--- title: "Sterling Custom Homes — Home Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/sterling-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~1862445604 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1862445604.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Sterling Custom Homes" category: ["Home Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f373fe1700b6aaee_1698-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2382 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302, United States" latitude: 42.5848 longitude: -83.2821 phone: "(248) 203-2036" website: http://www.sdc.build rating: 4.7 review_count: 24 years_in_business: 25 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 162 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # Sterling Custom Homes > Michigan's Fine Custom Homes & Renovations - Best of Houzz 2015-2017 Original Houzz profile: [Sterling Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/sterling-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~1862445604) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Home Builders - **Location:** Bloomfield Hills, MI - **Serves:** Oakland Township, Detroit, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Novi, West Bloomfield Township, Pontiac, Royal Oak, White Lake, Oak Park, Madison Heights, Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe Woods, Berkley, Hazel Park, Rochester, Clawson, Farmington, Beverly Hills, Grosse Pointe Farms, Walled Lake, Huntington Woods, Wolverine Lake, Bloomfield Hills, Lathrup Village, Lake Orion, Franklin, Keego Harbor, Grosse Pointe Shores, Pleasant Ridge, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Bingham Farms, Clarkston, Lake Angelus, Drayton Plains, Union Lake, West Bloomfield - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (24 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Family owned - 25 years in business - Hired on Houzz ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - 25 years in business - Family owned - 1 Hire on Houzz For almost twenty years, Sterling Custom Homes has been building and renovating homes centered in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area and reaching out into the surrounding cities/townships of Oakland County. Because of our commitment to innovation and excellence, Sterling Custom Homes has been awarded a winner in multiple categories of the Detroit Home Design Awards for three consecutive years. We have also received recognition in several local publications and one our homes in Birmingham will be featured in the Temple Israel Home Tour in the spring of 2015. ### Services Provided - New Home Construction - Custom Homes - Home Remodeling - Home Additions - Home Extensions - House Plans - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Project Management - Pool House Design & Construction - Garage Building - Home Restoration - Floor Plans - Sustainable Design - Foundation Construction - Site Planning - Drafting - Demolition - Structural Engineering - Site Preparation - Insulation Installation - Land Surveying - Bathroom Remodeling - Custom Home Bars - Kitchen Remodeling - Attic Conversion - Basement Remodeling - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Oakland Township - Detroit - Troy - Farmington Hills - Southfield - Rochester Hills - Waterford - Novi - West Bloomfield Township - Pontiac - Royal Oak - White Lake - Oak Park - Madison Heights - Auburn Hills - Birmingham - Ferndale - Grosse Pointe Woods - Berkley - Hazel Park - Rochester - Clawson - Farmington - Beverly Hills - Grosse Pointe Farms - Walled Lake - Huntington Woods - Wolverine Lake - Bloomfield Hills - Lathrup Village - Lake Orion - Franklin - Keego Harbor - Grosse Pointe Shores - Pleasant Ridge - Orchard Lake - Sylvan Lake - Bingham Farms - Clarkston - Lake Angelus - Drayton Plains - Union Lake - West Bloomfield ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 10 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Sterling Custom Homes | | Address | 2382 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302, United States | | Phone | (248) 203-2036 | | Website | http://www.sdc.build | | License Number | 2102177297 | | Years in business | 25 | | Followers on Houzz | 162 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/SterlingDevelopment - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/sterling-development-corporation ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Sterling Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/sterling-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~1862445604) - **Website:** http://www.sdc.build - **Phone:** (248) 203-2036 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Member of NAHB, HBA and Birmingham Bloomfield ChamberDetroit Home Design Awards for three consecutive yearsBest of Houzz 2015 Award - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Home Builders Association of Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/home-builders-association-of-michigan-pfvwus-pf~1477551635) - [Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/home-builders-association-of-southeastern-michigan-pfvwus-pf~1544583313) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 24 reviews** ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — jnmacgreg, April 2017** > Todd Emerson and his team at Sterling Development have been a pleasure to work with during the new construction of our home in Birmingham. Everyone we've interacted with has been knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and helpful with each decision and step of the year-long process. We are grateful for their expertise and outstanding craftsmanship, and absolutely love our new home. ### All 24 reviews **★★★★★ — Amy Fry, March 2018** > We first used Sterling Development in 2015 to remodel a bathroom, laundry room as well as put on a new roof. We were very pleased with the work and decided to hire Sterling again in 2017 for a complete walk-out basement remodel. Sterling was outstanding to work