--- title: "Heartstone Custom Builders — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/heartstone-custom-builders-pfvwus-pf~1132974422 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1132974422.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Heartstone Custom Builders" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4d73751401787893_9685-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "3239 Victorian Drive, Long Grove, Illinois 60047, United States" latitude: 42.2165 longitude: -88.0769 phone: "(847) 994-3573" website: http://www.heartstonebuilders.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 18 years_in_business: 20 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 189 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # Heartstone Custom Builders > Elite Design-Build Firm / > 3x Best of Houzz Winner Original Houzz profile: [Heartstone Custom Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/heartstone-custom-builders-pfvwus-pf~1132974422) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Long Grove, IL - **Serves:** Arlington Heights, Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Mundelein, Highland Park, McHenry, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Prospect Heights, Winnetka, Barrington, Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Inverness, Salem, Lake Bluff, Northfield, Lake Barrington, Highwood, South Barrington, Barrington Hills, Kildeer, Green Oaks, Riverwoods, Deer Park, North Barrington, Prairie Grove, Delavan, Port Barrington, Forest Lake, Bannockburn, Tower Lake, Indian Creek, Mettawa, Burlington, Fontana, Fort Sheridan, Lake Como, Lake Geneva, Pleasant Prairie, Twin Lakes, Walworth, Williams Bay - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Family owned - 20 years in business - Verified Hires - Hired on Houzz - Provides 3D Visualization ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - 20 years in business - Family owned - 1 Hire on Houzz - Provides 3D Visualization - 1 Verified Hire We know that building a custom home can be one of the most rewarding experiences and sometimes the most frustrating too. Our goal at Heartstone Custom Builders is to make that experience not only pain free, but truly enjoyable. Our architects design stunning homes of any size, shape and style to suit your family's needs. We are small enough that the president of Heartstone will work directly with you throughout your entire project. At the same time we are large enough to deliver custom homes at a surprisingly competitive price that's on time and on budget every time. We back all our homes with a 2-year "bumper to bumper" warranty, twice most builders warranties. We will build your home on your lot or ours with a wide variety of financing options available. Give us a call any time and make an appointment for a free consultation. We truly put "our heart into every home". Steve Melnick President Heartstone Custom Builders ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Energy-Efficient Homes - Garage Building - Universal Design - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Historic Building Conservation - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Arlington Heights - Palatine - Hoffman Estates - Buffalo Grove - Northbrook - Mundelein - Highland Park - McHenry - Vernon Hills - Libertyville - Lake Forest - Deerfield - Prospect Heights - Winnetka - Barrington - Hawthorn Woods - Long Grove - Lincolnshire - Inverness - Salem - Lake Bluff - Northfield - Lake Barrington - Highwood - South Barrington - Barrington Hills - Kildeer - Green Oaks - Riverwoods - Deer Park - North Barrington - Prairie Grove - Delavan - Port Barrington - Forest Lake - Bannockburn - Tower Lake - Indian Creek - Mettawa - Burlington - Fontana - Fort Sheridan - Lake Como - Lake Geneva - Pleasant Prairie - Twin Lakes - Walworth - Williams Bay ### Typical Job Cost $10,000 - 6 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Heartstone Custom Builders | | Address | 3239 Victorian Drive, Long Grove, Illinois 60047, United States | | Phone | (847) 994-3573 | | Website | http://www.heartstonebuilders.com | | Years in business | 20 | | Followers on Houzz | 189 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/HeartstoneCustomBuilders - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/HeartstoneBuild - Blog — www.heartstonebuilders.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Heartstone Custom Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/heartstone-custom-builders-pfvwus-pf~1132974422) - **Website:** http://www.heartstonebuilders.com - **Phone:** (847) 994-3573 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2022), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 18 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — mpiscitello, June 2020** > We could not be more pleased with our decision to build our home in Deer Park with Heartstone in 2015. Truly the reason we continue to be so positive about our building experience speaks to Steve Melnick and his team. The entire process was customer focused, engaged and transparent. Steve’s knowledge, expertise and approach to custom home construction is outstanding and distinguishes him from other builders. From day one, Steve was there for us as we tried to navigate the myriad of decisions, always getting back to us and answering any question (even the stupid ones). Most importantly, Steve took the time to know us before, during and after the build (if he is in the neighborhood, he doesn’t hesitate to stop in-- just to say “hi”). We had the best home-building experience and we know it is due to the Heartstone team that went above and beyond in every aspect of our build. When the time comes to build again, Steve will be the first person we will call. Highest recommendation! ### All 18 reviews **★★★★★ — elina26, Nov. 2021** > Heartstone did an excellent job on our addition, kitchen and full bath remodel. From the very 1st meeting we knew we were dealing with