After 2 renovations and 2 custom builds, I was quite familiar with the trials and tribulations of home construction. When it came time to build my ‘final’ dream home, I wanted quality, sustainability, and something that would be uniquely mine. About this time, I came across Meadowlark in a print article and soon set up a meeting with them. It wasn’t long before I knew I had found the builder that could meet my standards for professionalism, integrity and quality, with a commitment to sustainable and green-building. I brought to them a notebook full of ideas and a challenging undeveloped property on a wooded hilltop. From design, site preparation to completion, it was almost 2 years. At all times, the designer, construction manager, business / finance person and Doug Selby (the owner) were communicative, responsive and accessible. It was truly a collaborative process where I had confidence in Meadowlark's integrity and excellence in supporting me with the largest investment of my life. Throughout the process, their commitment to detail, craftsmanship, quality and customer service, continued to reinforce that I had gone with the right builder. The post-build experience has also gone beyond my expectations - whether it was a punch-list / warranty item, or I needed a reference for a maintenance item, Meadowlark has come through. Thank you Meadowlark for an exceptional experience !

I understand any renovation will encounter unforeseeable hurdles like mold or insufficient structural support, however, at this price point, this was initially thought to be a premier group to work with, justifying the top-of-the-line cost. That has not been the case. The issues we’ve encountered have been easily avoidable, and span across all Meadowlark departments including design, administrative, etc. and do not give me trust in the Meadowlark process, nor Meadowlark as a partner. All errors stem from someone not following through despite the billable hours and documentation paperwork dedicated to the build process. Below, I’ve including a list of examples of what went wrong:Initial design didn’t meet zoning ordinances; had to re-design. This error was caught weeks before we were supposed to begin constructionRe-design added additional $12,000 to our budget and had to be completed within days - we were forced to choose in the ninth inning between paying an additional $12,000 or abandoning our project, which we had already completed the billable design phase.Project manager, architect and designer quit mid project, creating a tough learning curve for new project manager, and a process break with design where there was no follow up or support, and misses all over from closet shelving, etcWrong windows were ordered; all had to be re-orderedUpstairs bedroom was mis-managed from a design perspective - misses include closet height, clipped entry door, misaligned peaksWrong cabinet color ordered in mudroom (repainted and arrived already chipping)Wrong cabinet color kitchen (re-ordered). This error was found upon delivery of cabinets (by me) and less than four weeks before our projected move in dateKitchen sink was not ordered by Meadowlark back in March during selections despite Meadowlark’s understanding there was a long back order, and it was just ordered - so we do not have a sink until a projected month after project completionWe have received countless apologies and have been told that there has been many policy changes on your end due to the mistakes we have encountered. Regardless, we are beyond frustrated and feel as though this project has been mishandled. Had the appropriate measures been taken during the VERY costly out-of-pocket design phase, which we trusted, we feel we would not be in this position that we’re in today. My concerns are continuing to grow with the expected additional months of time needed to complete the project due to re-ordered cabinetry and the snowball effect of other kitchen items like backsplash, appliances, counters, sink. Not only does it encroach on my wife’s pregnancy due date, which we have verbalized from the start, it also takes unnecessary money out of our pockets in interest-only form from our construction loan, which can not be converted to a traditional mortgage until project completion. I do not believe that I should be covering these types of expenses at the cost of Meadowlark’s negligence. Lastly, the amount of time I’m taking off work to meet with Meadowlark and problem solve these issues is taking a toll on me and my job.The experience has had its ups and downs - ups including our experience with new project manager Jeremy Smart, who’s attentiveness has been unparalleled - however the negatives have drastically reduced our overall experience and happiness with this process.

There's a reason for our continued dependence on Meadowlark when it's time for a project that improves and enhances our home. Transforming our basement into a wonderful lower level space marked our third project with Meadowlark. The Meadowlark organization now feels much more like a long term colleague than a construction company when it comes to implementing our visions and accomplishing needed upgrades to our living space. They are thoroughly professional, always considerate of our preferences, and working with their team is simple and enjoyable. They take time to listen to our wants and needs and they thoughtfully and creatively combine their expertise with our wishes to create terrific results.

The experience was exceptional. I am ready to buy another house to remodel. It was very, very, good.