with. Workers were very professional, honest and timely. We were done ahead of schedule by two weeks and slightly under budget. We are thrilled with our new basement which has quickly turned into our main living space as it has a spacious family room, bar/kitchen, bathroom as well as a separate large movie room/kids game room. We are beyond thrilled with our basement and highly recommend Sterling Development! **★★★★★ — Joyce Steinberg, March 2018** > My husband and I have had wonderful experiences with Sterling. We had a sudden need to do a major renovation to our lower level to accommodate my husband's father moving in with us. Within 6 weeks we built out the lower level to add a beautiful bedroom, bathroom and closet. The work was beautiful and completed on time. The company stuck to our budget and their work crews maintained a clean premises and were very professional. We are now undergoing a second renovation of our master bathroom as well. We highly recommend the company. **★★ — jwelwarth, Feb. 2018** > Sterling is good at big picture, they are not as good with details. > > If you are looking for a finished work product and people who stand by their work, then Sterling is not for you. **Comment from Sterling Custom Homes:** > This contract was a cost plus margin model and every cost is calculated with added mark up and submitted to the client for payment. Client refused to pay balance and in addition asked that we do work not included in the original scope free of charge at the end of the project. There were a handful of items on their punch list at the end of their project that were legitimate and we were willing to correct these minor items. Because they did not pay the balance of the original contract, we requested that the balance of the contract be placed in escrow before completing the work and they refused. We took this as an indication that they never intended on paying the balance. We try to make all clients 100% happy but cannot always do so when customers are unreasonable. **★ — Robert Loupee, Feb. 2018** > A truly horrible experience: > -Big Remodel but they didn't pull permits and blamed me > -I fired Sterling so they put a lien on my house > -The new contractor I hired had to pull the proper permits after the fact > -My 3 month remodel took over a year to complete > -Maybe they're better at new construction! **Comment from Sterling Custom Homes:** > We entered into a cost plus contract with Rob who I was referred to by several people. He said that the ideas I had for improving his home were just what the home needed. During the process, he added 50% to the scope of the project including new windows, converting the base board heating system to gas forced air, renovation of his master bath, re-facing two fireplaces with stone, etc. On all of these extras and because of the contract being a cost plus, I took him on his word when verbally approving the work. Because of the change of scope, the project timing nearly doubled which Rob could not understand and toward the end became upset. Although in the end he loved the quality of work and my ideas and said the home was truly transformed, he used a a clause in the contract that required signed change orders to say he did not want to pay the full bill. Instead, he wanted us to give him a $20,000 credit on the bill and also do additional work not in the originally scope of the project for his inconvenience. When I refused, he cancelled the contract and forced me to take legal action (he still owed $80,000). After 6 months of litigation and $20,000 in attorney fees, the arbitrator ruled in my favor and he was forced to pay the bill. All and all, I worked for 6 months on the project, producing a great product in both design and quality and broke even on the job. The 1 year to finish the project stated was due to the fact that he cancelled the project and found another less capable contractor to complete the remaining 2% which amounted to punch list items. **★★★★★ — Karen Bernacki, April 2017** > Todd Emerson drew up a plan for the extensive renovation of a condo which we purchased in 2015. His ideas were innovative and also practical. Interior structural changes we had not thought of making but were part of Todd's design proved to be a wonderful re-working of the interior footprint of our condo. Work proceeded in a quick and efficient fashion. Any questions or concerns we had elicited a timely response from the company. We are very happy with the final product; the quality of the workmanship is excellent. Everyone at the company, especially Todd Emerson and Marc Alexander, was a pleasure to deal with. **★★★★★ — Dan Padilla, April 2017** > We first used Sterling for an extensive renovation and most recently for a new build. We could not be more satisfied with the results. Their attention to detail and commitment to make sure the customer is happy with the end result is second to none. **★★★★★ — Eileen Page, April 2017** > Sterling Development was a professional team that stood behind their work. Excellent follow-up and friendly service. We love our newly remolded home. **★★★★★ — GroutLikeNew, April 2017** > This is quite simply the best home improvement company EVER. I found Todd, Joe and their team when they did a ground up remodel of our neighbor's house. When I saw what a great job they did I hired them to rebuild the entire back wall of our house following a seriously damaging water leak. This spring we had them replace the front and rear entry doors to our home. Their project manager, Joe Dimeck, is truly amazing. Super competent, responsive, easy going, fun to work with - a true professional. I can recommend this company without any hesitation. **★★★★★ — Steve Timmis, April 2017** > Todd Emerson and his Sterling construction company has remodeled our entire home in three phases. They were on time and more importantly on budget. There were no hidden surprises. They were helpful transforming conception into fully engineered design. Craftsmanship was superior. Our house looks