Customized livability and high quality craftsmanship are built into every new home and renovation project completed by Chance and Associates. With a long list of satisfied clients in Talbot, Caroline, Queen Anne and Dorchester Counties, company founder, Jay Chance says with pride, “Our passion is building, as is our reputation.”
     A lifelong resident of Easton, Maryland, Mr. Chance’s initial career interests were influenced by the nautical atmosphere of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Having graduated second in his class from Calhoon MEBA Engineering School, an internationally recognized maritime-educational facility located in Easton, it may have been there that he honed his ability to take care of details and make everything shipshape.
     Mr. Chance began working in the building industry in 1999 and soon recognized that the challenge of building and renovating customized homes, and successfully meeting the individualized needs and specifications of the work, brought him a great sense of achievement. Thus, in 2002 he established Chance and Associates, which in addition to having an impressive project portfolio, today boasts of having its own 1,500 square-foot custom millwork and cabinetry shop.
     With the help of Chris Stevenson, a highly skilled lead carpenter and cabinet maker, who began working with Mr. Chance in 2002 the shop enables the firm to increase quality levels, shorten turnaround times, while also providing its clients with cost-effective solutions for custom trim work, cabinetry, and other built-ins. The shop also provides clients with additional options, such as choosing environmentally friendly building materials.
    When Chance and Associates was still in its formative stage, field supervisor, Frank Stevenson, joined the staff, bringing with him four decades of home-building expertise. Mr. Stevenson insures that all work completed meets or exceeds Chance’s high quality standards, as well as the clients’ expectations. He further insures that supplies are onsite and ready, so that projects stay on schedule.
The company uses real-time data management and sophisticated cost-accounting software so as to generate the timely feedback needed to efficiently run the business. In addition, Chance and Associates is a member of the Eastern Shore Builders Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the National Association of Home Builders, and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce.
     As with all projects, Chance and Associates makes an effort to become familiar with the expectations of all family members, so as to meet their specific needs. While most work must be performed to architectural specifications, a great many details have a window of flexibility. Small customizations, for instance, can greatly enhance livability. For clients who have not expressed preferences on such details, Mr. Chance or one of his associates will typically initiate the discussion and offer guidance.
     “From the very beginning, quality has always been our top priority. We strive to make each client’s experience totally pleasing and satisfying,” says Mr. Chance. “We take responsibility for our work and we never make excuses. The quality we build into each project remains long after we’ve completed the job. It’s our calling card. We invite prospective clients to visit any of our projects; our work speaks for itself.”