The Homeowners Helper

About Us

A Welcome Note

Welcome to The Homeowners Helper, where we transform houses into dream homes and clients into cherished members of our family. Our passion for crafting exceptional living spaces extends beyond bricks and mortar, boards and nails – it’s about enriching lives, uplifting our community, and elevating your unique vision.

For years, we’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of construction, infusing innovation, expertise, and plenty of heart into every project. As a trusted, family-owned company, we take pride in not just what we build, but in the relationships we nurture with our employees and our clients.

Join us on this journey where your dreams are our blueprints; where your aspirations guide us every step of the way. Discover more about us, our story, and the commitment that sets us apart.

Cody and Stephanie ward with their dogs, sitting on some steps of a deck in frederick md

Our Mission

At the heart of our construction and life philosophy lies a simple principle: treat others as we’d want to be treated. It’s a commitment to leave people, places, and things better than we found them, fostering enduring relationships and contributing to the development of healthier, sustaining communities.

Our dedication extends beyond quality work that stands the test of time; it’s about providing outstanding customer service during the often stressful process of home renovations and building. Working in your home is a privilege and a responsibility we take seriously.

In both construction and life, we go beyond just outstanding standards of workmanship. We answer questions, provide transparency in our processes, offer guidance, and ensure total client satisfaction, building a foundation of trust, respect, and goodwill within the communities we serve. For us, it’s more than construction; it’s a commitment to building a better way to do business.

Core Values

At The Homeowners Helper, our core values drive everything we do, and enable us to provide an exceptional level of craftsmanship and service to our clients each and every day.
 
  • Quality and Integrity: We believe in doing things right the first time, ensuring that every project meets the highest quality standards, adheres to codes, and is properly permitted. Our commitment to integrity means you can trust us to deliver results you’re thrilled about and excited to share with friends and family.
  • Employee Well-being: We value our team members and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being through fair wages and comprehensive benefits. Happy and motivated employees are key to delivering exceptional service, and work hard to make sure ours know how appreciated they are.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: We understand that home renovation and building can be stressful. That’s why we go the extra mile to provide outstanding customer service. We believe in transparency, educating our clients, and setting clear expectations. At every stage of the building process, your satisfaction is our top priority.
  • Accountability: We stand behind our work with confidence. That’s why we offer a 1-year warranty on material defects. If anything comes up, just give us a call, and we’ll make it right. We take responsibility for our projects from start to finish.
When you choose The Homeowners Helper, you’re not just choosing a construction company; you’re choosing a partner committed to authentic values and backed by decades of experience. 

Our Story

The Homeowners Helper journey traces its roots back to 1997 when Cody’s father, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in painting and construction, decided to take the leap into business ownership. With a fervent commitment to delivering top-notch craftsmanship at reasonable prices, he set the company’s foundations and chose the name we still go by today.

Initially, the focus was on completing finishing work for new builds across Montgomery County and transforming numerous basements into stunning living spaces. His unwavering dedication to quality played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Montgomery County in the 90s.

In the early 2000s, Cody, joined his father in this exciting venture. Freshly graduated from high school and returning from a European adventure as a trumpet player with his orchestra, his youthful energy and wholehearted commitment became instrumental in their collaborative efforts as they worked diligently side by side.

cody ward, owner and operator of the homeowners helper llc - a trusted general contractor in frederick md
cody and stephanie ward, owners of The Homeowners Helper LLC, a frederick md general contractor

Cody Takes the Helm

Cody’s journey in construction wasn’t just a career path; it became a foundational aspect of his identity. The profound connection was established early on, working alongside his father to craft a second story for their Jefferson home in 1999. Growing up surrounded by construction sites, Cody’s passion for the field flourished, inspired by the legacy initiated by his father.

Amidst the challenges of the 2008 market downturn, the company experienced a slowdown. Seizing the opportunity, Cody explored management roles in the service industry, successfully spearheading two startups that grew into multi-million-dollar enterprises.

In 2020, witnessing the “profit-over-people” approach that seemed to be dominating businesses, with his father’s blessing, Cody decided to revive and take over ownership of The Homeowners Helper. Embarking on an exhilarating journey to rejuvenate the company, he committed to preserving its essence of craftsmanship and unwavering respect for clients and employees.

Commencing with smaller projects, the company swiftly earned the trust of its clients, progressively scaling to encompass more extensive renovations. Today, with its current structure and a proudly acquired home builder license, The Homeowners Helper stands as a testament to its commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

Stephanie Joins the Team

In January of 2023, Stephanie, Cody’s wife, joined our team, bringing her vibrant personality, innovative viewpoints, and strong administrative talents to our operations. Armed with a degree and extensive experience in corporate and customer service roles, her client relations skills have significantly enhanced our commitment and ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences day in and day out.