professionals. The team is very professional, organized and responsive. They were always available for questions or/and any change requests. We added 170ft to our kitchen and completely redone a full bath. We lived in the house through the entire construction, the crew was very courteous and everything was super clean. I would definitely work with Heartstone again and recommend them to anyone I know. All the contractors that they work with were excellent as well. **★★★★★ — donnazach, Oct. 2021** > We had a great experience with Heartstone builders. Steve Melnick was very knowledgeable and had great insight in the architectural process. Marek the superintendent, I can’t say enough nice things about working with him. He truly made the experience flawless. Very helpful in guiding us through the process and offering suggestions when needed. The quality and craftsmanship of the crews and build was first rate. We would definitely recommend him to friends and family. **★★★★★ — zach kutch, Sept. 2021** > I worked with Heartstone Custom Builders to complete my unfinished basement. The communication and work was top notch. The recommendations, design, and changes during the build happened flawlessly and the final product is amazing. I would recommend Heartstone Custom Builders for any building needs you may have. **Comment from Heartstone Custom Builders:** > Thank you Zach for the wonderful referral! It was a pleasure working with you and hope to work again with you on future projects. **★★★★★ — HU-420247523, Sept. 2021** > Heartstone has done a great job of building our first home. They completed the project in the promised time frame. Very professional, very helpful, very knowledgeable, very detail oriented. Marek, the supervisor, always knew exactly what was going on and when, always had a solution for any problem, his work ethics were superior. Yes, I would recommend them to family and friends. If we ever decide to build again (somewhere by a lake hopefully), without a doubt we are coming back to Heartstone. **★★★★★ — HU-273980713, Sept. 2021** > I'm Jay. I'm also the husband of an awesome Bride who had the proclivity to spend 7 figures with Heartstone Custom Builders without any knowledge of the results we might receive because we've never worked with them. > I've met Steve Melnick once. > I had very little to do with the day to day, or quite frankly the BIG PICTURE. > I know this.... "Happy Wife, Happy Life" Jen was happy, and therefore, I'm happy. > I'd be 100% on board with utilizing Heartstone again if (or when) she pulls the trigger on the next project. > Respectfully, > Jay Alter **Comment from Heartstone Custom Builders:** > Thank you Jay for the kind words, I must admit that you crack me up! > Our staff loved working with you and Jen and we consider you one of the nicest clients we have ever worked for. > We appreciate the opportunity and your business. > Steve Melnick, > President **★★★★★ — Diane Gault, Jan. 2020** > Our renovation with the Heartstone group was wonderful. I would definitely use them again and confidently recommend them to anyone looking for a contractor. **Comment from Heartstone Custom Builders:** > Thank you Diane! I was a pleasure working with you! **★★★★★ — Sharon Bresler, July 2018** > I hired Heartstone to build my home. From start to finish, Steve Melnick was instrumental with all the trades and all the details. Heartstone builds a beautiful, high quality home. The entire team was great to work with. So much so another family member is building their home with Heartstone. The attention to detail and need to make the customer happy Is what Steve and his team strive for. They also stand behind all the work they do. If I had to do it all over again, I would definitely build with Heartstone. **★★★ — Eric Centazzo, Jan. 2018** > I hired Heartstone to renovate two bathrooms in my home. Their proce was very competitive, the quality of their work was excellent, they were on site each and every day and finished ahead of schedule. We are very pleased with the finished product and would definitely use them again. **★★★★★ — Ron Hoffman, Dec. 2017** > We had a positive experience in building our dream house. We love it! It was great to have a team like Steve Melnick the owner of Heartstone Custom Builders and Marek his Superintendent right hand man. We can't say enough good things about them. They both were and still are responsive to all our needs regarding our home throughout this progress. Heartstone and his team respond quickly and gets the job done, and that speaks volumes to us. We highly recommend him and his team to others. Look at the pictures! A picture paints a thousand words! **★★★★★ — ssagerman, April 2016** > We built a 6000 square foot custom home in Long Grove with Heartstone in 2009 and we had a great experience! The builder helped revise our architechtural plans to meet our needs. He made valuable suggestions, including adding technology and state-of-the-art materials to the house. The building process was well-supervised and completed on schedule. The builder has stood behind his work, and we have hired Heartstone for several projects and upgrades since the house was completed. > We are very happy with the finished product and would recommend Heartstone without reservation! **★★★★★ — annereaven, Feb. 2016** > Steve and his team are 100% accessible, they are kind and compassionate and always wanted the best for us when we were building our home. We have been living in our solid and awesome Home for over a year and are still able to reach out and utilize Steve and his team whenever we need them for questions, etc. **★★★★★ — scott8008, Nov. 2015** > I had the distinguished opportunity to work with Steve Melnick and has staff at Heartstone Custom Builders in building our custom home. Steve Melnick is comprised not only with an extensive knowledge in the building industry, yet most importantly, Steve offers a detailed, educational, and enjoyable experience to your home