Todd Normand has built his business around the principle that control matters. At Bernhard Normand Construction, his 50-person in-house team gives him unusual oversight of quality, timelines and execution—an approach that allows for consistency and a seamless building process.
“The people we have in-house and the time in which we can complete a project are the main things that set us apart,” Normand says. “We want to keep our employees busy, but we don’t want to grow so much that our quality drops.”
Construction was part of Normand’s foundation. Raised in a family rooted in the building industry, he absorbed the craft early, learning by proximity long before stepping into the business himself. He found his own entry point by launching a flooring company, which expanded into remodeling and eventually evolved into custom homebuilding.
“There’s more emphasis on home offices, theater rooms—spaces people can really enjoy,” Normand says. “We’re doing a lot of high-end features—wellness rooms with gyms, saunas and steam rooms, along with pools and outdoor entertainment areas.”
Even as homes become more elaborate, Normand’s focus remains rooted in longevity. He revisits homes his company built years ago—not just to remember the project, but to see how it has held up over time. “We’re building a brand here,” he says. “We try to build all of our homes to last. We take pride in that.”
That long-term mindset extends beyond construction. Normand’s business has grown almost entirely through word of mouth, fueled by client relationships that continue long after move-in day.
“When we build someone’s house, that home is like family to us,” he says. “We’re still going back years later to help with anything they need.”
For Normand, success is measured over the years in homes that still stand strong, still look beautiful and still reflect the standard he set from the start.
In their own words
PERSONAL BEST
Seeing something go from an idea to a dream home. I’ve done some amazing projects for some great clients. It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite.
PHILOSOPHY IN THREE WORDS
Timeless. Beautiful. Luxury.
HARD KNOCKS LESSON
Control beats convenience. Moving to self-perform changes the entire mindset. You stop being just a coordinator and start becoming a builder of systems and people.
DREAM VS. BUDGET
I don’t go into the job with a goal to be the lowest bidder. I am transparent from the start. I want my clients to get exactly what they want but not to be misled on what that looks like budget-wise.
TECH TALK
We use technology to visualize designs early in the project. I’m old school, though. I get on the phone most of the time.
WILD REQUESTS
I was asked to raise the ceiling height in a basement under an existing house. We first installed structural bracing under the house, then excavated below the existing slab to lower the floor elevation. We installed permanent sump pumps and a drainage system to manage groundwater and removed soil so we could pour the new slab. I learned you just have to be patient. You can’t speed through that job.
FUTURE BUILDERS MAY CRINGE AT…
How many tasks in 2026 still depended heavily on manual labor and on-site decision-making instead of automation.
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