If you are in search of someone to build your custom home, we recommend Meadowlark Design+Build without reservations. We had a vision of what we wanted our future home to be. Meadowlark Design did an amazing job of working with us to actualize our dream house, our home in the woods with those woods being part of our home. They were adept at discerning our taste preferences for internal spaces, textures and finishes. Couldn't have been more satisfied with those results.The Build process was well coordinated with the subcontractors. They were on schedule throughout the construction process. Most importantly, when something wasn't right, Meadowlark's desire to have it corrected and done well matched ours.Lastly, if having an environmentally friendly and efficient home is important to you, Meadowlark must be considered as your builder. They are committed to offering and incorporating sustainable materials and energy efficient technologies into your home.

Great experience in building our house from scratch.

We have worked with Meadowlark on 3 major projects on our home - 2 additions plus a complete kitchen remodel. We were very happy with the process and love the results. Based on our experience, we have recommended them to a number of friends and will definitely work with them on future projects.

Meadowlark does outstanding work, in a timely manner. If you want professional work, with no corner-cutting, and very good people who want to work for their customer, you want Meadowlark.

We worked with Meadowlark on two home improvement projects. The first project involved a 2 story addition to our home and it went so well that when it was time for our second project, Meadowlark was the only builder we contacted. They did a great job managing the projects within budget and schedule, did beautiful work, and even though we were living in a construction zone it was not a problem because everyone on the job was so polite and they kept a very tidy work site. I highly recommend Meadowlark and plan to use them again for future projects.

Our experience with Meadowlark was a very good one. The design process was fun and the final design was beautiful. Project management and the sub-contractors used were top rate. We always knew what was happening. If there were problems, options were presented and solutions implemented quickly. We're very happy with the work that was done. We've built before with other builders and are aware of what can go wrong and how unsatisfying the outcomes can be.If only we'd known about Meadowlark before!

We had an excellent experience working with Meadowlark Builders through both our design and construction process. As with most successful business, it is centered on the people. Doug's vision for efficient energy design and customer service was mirrored thru the organization. They do walk the talk. Melissa was wonderful thru the entire design process. Her guidance and expertise was much appreciated. I don't know how we would have gotten thru it without her, we actually had some fun! Our project manager, Greg, ensured the quality and timeliness of our homes construction. We love our new home and are grateful we chose Meadowlark as our builder. Anyone looking to build, should give these people a look.

The experience was wonderful from start to finish. They worked with me very closely on the design aspect and coming up with the right plans to fit my budget and my wishes. The work was done professionally, on time and to the highest standards.

Our older home presented many challenges from a functional and efficiency standpoint. Meadowlark took our needs for the space and combined them with an affordable and energy conscious solution that we couldn't be happier using.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - They are very well organized and make a strong effort to address customer needs...this does not mean that every outcome was in my favor, but at least we were able to have the conversation.

Employees Professionalism

Employees Professionalism - They could teach customer-service skills to others! Everyone was exceptionally courteous and professional.

Overall Experience

Overall Experience - We don't have people bid on work on our house, we have Meadowlark do it! From demolition to finished project they do the best work I've ever seen. They pay attention to details I probably wouldn't ever notice. They took into account ideas we presented and made it all come true, while staying within the timeline and the budget!

Likely To Recommend

Likely To Recommend - We will certainly recommend Meadowlark to anyone who wants a job done with total professionalism and the most rigorous attention to detail. Fabulous work by the best contractor in Michigan! When the project turns out even better than you could imagine, you know the work was done by Meadowlark.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - I was most satisfied with the problem solving. If issues came up they were handled wonderfully and solutions were clearly defined.

Meadowlark builders made the experience of remodeling bearable! The final product was a beautiful loft space, master bathroom, and guest bathroom that have transformed the house. They do beautiful work, help with everything from the initial design to the final details of the job. I recommend them strongly for any project, large or small.

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - I have done renovations in the past so I am aware of the pitfalls of the process. Meadowlark did not fall short of any of my expectations. Of course there were unexpected findings in my house (as is true for all old homes), but they were explained to me and managed appropriately. The communication process, organization of the work, and workmanship all exceeded expectations.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - I feel like I can trust them really well. I feel that they are really good and really ethical people and that they're into the cause of green building because they believe in it. We asked them to use salvaged materials and I think it's unique that a builder would agree to work with that.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Design, craftsmanship, creativity, all office personnel and site manager. They readily understood the "feel and look" we wanted the new house to have and they showed terrific commitment (even passion) to its design and construction. Their enthusiasm for the project rivaled ours. They very successfully built us the home we had envisioned when we first thought about this project.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - We appreciated the courtesy and professionalism of the Meadowlark staff. Also, we were very pleased that the project kept to schedule. Lots of project planning, lots of organizing - and it paid off.We are also very pleased with the 11 month visit that Meadowlark will do - and their warranty.