beautiful and feels as solid as a tank. As we contemplate a final addition, I will not hesitate to hire Sterling again. **★★★★★ — Karen Blanchard, April 2017** > Sterling is the best!!! Everything from start to finish and in between! Would never hire anyone else!!! Great people, honest and professional. Highly recommend! **★★★★★ — trlarson3, Aug. 2016** > Sterling constructed our 4200 sq. ft home in Birmingham, Michigan, we are very pleased with the quality, customer service and overall experience. **★★★★★ — edbernacki, June 2016** > Major renovation of a 2500 square foot condo including demolition of main floor and 2nd floor with redesign of kitchen and master bathroom. Renovation of 3 bathrooms with installation of a hardwood floor. > Project started in early August and was completed in mid November. During this project there was constant communication and accessibility to all of the Sterling staff including Marc, Todd and the project manager Mike and the main office personnel. We are very pleased with the quality and design of our condo. We would recommend Sterling without reservation. **★★★★★ — amandaoe, June 2016** > I recently had a first floor remodel that was completed by Sterling. The results are absolutely stunning. The remodel included moving the laundry upstairs, a brand new kitchen with a much improved layout, an open floor plan, new wood floors and a mudroom. I have received numerous compliments from friends and family and couldn't be happier with it. Everyone that I worked with at Sterling was professional, friendly and highly skilled. The project was completed on time and within our budget. I cannot recommend them enough. **★★★★★ — fmorsches, June 2016** > Sterling Development Corp. was engaged to remodel our home, a large 1950's ranch, in Franklin, MI. The job involved a complete make-over of the home-- from a new roof to interior aesthetics (e.g., removal of wall paper and carpeting, new wall and ceiling paint), new light fixtures. I was extremely pleased with the entire process. The project was completed on-time and on-budget-- and the results were magnificent. **★★★★★ — JAMES EISENSHTADT, Feb. 2016** > This company is wonderful to work with. They have terrific, creative ideas and skilled tradesmen to execute their designs.I'm more than pleased with the results. I highly recommend contacting them. **★★★★★ — glrifkin, Oct. 2015** > Todd Emerson and his crew at Sterling Development are THE most professional builders in the area. My husband and I have built one house and done two renovations-the last w/Sterling Development. We would never work w/anyone else-the job went off seamlessly and done with the highest quality workmanship. If you are considering hiring a builder don't look any further. **★★★★★ — Todd Webber, Oct. 2015** > Todd and the Sterling team are Amazing! > We have used them for renovation in both of our homes - Lakefront and City. Their work, attention to detail and amenability to changes on the fly is awesome. > If you are considering a New Build or renovating the workmanship and care is well worth it. **★★★★★ — patricelockwood, Oct. 2014** > Sterling Development just completed a remodel of our loft. They were great to work with, had great suggestions to enhance our original plan and were a joy to have around during the construction process. **★★★★★ — todwinkler, June 2013** > Sterling Development did a renovation on our home in 2011, and I couldn't be happier. Not only was the work done on time and on budget, but they exceeded our every expectation as to the quality of the work. **★★★★★ — sgbgalt, June 2013** > We completed a major renovation including 2 bathrooms, laundry room, dining room, living room, family room, home office, wet bar, wood floors among othere things. Sterling Development and all of their crews were outstanding. Todd is a great guy and an extremely conscientious builder. We were happy with the process and absolutely thrilled with the outcome. The project came out better than we imagined. > > We used the designer Todd recommended, Amy Weinstein, and she was great. We never would have thought of the great ideas she suggested. Her choices were fantastic. > > We are loving everything we did. The design and craftsmanship are first class. **★★★★★ — Michael Rebock, June 2013** > Building a home can be an extremely stressful experience. > Sterling Development was available on site every day to address all issues and be sure we stayed on budget and on schedule. > They limit the number of clients they work with at any time to assure quality service. **★★★★★ — Kelly Winkler, May 2013** > Todd and his crew, are professional, talented and timely!. They have a thorough knowledge of the industry. I would recommend Sterling development to anyone! **★★★★★ — marca38, April 2013** > My company Vanstone Property Development LLC has collaborated on several projects with Todd Emerson and his company Sterling Development Corp. Todd is highly reliable, trustworthy and professional with his approach to projects. I have no reservations in recommending Todd and his company for any job. ## Selected projects - [Chesterfield](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chesterfield-pj-vj~6704301) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 18 - [Vinewood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vinewood-pj-vj~6704270) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 13 - [Indian Mound](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/indian-mound-pj-vj~6704323) - Location: Bloomfield Township, MI - Photos: 7 - [Lodholz Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lodholz-renovation-pj-vj~5901917) - Location: Grosse Pointe Farms, MI - Photos: 13 - [Hazelwood Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hazelwood-residence-pj-vj~2017930) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 12 - [Landing Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landing-residence-pj-vj~2017824) - Location: West Bloomfield Township, MI - Photos: 10 - [Hazelwood Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hazelwood-residence-pj-vj~119213) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 4 - [Vanstone Basement Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vanstone-basement-renovation-pj-vj~4611465) - Location: Commerce Charter Township, MI - Photos: 5 - [Suffield Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suffield-residence-pj-vj~1157487) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 11 - [Puritan Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/puritan-residence-pj-vj~331875) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 24 - [Brookdale Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brookdale-residence-pj-vj~119181) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 10 - [Lake Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-park-residence-pj-vj~119187) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 17 - [Bodie Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bodie-residence-pj-vj~2537368) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 7 - [Cleary Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cleary-renovation-pj-vj~1363731) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 7 - [Renovations - Before & After Photos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/renovations-before-and-after-photos-pj-vj~2430363) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 21 - Description: Before & After Photos - [Interior Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-renderings-pj-vj~7725273) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Pierce Rendering Video](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pierce-rendering-video-pj-vj~7725268) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Exterior Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-renderings-pj-vj~7725258) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 18 - [Lyonhurst Entry Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lyonhurst-entry-space-pj-vj~7724881) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 1 - [Somerhill Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/somerhill-renderings-pj-vj~6934184) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/sterling-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~1862445604) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/1036540487.m3u8?s=2dc649259525ee11ce67e45397b9c5e1cf51e7c6&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Are you licensed and insured?** Yes, we are fully licensed and insured to provide peace of mind throughout your custom home build or renovation project. Our team comprises highly skilled professionals, and we are proud members of NAHB and HBA, reflecting our commitment to industry standards and excellence. **Do you handle permitting and inspections for new home construction?** Absolutely. As part of our comprehensive design + build and project management services, we handle all necessary permitting and coordinate inspections for your new home construction. Our experienced staff ensures a streamlined process from concept to completion, managing every detail so you don't have to. **Do you build fully custom homes?** Yes, building fully custom luxury homes is our specialty. We pride ourselves on creating environments tailored precisely to your desires and specifications. From initial design to the final touches, we work closely with you to bring your unique vision for a dream home to life in Southeast Michigan or Southwest Florida. **Do you build new homes from the ground up?** Yes, we absolutely build new homes from the ground up. Our comprehensive services cover the entire process, from initial concept and design to foundation construction and final completion. We are dedicated to transforming your vision into a tangible, luxury custom home in Michigan or Florida. **Do you build spec homes or move-in ready homes?** Yes, in addition to custom builds, we also develop and offer exceptional properties for sale that are meticulously crafted and move-in ready. You can explore these available properties on our website, where every detail reflects our superior quality and luxury standards. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [1120 Lyonhurst](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/173876017/list/1120-lyonhurst) — 18 ideas - [Northlawn](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162931514/list/northlawn) — 25 ideas - [619 Lakeview](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119192378/list/619-lakeview) — 27 ideas - [611 Lakeview](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/124270471/list/611-lakeview) — 2 ideas - [Aldred](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96939931/list/aldred) — 7 ideas - [Rathmor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64668244/list/rathmor) — 40 ideas - [Mutz](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59188862/list/mutz) — 2 ideas - [Kumm](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44851943/list/kumm) — 2 ideas - [Padilla](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25078500/list/padilla) — 1 idea - [Suffield Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25077089/list/suffield-landscape) — 1 idea - [temerson's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15266128/list/temerson-s-ideas) — 7 ideas [See all 11 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/temerson) ## Community Q&A **Q: New home build costs** *(in Photo Questions)* My husband and I are thinking of building our home... what is an average cost per sq ft? A: New construction varies greatly but you can expect to pay a minimum $200 a sq. ft. Please let me know if you have further questions. You are welcome to call me on the cell number listed below. Thank you for your interest. Todd Emerson Sterling Development Corp. (248) 320-2185 **Q: Design?** *(in Photo Questions)* Was this a custom design? A: This was a custom design fabricated and finished on site by my carpenters. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*