Whether she’s at the office overseeing daily operations or out in the field handling permits, estimate visits, and contract signings alongside Cody, Stephanie is the face behind the office voice. Since her arrival, Cody and Stephanie have worked hand in hand, growing the company together and achieving new milestones in our journey.

At The Homeowners Helper, we’re proud of how far we’ve come on this journey that started more than 25 years ago. Our story is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the power of tightly held values to propel a vision forward.

 
stephanie ward, co-owner of the homeowners helper llc

About Our Crew

At The Homeowners Helper, we’re a close-knit family of experts dedicated to transforming homes and lives. Our crew is the heartbeat of our operation, and here’s why they stand out:

  • Talented and Passionate: Our crew comprises talented pros who are not just skilled, but love their work and pursue it with enthusiasm.
  • Continuous Learning: We prioritize knowledge and a willingness to learn, ensuring our team is always at the top of their game.
  • Respectful Professionals: Respect for our clients’ homes is paramount and our crew understands the privilege of working in them.
  • Customer-Centric: From top to bottom, we uphold high standards of customer service, both for our clients and each other.
  • Proud Reputation: Our crew completes projects on time and on budget, with minimal disruptions, upholding our stellar reputation.

Want to put your skills to work at a company that truly cares about your well-being? Join Our Family! If you’re interested in becoming a valued member of our team, click the button below to get started.

cody and stephanie ward, owners of the homeowners helper llc, kneeling with their dogs at a park in frederick md

Fun Facts About
Cody and Stephanie

Cody’s roots run deep in Jefferson, Maryland, where he was born and raised. His passion for construction was nurtured in this very community. Both of his parents, along with his grandparents, have called Frederick County home for generations. His grandfather, a local plumbing business owner and volunteer firefighter at the Wolfsville fire department for over three decades, passed on a legacy of dedication to the area. You could say that ‘Old Bay’ runs in his veins.

Stephanie’s journey was quite different, as she spent her early years as an ‘Army brat’—the daughter of an Army Officer. Her childhood included moves up and down the East Coast, as well as five years in Germany. It wasn’t until 2004 that she found her way to Maryland, and it instantly felt like home. After graduating from Christopher Newport University with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Communications, she made the decision to return to Maryland, where she had truly belonged.

Cody and Stephanie’s paths converged in the world of music. Their story began when Cody walked into a live music venue where Stephanie was performing on stage with her band in early 2017. Stephanie, a talented singer, had been a local band member for many years and was part of an all-female a cappella group during her college years (yes, much like the movie ‘Pitch Perfect’). She has also contributed her voice to numerous choirs and choral ensembles over time, and she currently sings with her church choir. Music has always been a central part of Cody’s life, thanks to his mom, a music teacher. He’s proficient in playing the trumpet, guitar, and piano, and even studied music production. After high school, he embarked on a journey through Europe, performing with an instrumental ensemble. His musical genres of choice lean toward heavy metal and rock.

Beyond their professional pursuits, Cody and Stephanie share a deep love for adventure and creativity. Kayaking, particularly on the serene Potomac River, holds a special place in their hearts, and they often spend weekends paddling with their family. When they’re not out on the water, you can find them enjoying the latest Marvel movie releases. Additionally, they take pleasure in exploring new interests together, frequently enrolling in enjoyable classes like glass blowing, pottery, or casual paint nights.

Their family extends to the animal kingdom, as Cody and Stephanie are proud pet parents to Icarus, a lively 5-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, and Bubba-Bear, their wise 13-year-old Silky-poo. Recently, they welcomed a new feathered family member into their lives. George Snow, an all-white Lutino Cockatiel, hatched on October 13th, 2023, and his name is a playful reference to Jon Snow from ‘Game of Thrones.’ Their fur and feather babies bring boundless joy, endless snuggles, and countless moments of laughter to their everyday lives.

Thank You for Getting to Know More About Us!

 

We don’t take it for granted that you took the time to explore our story, our mission, and our values. We’re honored that you’ve shown an interest in our journey and made it this far down the page!

Now that you know more about us, we’re eager to learn more about you. Your dream for your custom home or renovation project is unique, and we want to hear your vision as well as your story. Our collaborative approach means your needs, preferences, and aspirations will be at the forefront every step of the way.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with us by filling out our form or clicking the button below. Your journey to your dream home begins here, and we can’t wait to be a part of it.

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