Remodeling Concerns

Remodeling Concerns - We'd heard all the tales about builders who don't finish projects in timely fashion - finishing late and taking forever to wrap up the details. At the beginning of the project Meadowlark reviewed a 4 month schedule with us - and then kept to it!

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Overall the design, craftsmanship, and project execution were exceptional. It was wonderful to deal with such responsible and client-oriented professionals. We would not hesitate to recommend Meadowlark to other homeowners. They also worked with us in many ways to help us keep on budgets.

Remodeling Concerns

Remodeling Concerns - Budget & schedule - and MLB worked with us to bring the costs in line with budget both by coordinating owner-supplied scope and proposing various cost-cutting items.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - We are very glad that they are our builders.

Construction Quality

Construction Quality - They do amazing work and attend to details so that the finished product is like a work of art.

Overall Experience

Overall Experience - Honestly, I will always go to them first for all of my home remodeling. I don't think I could have a comparable positive experience elsewhere.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - They're just good honest caring people. They are attentive to my concerns and have wonderful creative ideas.

Remodeling Concerns

Remodeling Concerns - I was mostly concerned about being able to do what I wanted within my budget. They not only kept to my budget but gave me an amazing room remodel.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - They are honest, deliver good service, take care of problems prompty, take responsibility, take their reputation seripously and do excellent quality work.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Fundamental honesty, integrity and insatiable desire to satisfy the client.

Overall Experience

Overall Experience - I never imagined that a whole house remodel could go as smoothly as ours did. From start to finish the experience was terrific. Every member of the Meadowlark staff was a pleasure to work with--they are all smart, creative, and hard-working. We are glad we chose Meadowlark to build our new home and have no hesitation in recommending their services to others.

Remodeling Concerns

Remodeling Concerns - We were "rookies" about remodling, but felt very comfortable working with folks from Meadowlark and now want to do additional remodling.

Communication Concerns

Communication Concerns - Any problem that we had, they addressed immediately. They were perfect. Their were no major problems. Everyone was very friendly courteous, and respectful.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Their overall knowledge and flexibility in dealing with new materials. Also they handle new techniques very well.

Recognized Excellence

Recognized Excellence - Across the board, they were all excellent.

Budget

Budget - We appreciated Meadowlark's honest and open approach to money discussions. It helped us come up with the best possible combination of money, materials and time.

Construction Quality

Construction Quality - Everyone worked on the house like it were their own. Our family and friends have been very impressed as observers of the whole process.

Problem Resolution

Problem Resolution - We always felt we could openly discuss and address any concerns we had as homeowners.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Being our first professional building project, there was a lot we needed to be taught. All the team members were very patient with our questions and took the time to answer.We really enjoyed working with such an well rounded and interesting bunch of people.

Remodeling Concerns

Remodeling Concerns - Our biggest concern was being new to the process and get unexpected surprises. I believe the open dialogue really helped through the project.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - We are very grateful to the Meadowlark Team for the wonderful results! Thank you very much!!!

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - It's been a wonderful experience and they still follow through with me for every little question I have.

Recognized Excellence

Recognized Excellence - Really, all the guys who worked on the project were great - beyond thinking they did great work, we also just *liked* them and were entirely comfortable having them in the house.

Recognized Excellence

Recognized Excellence - Everyone from Meadowlark who worked on my house was fantastic! I highly recommend them.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - We enthusiastically recommend Meadowlark's services to everyone!

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - We have been recommending Meadowlark as we share our story. They have been an amazing team to work with and this has been a positive experience.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - Everyone we've dealt with at Meadowlark has been great. I recommend them to anyone looking for top quality home improvement work. Their attention to detail is extraordinary and their concern for the customer satisfaction is primary.

Recognized Excellence

Recognized Excellence - Everyone of the Meadowlark staff has proven "exceptional": Melissa, Jim, Larry, all of the "Js", etc., etc. All have contributed greatly to this project.