build. > > My wife and I hired Heartstone Custom Builders after interviewing with multiple customer home builders. After our very first meeting with Steve, we knew we found our builder as he engaged us throughout his entire process with comfort and ease. Steve was very confident in his approach and capability to our project which was extremely important to us. We put our trust and MONEY in the hands of Heartstone and Steve gave us a beautiful home in return. > > Building a custom home is new for everyone. Remember, it is the first of its kind when you build a custom home. Nobody has the house you are building, the trades have never built this house before, and you are truly left with a "one-of-a-kind" home and home building experience. With that being said, Steve Melnick is as professional as they come in handling any obstacles throughout construction. He will guide you throughout your build navigating through turns and overcoming any bumps with the utmost respect and dignity. > > Steve has a way with people left to be desired by many. Steve's expertise, desire, and compassion in building our custom home made the overall experience that much greater than most builders could have accomplished. He is truly hands on with his clients and he is always available to answer questions and deflect concerns that arise. My wife and I would most definitely recommend Heartstone Customer Builders for your next custom home or remodel. > > I can say from personal experience, "Steve Melnick puts the "HEART" in Heartstone Custom Builders". > > S & J Burkhalter **★★★★★ — caryn4kidsslp, June 2015** > Steve was amazing! I needed renovation done quickly and he jumped right in and helped turn an average home into a really special one, and made it seem easy. His crew was great. They were always there when they said they would be, they clearly knew what they were doing, were efficient, respectful and neat. Steve was there every day to oversee anything going on, and if there were any problems along the way, I never felt them. His direction and suggestions were always very helpful and turned out to be right on. It was obvious he cared and wanted me to be happy, and I AM! **★★★★★ — kkossof, May 2015** > Working with Heartstone Custom Buulders to remodel my kitchen and bathroom, was a pleasure! Living through the construction was not a problem at all. They were clean and timely. Client service was excellent providing great communication and suggestions. It was so nice to have a headache free remodeling experience! **★★★★★ — angela7857, May 2015** > We could not have asked for anything better from Heartstone Custom Builders. After significant research and meeting multiple builders, we chose Heartstone to build our new home in Barrington Hills. Definitely a smart decision for the start of a large project with a tight timeline. Steve is knowledgeable, flexible and his pricing was both competitive and honest. His subcontractors were great, especially the rough and finish carpenters. The detail of the woodwork in our home is exceptional thanks to their imagination and talent. > > The result is a beautiful home that exceeds all of our expectations that was built on time and on budget (the only overages were things that we added to the project ourselves). Don't get me wrong - building a new home is a lot of work and even with the best planning, things don't always go exactly as you planned but at every step Steve had solutions and, even helped to mediate disagreements when my husband and I had different opinions. After living in our home for the past 2 years, we have not had a single problem of any significance. I would not hesitate to recommend Heartstone to anyone building a new custom home and, if we build again in the future, we will definitely use Steve. **★★★★★ — tdsandberg, May 2015** > Heartstone was great to work with. We had bought an old seventies-looking home in foreclosure that needed a lot of work to get it looking fresh and new. It also came with a lot of structural issues that were the result of a number of additions / updates over the years done by bad carpenters who cut a lot of corners. We had wondered what we had gotten ourselves into after living in the house for a few months through the winter. Heartstone came in and transformed the home completely, touching almost every wall (inside and out). They addressed all of the structural issues as they arose and delivered by the promised move-in date. It's absolutely amazing this is the same house. It looks incredible! **★★★★★ — magsmar, Feb. 2014** > I used Heartstone Custom Builders for a total renovation in my second bathroom in my home. Steve was such a pleasure to work with as well as his staff. It came out exactly as I envisioned it. > I would definitely use him again. Very clean and professional. > I would highly recommend him to anyone. ## Selected projects - [Fontana, WI](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fontana-wi-pj-vj~6794694) - Location: Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, WI - Photos: 46 - Description: Home remodel - [Mettawa, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mettawa-il-pj-vj~5951979) - Location: Mettawa, IL - Photos: 13 - [McHenry, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mchenry-il-pj-vj~6819368) - Location: McHenry, IL - Photos: 20 - [Long Grove, IL 3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/long-grove-il-3-pj-vj~2849518) - Location: Long Grove, IL - Photos: 33 - [Pleasant Prairie, WI](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pleasant-prairie-wi-pj-vj~6815608) - Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI - Photos: 16 - [Long Grove, IL 4](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/long-grove-il-4-pj-vj~6815573) - Location: Long Grove, IL - Photos: 15 - [Kildeer, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kildeer-il-pj-vj~5106700) - Location: Kildeer, IL - Photos: 31 - [Vernon Hills, IL 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vernon-hills-il-2-pj-vj~2849490) - Location: