Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Construction Partner in Elgin, IL
Established in 1983, Shales McNutt Construction has built a reputation as a trusted partner in construction management and general contracting. Our team prioritizes client needs through a commitment to responsibility, intentionality, and communication, ensuring projects align with client objectives while maintaining transparency and integrity. With over 76% of our recent projects involving renovations or additions to occupied facilities, we specialize in minimizing disruptions through meticulous planning and experienced execution. Our proven cost-control processes have consistently delivered projects at 0.75% below initial projections, supported by a 2-year warranty for client assurance.Recognized for excellence in education, healthcare, municipal, and commercial sectors, we serve clients across Illinois with a focus on public institutions and complex projects. Backed by LEED-certified professionals and OSHA-trained teams, our approach combines technical expertise with a dedication to exceeding client expectations. Repeat business and referrals underscore our commitment to customer satisfaction, as highlighted by testimonials praising our work ethic, integrity, and ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Services
Construction Management
General Contracting
Design Build
Renovations
Additions
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in construction management and general contracting.
- Our team implements a proven cost-control process with 0.75% average savings below projections.
- We specialize in fast-track scheduling for occupied facility renovations and additions.
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals and OSHA 30-hour trained personnel.
- We guarantee transparency and integrity in all client communications and project execution.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
What people say
Outstanding customer service
Dedication to excellence
Unparalleled work ethic
Genuine commitment to clients
Best construction management firm
Services
Construction Management
Our construction management services provide comprehensive oversight from project inception to completion. We specialize in occupied facility projects, ensuring minimal disruption through meticulous planning and communication. With 92% of our volume delivered as construction managers, we protect client interests through transparent cost control and a 2-year warranty. Our team's expertise in education and municipal projects ensures compliance with strict budgetary and operational requirements.
General Contracting
As general contractors, we deliver end-to-end construction solutions with a focus on quality and efficiency. Our OSHA-certified teams handle complex projects across commercial, healthcare, and religious sectors. With $67 million as our largest single contract, we combine technical expertise with proven scheduling methods to complete projects 0.75% below initial cost projections on average.
Design Build
Our design-build approach streamlines construction through single-source accountability. This method ensures alignment between design intent and construction execution while maintaining budget discipline. By integrating planning, design, and construction phases, we reduce project timelines and enhance value management for clients in education, healthcare, and commercial sectors.
Renovations
Specializing in renovations for occupied facilities, we implement phased construction plans to minimize operational disruption. Our team has completed over 76% of recent projects involving upgrades to schools, libraries, and healthcare centers. With expertise in historic preservation and modernization, we balance functional improvements with structural integrity across Illinois.
Additions
We design and construct seamless additions that integrate with existing structures while meeting modern standards. Our approach prioritizes continuity of operations during construction, particularly for educational and municipal clients. From school expansions to library additions, we ensure cohesive design and functionality that aligns with client needs and budget constraints.
People
John Shales
President
With over 30 years in construction, John Shales leads as President and LEED-certified professional. He founded Shales McNutt LLC in 2001, bringing expertise in construction management and client advocacy to every project.
Josh Campanelli
Managing Partner/C.O.O.
Josh Campanelli, Managing Partner and LEED AP, oversees operations with a focus on client satisfaction. Since joining in 2016, he has strengthened the company's commitment to transparent communication and project excellence.
Chris Damsch
Senior Project Manager
Senior Project Manager Chris Damsch brings extensive experience in complex construction projects. Since 2018, he has ensured timely delivery and quality execution for municipal and educational clients across Illinois.
Jason Perkunas
Project Manager
Project Manager Jason Perkunas specializes in coordinating large-scale renovations and additions. With experience since 2018, he focuses on maintaining project timelines while ensuring client requirements are met with precision.
Zach Swanson
Project Manager
Zach Swanson, a Project Manager since 2019, contributes expertise in construction scheduling and cost control. He works closely with clients to deliver projects that exceed expectations while maintaining budget discipline.
Questions
What construction services does Shales McNutt Construction offer?
We provide construction management, general contracting, design-build services, renovations, and additions for education, healthcare, municipal, and commercial clients.
Which areas do you serve?
We primarily serve clients throughout Illinois, with completed projects in Elgin, Tinley Park, Joliet, Sycamore, Skokie, and surrounding communities.
How do you control project costs?
Our proven cost-control process includes accurate design-phase projections, competitive bidding, and close work supervision, resulting in 0.75% average savings below initial estimates.
Can you handle projects in occupied facilities?
Yes, 76% of our recent projects involved renovations or additions to occupied facilities. We specialize in minimizing disruptions through detailed planning and communication.
What makes your team different?
Our core values of responsibility, intentionality, and communication set us apart. We combine technical expertise with a client-first approach and a 2-year warranty for added assurance.
