by Rachel Schreiber
Jintendra Mehta, Jay, owner of CASE Handyman & Remodeling, took over building his home when the homebuilder left in the midst of construction. This inspired Jay to become versed in remodeling.
As an engineer for Mich Con Jay built pipelines and pumping stations, until he left in 1995. Jay spent the next two years as an environmental consultant for Rollins Environmental. In 1997 he opened a transmission shop, AAMCO Transmissions. He says, I was too young to retire, though my wife thought I should.” The transmission shop closed in 2005 and it continues to operate with the new owners. About this time, he was involved in building a new home. All seemed to be going well until the builder faded away, this forced Jay to step in and direct the subcontractors. Jay wasn’t overwhelmed by it; he took it as a new challenge and directed the workers in completing his house. He says, “I had free time and I was able to oversee my house, it got me very interested in remodeling. Because of all the work I did (for Mich Con) it was a natural fit.”
His basement seemed to be the only piece of the puzzle which didn’t fit so smoothly into his plans. It leaked and after several years the problem was finally resolved. Jay says, “I had to use all my engineering skills to fix the problems.”
Jay knew his future would evolve around remodeling, but how, that was the question. He says, “I started looking for a business to fit all my professional and personal requirements.” One of those personal requirements was that his business would have to be located in Ann Arbor. Jay says, “After all my issues (with building his house) it made sense to be involved in a business that would help the consumer.” CASE was the answer. He purchased a franchise from the Bethesda, Maryland parent company after he spent three months taking classes and getting his builder’s license. CASE offers remodeling classes, but they don’t provide the means for a license. Jay says, “CASE started franchising 12-14 years ago. They give us all the systems (advertising, marketing, phone, web site and back up). They wouldn’t advise for me to do anything they wouldn’t do themselves. I decided this would be a good fit.” He enjoys the residential remodeling franchise, but he seemed to find that there had to be more to remodeling.
Jay is taking his remodeling business into the “green.” He’s installed a wind generator in his front yard. The 50’ tall, 12’ diameter generator can produce 1.8 to 2.2 kilowatts per hour. Jay states, “If a wind generator ran for 15 hours it would meet a homeowner’s daily usage of 25 kilowatts. The wind generator is hooked up directly through the grid (which powers his home). If I’m producing energy I get it through the grid. I’m still a DTE customer, but if I have more energy than what I need, the meter runs backward and I’m putting energy back into the grid.”
He goes on to say, “We do traditional remodeling, but every homeowner needs more than that, but they don’t know who to call. I can install solar panels. Other green remodeling ideas include recycled material for the home such as countertops made from recycled paper and flooring made out of bamboo.”
If you found this story interesting, information or inspiring, please let Jay know! CASE Handyman & Remodeling is located at 6920 Jackson Road, 734.663.6400.
CASE Handyman & Remodeling
Jintendra Mehta (Jay)
6920 Jackson Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734-663-6400