Vernon Hills, IL - Photos: 45 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Hawthorn Woods, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hawthorn-woods-il-pj-vj~2716538) - Location: Hawthorn Woods, IL - Photos: 18 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Barrington, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barrington-il-pj-vj~2716631) - Location: Barrington, IL - Photos: 30 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Deer Park, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deer-park-il-pj-vj~2716561) - Location: Deer Park, IL - Photos: 40 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Kildeer, IL 3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kildeer-il-3-pj-vj~2716564) - Location: Kildeer, IL - Photos: 17 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Long Grove IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/long-grove-il-pj-vj~2716571) - Location: Long Grove, IL - Photos: 32 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Long Grove, IL 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/long-grove-il-2-pj-vj~2716664) - Location: Long Grove, IL - Photos: 15 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Kildeer, IL 6](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kildeer-il-6-pj-vj~1226442) - Location: Kildeer, IL - Photos: 33 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Northbrook, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northbrook-il-pj-vj~2716557) - Location: Northbrook, IL - Photos: 45 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Northbrook. IL 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northbrook-il-2-pj-vj~2849432) - Location: Northbrook, IL - Photos: 10 - Description: Basement/Bathroom Remodel - [Kildeer, IL 5](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kildeer-il-5-pj-vj~2849402) - Location: Kildeer, IL - Photos: 26 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home - [Palatine, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palatine-il-pj-vj~6815709) - Location: Palatine, IL - Photos: 19 - [Kildeer, IL 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kildeer-il-2-pj-vj~2716545) - Location: Kildeer, IL - Photos: 14 - Description: New Custom Single Family Home [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/heartstone-custom-builders-pfvwus-pf~1132974422) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840736258.m3u8?s=18450f7c61543d1e18b04d9e33f35b2aeeb0885b&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Are you licensed and insured?** Yes, we are a licensed design-build firm. While our Houzz profile confirms our licensed status, we also ensure all our projects are fully insured for your peace of mind and protection throughout the entire building process. **What does your design-build process include?** Our design-build process is highly personalized. We start by getting to know your lifestyle and vision, then our architects design your dream home from scratch. We maintain a hands-on approach with professional project management and collaborate with design partners to ensure every detail meets your expectations and budget, delivering beautiful spaces on time. **How do you ensure projects stay within budget?** We ensure projects stay within budget through careful planning and transparent communication from the start. Our goal is to deliver custom homes and remodels at a competitive price, on time and on budget, without any surprises. We partner with you to ensure all specifications fit your budget. **Do you handle both architectural design and construction?** Absolutely. As a custom design-build firm, we handle both architectural design and construction. Our architects create stunning designs tailored to your needs, and our team then brings that vision to life, managing the entire construction process from start to finish. **Can you work on additions and large renovations?** Yes, we specialize in home additions and large renovations. Whether you need an expanded kitchen, an enlarged master bathroom, a sunroom, or a complete home transformation, we seamlessly integrate new areas with existing structures while maintaining your personal style. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Kitchen Design by Heartstone Custom Builders](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24302657/list/kitchen-design-by-heartstone-custom-builders) — 28 ideas - [Interiors by Heartstone Custom Builders](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24304227/list/interiors-by-heartstone-custom-builders) — 42 ideas - [Exteriors - Home Design by Heartstone Custom Builders](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24303454/list/exteriors-home-design-by-heartstone-custom-builders) — 31 ideas - [Bathroom Design by Heartstone Custom Builders](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24302990/list/bathroom-design-by-heartstone-custom-builders) — 20 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/heartstonecustombuilders) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is tlhe color of the door finish please?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is tlhe color of the door finish please? A: Hi Leslie, the doors are the Ultragrain walnut finish from Clopay Garage Doors. They are steel insulated doors that look like wood. Feel free to call me anytime if you have any further questions. Steve Melnick President Heartstone Custom Builders **Q: Can you please share the wall color. Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for inquiring about the wall color pictured. We are trying to confirm the color and will try to get you this information as soon as possible. **Q: love this! what kind of backsplash tile is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for inquiring about the tile used for the kitchen backsplash pictured. The tile is called Lake Garda Glass \#V2699. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*