project reflects our values of safety, excellence, and integrity. Our comprehensive services span design-build, pre-construction planning, and specialized construction solutions tailored to diverse industries. With a legacy of over 140 years, we combine historical expertise with modern methodologies to deliver projects on time and within budget.Our award-winning safety program and dedication to continuous improvement set us apart as industry leaders. We actively invest in local communities through volunteerism and charitable contributions, reinforcing our commitment to making a lasting impact beyond construction. From assisted living facilities to sporting complexes, our portfolio demonstrates our ability to tackle projects of all complexities. By fostering a culture of accountability and innovation, we ensure every client receives personalized service and results that exceed expectations.
Services
Building Information Modeling
Design-Build Services
CM At Risk Negotiated
Pre-Construction Planning
Value Engineering
Scheduling
Estimating
Safety Program Management
Highlights and features
- We maintain a 144-year legacy of construction excellence in Iowa.
- Our employee-owned structure ensures unmatched accountability and dedication.
- Award-winning safety program with zero lost-time injuries for six consecutive years.
- Specialized expertise in design-build and pre-engineered metal buildings.
- Community investment through $40,000+ annual donations and 2,000+ volunteer hours.
Associations and certifications
- Iowa OSHA
- Master Builders of Iowa
- National Safety Council
Services
Building Information Modeling
Our BIM process creates intelligent 3D models that streamline project lifecycle management from planning through maintenance. This technology enhances coordination, reduces errors, and improves cost predictability for complex construction projects. Our team leverages BIM to optimize design efficiency and construction accuracy.
Design-Build Services
We offer unified design-build solutions that combine architectural design and construction under one contract. This approach reduces project timelines by 20-30% while maintaining quality control through single-point accountability for both design and construction phases.
CM At Risk Negotiated
Our CM At Risk services provide comprehensive preconstruction planning with guaranteed maximum pricing. We assume financial responsibility for project costs while maintaining control over trade contracts and construction timelines to ensure budget adherence.
Safety Program Management
We maintain Iowa's most respected safety program with 32 hours of annual training per employee. Our proactive approach includes daily inspections, weekly safety talks, and compliance with OSHA 1926 standards to achieve zero lost-time injuries for six consecutive years.
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
As certified Varco Pruden dealers, we deliver cost-effective pre-engineered metal buildings that reduce construction time by 40%. Our experts design flexible, low-maintenance structures suitable for commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications with seamless expansion capabilities.
People
Kelly Edmonds
President & CEO
Leading Merit Construction since 2023, Kelly Edmonds brings decades of industry experience to drive strategic growth while maintaining the company's commitment to quality and community impact.
David McInroy
Safety Director
With 30+ years in construction safety, David McInroy developed Merit's award-winning safety program. He oversees compliance, training, and implementation of safety protocols across all projects.
Gordon Parker
Executive Vice President
Gordon Parker directs major projects and strategic initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience in complex construction management to ensure client satisfaction and operational excellence.
Nic Plecker
Chief Estimator
Nic Plecker leads preconstruction services with specialized expertise in cost estimation and project feasibility analysis, ensuring accurate budget forecasting for commercial and industrial construction projects.
Louie Ruggio
Vice President - Operations
Louie Ruggio manages daily operations and project execution, bringing 25 years of construction management experience to optimize efficiency across Merit's diverse project portfolio.
Questions
What construction services does Merit offer?
We provide full-service general contracting including design-build, pre-engineered metal buildings, safety management, and specialized construction solutions for commercial, industrial, and community projects.
How does Merit ensure project safety?
Our award-winning safety program includes 32 hours annual training per employee, daily inspections, weekly safety talks, and strict OSHA compliance to maintain zero lost-time injuries.
What industries does Merit serve?
We work across 10+ industries including healthcare, education, commercial, industrial, and municipal projects, with expertise in assisted living facilities, churches, and sporting complexes.
Is Merit an employee-owned company?
Yes, we've been employee-owned since 1969, fostering a culture of accountability and long-term commitment to quality construction and community development.
How does Merit support local communities?
We contribute $40,000+ annually to nonprofits, volunteer 2,000+ hours yearly, and partner with organizations like Meals on Wheels to strengthen Eastern Iowa communities.
What safety awards has Merit won?
We've received Iowa OSHA's Outstanding Safety Achievement Award and the National Safety Council's Occupational Excellence Award for six consecutive years of zero lost-time injuries.
