FAQs
What is the approximate square foot price for a Butler building?
Generally the building square foot price is based upon size, interior and exterior finishes. A square foot estimate can usually be established after the first investigative meeting with the client.
How quickly can the building be erected?
Most buildings, from start to finish – including planning, zoning and permitting, can be built within a 12 month period, but as little as 160-190 days if planning and zoning are already in place,
What’s the difference between Butler buildings and pole buildings?
Butler buildings are pre-engineered steel construction which are code compliant for commercial and industrial use. Pole buildings are wood-framed and are typically designed for residential, agricultural and also equine facilities. Chapple West handles both types of buildings.
If Chapple West were to build our new building, can we use some of our own subcontractor contacts?
Absolutely! Chapple West has a qualified pool of local subcontracts; however, we would be happy to qualify and check references of customer subcontractor referrals. We always perform an intensive qualification screening of subcontractors, checking insurance requirements, capabilities and references.
What’s Construction Management?
Construction Management is based upon the base costs of subcontractors and materials plus a designated percentage management fee. With this type of contract, cost savings are passed along to the customer. Although the customer still approves the preliminary budget and may assist in final bid selections, the bidding process is the primary responsibility of the Construction Manager. Construction Management is a widely accepted practice in public bid projects as well as private projects.
What types of projects does Chapple West do?
Chapple West builds all types of buildings for public and private use – commercial, industrial, warehouse – from 2,000 to 100,000 square feet. We build new facilities, additions to existing buildings, remodel, repair and renovate. We have experience in roof repair work, and hold an Illinois State Roofer’s License.
What about roof leaks? How can I be sure that my new building won’t leak?
Chapple West provides to all of our customers a workmanship guarantee which “guarantees Owner from any loss or damage arising from any defect in materials or workmanship furnished under contract agreement for a period of one (1) year from the date of completion of the work.” Additionally, Butler Mfg. Company offers a 25 year roof (material) warranty.
How difficult is it to obtain a building permit? Will Chapple West do this?
The building permit application process can be time consuming and difficult for the inexperienced applicant. This process varies in difficulty depending upon the various city, village or county requirements. Chapple West has a great deal of familiarity and experience with many of the local municipalities and can assist in the building permit process if desired.
Our Team
Melton Ambel, Founder and Former President
Melt’s pre-engineered building career began as the leading salesman at the John F. Chapple Co. in Elmhurst, Illinois. Melt recognized the growth in the western suburbs and decided to capitalize on this, and in 1979 he founded Chapple West, Inc., a pre-engineered Butler building franchise. Melt, an Aurora native, located Chapple West in Aurora and later moved the office to Batavia in 1988. Melt’s successful business and career was based upon establishing and maintaining excellent customer and subcontractor relationships; he did this most eloquently. You’d never meet a more honest and hard-working businessman. Melt left the earth for bigger and better projects in 2010, but his daughter Sarah and her partners still carry on his vision for Chapple West today. Their motto remains: “Let’s get the job done!”
Sarah Ambel Hecht President, Managing Partner
B.S. Marketing, University of Wyoming; and Butler Mfg. Co. Product Course Certification. Sarah started with Chapple West in 1986 and has been instrumental in the development and management of company marketing, accounting, sales and management. Sarah attributes 90% of her construction knowledge/experience to her Dad and mentor, Melt Ambel, and 10% to trial and error.
James Alabastro Sales, Partner
Jim has always been involved in construction. He launched his career with Chapple West in 1991 as a salesperson with ingenuity and creativity. Jim has been very involved with the pre-construction phase including: building permitting, land acquisition, project funding and working with various city planning and economic development departments. His “hands-on” construction experience equips him with a keen insight for our customers and their respective projects. Jim’s United States Marine experience upholds the company motto: “Let’s get the job done!”
Michael Maykut Sales, Partner
Bowling Green State University Graduate, and Cleveland, Ohio native. Mike’s background is both in sales and construction and his career spans more than 30 years encompassing sales in the fastener industry, residential construction, as well as experience at IBM. Mike’s overall experience has been of great value to our clients in the pre-engineered building industry, as well as our repair, renovation, and building addition customers.
Michael Hilderbrand, Project Manager
Aerospace Engineering major, with a Degree in Construction Management, Butler Product Courses, OSHA training, OSHA Hazmat Certification, Professional Scaffolding Certification, and Railroad Safety Training. In addition to all his formal training, Mike has over 30 years experience in the steel industry. His expertise is all encompassing: Journeyman Ironworker, Butler Salesperson, and Project Management. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge to the job site and office. Additionally, Mike is a Fox Valley native and Melt Ambel is his proud Uncle.